Building Immunity Through Every Season

Boosting and building immunity will continue to play an important role in our lives as we strive to keep our health in tip top shape and head into the colder weather. What is immunity exactly, you ask? Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs. Together they help the body fight infections and other diseases. By protecting your first line of defense through simple lifestyle habits, you’ll have a better chance of fending off sickness and developing immunity. Here are some tips that we have to build your immunity for the upcoming fall and through the seasons.

1. Overcome barriers of stress.

It may or may not come as a surprise to some, but stress can cause some major damage to one’s regular bodily functions. Chronic stress can lower your immune system and be a silent catalyst for illnesses. By becoming aware of stress levels and addressing them before they begin to grow can be the most effective way of staying well – mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Check in with yourself, atleast 3x daily — once in the morning when you wake up, afternoon and evening before you go to bed. Integrate some breath work or meditation into your routine to help you slow down. Consider checking out one of our daily yoga classes or stream a free EXOS at Home class.

2. Take nutritional supplements.

In addition to maintaining a healthy, regular diet, consider exploring some supplements that support immune health such as Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin C, Elderberry, Selenium, Echinacea and Propolis. This can be taken in the form of a multi-vitamin or if you feel particularly deficient, you can grab any supplement and take them with a meal independently. If you are unsure of which supplement best fits the needs of your diet or everyday goals, consult with one of our registered dietitians. Always speak with your physician if you are on medications to be sure there are no contraindications.

3. Get Creative With Essential Oil + Aromatherapy

Pure, high quality essential oil is far more than just a pleasant scent — it can be mixed and diffused into the air for health benefits or used as a natural disinfectant for your home.  Tea Tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Lavender are common oils used to defend immunity and there are also many great recipes out there for blends! We carry the full line of Young Living Essential Oils in our spa and also offer curb side pick-up.

4. Take steps to avoid sickness.

Particularly during this time, looking for ways to go on the defense instead of the offense is critical. These may seem like simple habits but a regular washing of hands, following national recommendations for seasonal vaccines (such as the flu), practicing social distancing and always wearing a mask in public spaces will not only ensure your safety, but the possible contagion to others.

5. Move your body.

It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week and even greater amounts of exercise will provide even greater health benefit. 

There are numerous ways to enjoy + personalize movement based on your lifestyle and interests. While some prefer working one-on-one with personal trainers indoors, others enjoy doing outdoor yoga in a group setting with peers. Simply walking can be a great way to start and become more active. Make it a personal challenge against me, myself and I to simply find ways that work for you.

If you are seeking support or are curious about how movement can improve your lifestyle, our team of degreed and certified fitness experts would be delighted to help you. Give us a call to set up a free appointment and tour of our state-of-the-art wellness facility.