5 Ways to boost your immune system during the holidays
As we all know, the holidays tend to be a time of year when the weather changes, we seem busier than ever and, we’re around A LOT of people. Just interacting more with others at the office, on airplanes and in shopping malls is enough to spread more germs than normal, but add on shifting, colder weather, suppressed immune systems from stress, and seasonal illnesses, and we are all set up to catch one thing or another here and there.
Although it’s not always guaranteed that you can avoid getting sick, you can improve your immune system so that you can bypass it more often than not, as well as make your experience less intense if you do end up getting sick.
I do everything I can to avoid germs and keep my family healthy during cold and flu season. Here are a few of my top go-to ideas for supporting your immune system that you can start right away.
Keep your space clean. This means at home and at work. Wipe down your workspace, phones, keyboards, and cellphones with a safe disinfectant to rid it of any lingering germs from sick officemates or family members. It’s a great idea to wipe down door knobs, bathrooms, countertops, remote controls, etc. You can use a conventional germ-killing product like Lysol or a safe, non-toxic option by Seventh Generation. Visit Grove.co for a free gift when you subscribe to their natural, safe product delivery service.
Continue visiting your chiropractor for regular adjustments (even though you’re busy!). Keeping your body well aligned and balanced during this stressful time of year can help improve your immune responses and decrease inflammation.
Supplement safely with organic, plant-based vitamins and supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, an organic multivitamin, and getting in your greens! I also suggest talking with your natural health practitioner about adding in Ayurvedic Herbs (message me for more info about which supplements to add in!)
Be mindful of your alcohol and sugar intake. For many people, a time of celebration may include a little more leniency when it comes to “treats” and drinking. However, it doesn’t have to be a free for all, throwing your mindful eating habits out the window. Maintain consistency in eating your healthy, balanced, organic 3 meals each day, and allow yourself one treat while out socializing. Is it going to an extra glass of wine or a piece of pie? Both sugary foods (especially processed ones) and alcoholic drinks can cause a slump in your metabolism, disrupt your digestion and sleep, increase your cravings for other junk food, and lower your immune system. Stay balanced and be mindful of your choices.
Use pure essential oils to fight germs and increase the strength of your immune system. My personal favorite Sacred Scents Aromatherapy are Geranium, Green Cardamom, Sweet Orange, any of their Lavenders, Tea Tree, and Black Cumin Seed. These are very powerful and must be used responsibly. Contact me to learn more about how to effectively apply oils so that they work the best for you (or you can diffuse them as well. ) Not all oils need a “carrier oil” as many of us have been told and not all should be used the same way. Diffusing tea tree, lavender, lemon, cinnamon, and peppermint often help with alleviating sickness symptoms too.
And don’t forget to wash your hands often! That is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Often if you take precautions ahead of time to prepare your body to fight off illness, your symptoms will be more tolerable and you’ll recover faster. Contact me or your natural health practitioner if you’re not sure where to start or need clarification on supplements or oils.