Lately, it has become necessary to stress the importance of planning your day to include immune boosters. While there are many healthy ways to strengthen your immune system, a guide on how to manage it with very little stress can be helpful. Whether you’re a mother just starting to work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic or a busy working woman with very little time to spend worrying about what to consume, a quick fix that wouldn’t cost you can be the way to go. So how does this work?
Firstly, review your daily activity and make adjustments where necessary. For instance, if you’re working from home and live in a neighborhood that facilitates walking outdoors as a form of exercise, take advantage of this first thing in the morning. Brisk walking for about 30 minutes on most days does not only improve your overall health but also boost your immune system. If walking in the mornings is not an option for you, consider other low impact indoor exercises that can increase cardiovascular fitness. Jumping jack is a great alternative because you’re moving your hands and body, which helps to pump the heart. It is also a wonderful exercise for releasing stress and burning excess calories. For beginners, try 2 sets of 50 repetition for about one to two weeks, and then increase to 3 sets of 50. Remember to exercise at your own pace. This is not a race with anyone, but rather a way to boost your immune system and maintain overall health.
Secondly, make a list of all the foods you consume on a typical day, including snacks, and ensure there’s a balance of healthy meals. If you love a hearty breakfast that comes with eggs, add red bell peppers (contains twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits and high in beta carotene), broccoli (high in vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants) and garlic (very good source of vitamin C, manganese and others) to the ingredients and you’ll find yourself eating a delicious meal that includes great immune boosters. Simply stir fry the vegetables with olive oil for 4 minutes under medium heat – include chopped onions – and then add two eggs. Allow to cook for an additional 3 minutes. Serve while hot.
If you prefer tea in the mornings Yoga Teacher and Wellbeing Coach, Babs, recommends her personal favorite ginger and turmeric tea. “Gently heat ginger, turmeric and water in a pan and switch off before it gets to boiling point.”
Another simple immune boosting recipe recommended by Babs to try in the mornings is drinking warm lemon water. “Either after brushing your teeth, or wait at least 15 minutes after drinking to brush your teeth to protect your enamel,” she explains.
Almonds are perfect snacks and a better alternative to nibbles high in sugar and should definitely be on your snack list. And don’t forget to stack up on green tea as well.