Reduce Your Stress While Boosting Your Immunity

Did you know that stress plays a huge role in depleting your immune system?

Now don’t panic yet, because I know we are all feeling the burdens of some extra stress right now. That doesn’t mean your immune system will become compromised. But especially during these uncertain and stressful times with the Corona virus rapidly spreading across the country, it's important to consciously focus on minimizing your stress levels as best as possible.

Here are a few simple stress-reducing strategies you can implement right away to make sure you are feeling calmer while also optimizing your health and boosting your immune system.

Eat healthy! 

I am sure your fridges are stocked up by now, so start cooking some healthier choices for you and your family. As a start, add in more fruits and veggies at every meal and snack. If you don’t have access to fresh produce, frozen and canned fruits and veggies are a next best alternative. Need ideas for how to implement a healthy lifestyle right now? Are you looking for super easy and healthy meal plans and recipes for you and your loved ones? Reach out and we can chat.

Minimize your sugar and caffeine intake.

Speaking of healthy, sugar can be quite the contributor. Even when you cannot control every cause of stress in the world around you, the simple act of keeping your blood sugar levels stable will make you more resilient.  When your blood sugar levels are stable, your body won’t unnecessarily go into a flight or fight hormonal response that could feel just like a stress response.

Get enough sleep.

Yes, stress can cause insomnia because our minds can't seem to settle down without thoughts riding on a rollercoaster throughout the night. So, make sure you have a calming bedtime routine, put down the technology at least 30 minutes before bed, go to bed earlier than normal, and perhaps consider some natural sleep or relaxation remedies (Melatonin? CBD oil?)  Need recommendations? I am happy to refer you to the appropriate professionals.

Regularly exercise.

Get out, get up, and move. You can still go outside, so GO!  Go for a walk. Go for a jog. A bikeride. A hike. Flip on Youtube and check out online videos from HIIT classes to Yoga.  Most gyms and studios are now offering remote video classes, so be sure to ask your favorite gym if you have access to workout from home.

Practice relaxation techniques.

Try yoga. Meditate. Read a book or listen to quiet music like classical or jazz.

Dance away the stress! 

If you're a Grey's Anatomy fan, I'm sure you can appreciate this one, but remember how Meredith and Christina used to have dance parties to release their immense amounts of stress? I swear, it's fun and therapeutic. And definitely get the kids involved in this one!

Laugh.

Having a sense of humor doesn’t hurt, either. Laughter is known to reduce stress. Perhaps add some funny TV shows to your rotation.

The overall point is there are tools and resources at your disposal to help you during these times to reduce your stress and increase your immune response.  

I hope I can be one of the resources you can count on and turn to.  Learning to manage stress is something that will benefit you during these crazy times, but the good news is these new positive habits and strategies can actually help you in the long-term live a longer and healthier life.

If you’d like to explore how best to be supported in your health and wellness, which is especially important now more than ever, I’d love for you to join our free Facebook community, Love Yourself Journey. You’ll find free self care strategies, weight management support, stress reduction tips and guided meditations.

For more tips on overcoming stress and implementing self care, check out another LoYo Wellness blog - https://www.loyowellness.com/blog/stressandselfcare.

Jessica Kishpaugh is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Life Coach and owner of LoYo Wellness in Bergen County NJ (www.loyowellness.com).  Jessica specializes in healthy weight loss, intuitive eating, recovering from emotional eating, stress reduction and mindfulness. For your FREE nutrition breakthrough call, schedule a consultation here.