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Your immune system hums with activity. Cells, tissues, and organs work together all through 4 healthy habits to boost your immunity your body to coordinate attacks against invading pathogens. You can help to keep this system running smoothly and efficiently when responding to threats.
Give your immune system some quiet time to do its work 1
Ever wonder why doctors always advise rest, rest, and more rest when you’re ailing? It’s because immunity and sleep are intricately linked. When you don’t get enough sleep, you become more vulnerable to illnesses like the common cold. And once you become sick and your immune response kicks into gear, you will tend to doze off as your body seeks the restorative benefits of sleep.
Doesn’t exercise seem to be the prescription for just about every health problem these days? Your immune system certainly benefits from physical activity, though the reasons remain a bit uncertain. Could all the huff-and-puff and sweating of activity flush illness-causing bacteria from your body via skin and airways? Also, your body temperature spikes when you workout, which, like a fever, could help fight infection, too. Taking brisk 30-minute walks regularly could be enough effort to see results. Don’t go overboard, though: really heavy-duty exercise actually weakens the immune system.
Give your immune system a workout 2 Indulge your immune system with relaxation3
A positive attitude and a proactive approach to dealing with stress can protect you more than you might think! People with chronic high stress levels are more vulnerable to infection. Chronic stress wears you down – in mind and in body. When you allow anxieties to accumulate, you constantly flood your body with stress hormones that undermine your immune system’s efforts to protect you from illness.
Help out with good hygiene habits4
Your body has lots of ways to keep out offending bacteria and viruses. When germs get on your skin they can end up in your eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. That’s where good hand-washing hygiene comes in. Also refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Your skin is one of your body’s biggest immune defences of all – it acts as a physical barrier against germs.
