Need a boost in the New Year?
Are you struggling to get going again after the festivities of last month? Short days and long nights are hard to deal with when you are run down and suffering from every cold going. Boost your immune systems with our top tips!
Did you know that regular massage therapy can boost your immune system? Massage can increase the rate at which we flush toxins, increasing blood flow throughout the body. Massage greatly increases the activity of our white blood cells which help our bodies fight diseases and may help reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, rising levels can impact your health, affecting your functioning ability and increasing your chance of catching those winter bugs. Book a massage with your therapist and spend your money on having a blissful hour of therapy rather than those over the counter medicines. Ring Christina at Enlighten Your Essence and talk to her about Massage Therapy, she is based in The Cleve, Wellington, where you can visit the coffee shop and restaurant to really take time out for yourself. It’s not vanity, it’s stress busting, life enhancing, immune boosting therapy. Make time to look after yourself. One hour out of your month, might just save your sanity.
Be physically active. I’m not advocating you all join the latest fad, skipping or hula hooping or throw yourself into a gym (although all of those will be wonderful for you if you feel like it), I’m suggesting that you walk to the shops for that pint of milk you ran out of or ask a friend to meet you for a coffee at the park. Walking and chatting with a pal, exercise and company, what could be nicer? Or find out when your local Leisure Centre does a swim session or a dance class you always fancied. Gentle exercise decreases inflammation, which in turn, will also improve your immunity. Exercise does so much to combat many of our ailments, including helping our bones stay strong and healthy and improving our sleep patterns. After exercise our body releases endorphins, these are our natural pain killers, mood enhancers and general feel good chemicals. These can lead to lower levels of depression, fatigue, and stress. Call that friend, ring the Leisure Centre, put on your walking shoes and take the first step to feeling better. Try Freedom Leisure Centre in Chard (01460 315007), where I know they do a range of fun fitness and exercise classes, have a large swimming pool and a very modern gym. The instructors there are wonderful, welcoming and friendly.
Cut down or cut out those things that don’t help us. Cut down your alcohol intake or join a friend and do a Dry Month, however you do it, it doesn’t matter. This doesn’t need to stop you socializing! There are lots of alcohol free drinks on the shelves these days that taste just as good as their alcoholic partners. Excessive alcohol intake can weaken your immune systems. Cut out one cup of coffee or tea a day and replace it with water. Eat healthily, add plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and fat–free or low–fat milk and milk products. Eating well also means limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
All of these changes can lead to a happier, healthier you in 2023 and can bring about positive changes to your immune systems. Take that first step and just keep going.
