Tips To Help Boost Your Immune Response to Covid Infection
Happy Spring!
It has been a minute! I am currently finishing out my last days of COVID isolation. The most common phrase I heard when cancelling obligations was, "there are so many people who have COVID right now!" Unfortunately this virus is still very much in our midst. While I am vaxxed, boosted, and generally careful, I still ended up getting sick over Easter weekend. Respiratory symptoms were very similar to seasonal allergies and manageable. What has been the worst by far is the fatigue and brain fog. I have slept a ton and watched a lot of TV-both are rare for me. In light of the events of the last week or so, I wanted to share some tips that might help boost your immune response in case of infection.
As you know move, breathe, connect is my philosophy for pain management. It can also be used for the health of your immune system.
1. MOVE
Studies show that regular exercise at moderate intensity improves your immune competence. In other words, those who exercise regularly have a decreased risk of illness because your immune system is stronger. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week. Moderate can be described as anything that gets your heart and respiratory rates higher but allows you to hold a conversation. Brisk walking, ballroom dancing, gardening etc. Whatever you like, get moving.
2. BREATHE
Chronic exposure of the body to cortisol, the stress hormone, can reduce the number of important blood cells that fight infection. Chronic stress can also contribute to maladaptive coping mechanisms (drinking, lack of exercise, poor nutrition) which further weaken our immune response. One way to lower our stress levels? You guessed it.....BREATHE. A very easy breathing technique that can help is called box breathing (even used by the NAVY SEALS). Inhale for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4. Then repeat for several minutes. Give it a try and let me know how it works.
3. CONNECT
Did you know that loneliness and isolation are associated with high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and a weakened immune system? Studies show that those with many social ties are less susceptible to the common cold. Isolation has been one of the tools used to slow the virus. Imagine all of the health issues that will result from the isolation of the last 2+ years. Call a friend, lend an ear, smile at a stranger, BE KIND. It goes a long way on so many levels!
Need help getting moving, reducing stress, need to connect with someone who cares-please give me a call!
How SLPT is moving, breathing, and connecting with community:
Moving
Just one week until I leave for Portugal and Spain. I will be hiking 100 miles of El Camino de Santiago with the American Cancer Society in an effort to raise money and awareness for cancer. So far we have raised $6100!! Can we get to $6500?? If you would like to contribute, here is the link:
Connecting
I attended a fundraiser for relief efforts in the Ukraine hosted by a wonderful group of moms on the UES. They raised $120000K that was given to Razom. I donated some yoga session for silent auction which were won by a member of the planning committee. Looking forward to supporting her yoga journey.
Hope everyone stays healthy and happy!