The vital role of our immune system is to protect and shield us from harm.
The more we protect our immune system, the more it will protect us.
The key is balance. Balance helps us build our defence system, maintain optimal function, and restore our capability to effectively fight off those germs and guard against constant attacks from foreign invaders.
One of the factors that weakens our immune system is our lifestyle. By taking better care of our body, our body and immune system will take better care of us.
Some of the healthy habits that will strengthen our body’s immune system include:
- Sleep better. Most people do not get a restful night’s sleep.
- Eating well, including more fruits and vegetables, less sugar, and processed foods.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
- Exercise regularly. The best immune doctors are your two feet, walk and keep moving.
- Spend time outdoors for rest, energy, and the sunshine vitamin D.
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and worry.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Make relaxation a priority; don’t wait to burn out or break down.
- A shout-out to probiotics and gut health.
- Honourable mention goes to washing our hands and good hygiene.
When we think of the immune system, we tend to think of our bodies. However, there is growing evidence and research today that shows a link between the mind and its impact on the immune system and its direct physical effects on our bodies. Our psychological line of defence is our self- confidence.
Self-confidence is our mental immune system that boosts our power against negativity and helps us handle life’s challenging situations. Self-confidence develops our mind’s ability to cope with everyday problems.
We know all too well how we can be our own worst critic. That’s why arming ourselves with positive self-talk and affirmations is essential in combating negative thinking and how we handle ourselves, people, and life. Also, by setting up meaningful goals, we can find purpose and focus to help us thrive.
Our mind plays an important role in how we fend off viruses and how we deal with stress. It can either enhance or hinder our immune functions as well as affect our health.
Things we can do to create greater mental health and harness the power of our minds to strengthen our body include:
- Learn how to manage stress before it manages you.
- A meditation a day keeps the doctor away. Keeps you calm, clear, and centered.
- Mindfulness strengthens our defence system by increasing our awareness and presence.
- A growth mindset includes positive thinking and developing resilience in life.
- Laughter is great medicine and helps release those mood-boosting chemicals.
- Relaxation techniques train your body and mind to let go of tension.
- Breathing exercises balance you and strengthen your body-mind connection.
- Get creative with whatever you find enjoyable. Look for a hobby.
- Listen to music, have fun, and explore new things.
- Talk to a good friend, make social connections, and if you need to, get help.
Our spiritual immunity comes from learning about acceptance and forgiveness.
Forgiveness safeguards us against illness and supports our immune system. It lowers our blood pressure, cholesterol, and our risk of having heart problems. It also helps decrease anxiety and depression. We can turn off the fight or flight response, which if misused, can cause chronic health disorders.
When our soul has become compromised, and when we have lost touch with ourselves and God, we no longer hear his voice nor feel his presence; our life feels empty. We have no peace, no joy, no happiness. We struggle with our emotions and don’t know how to process them, leaving us with toxic feelings and relationships.
We look for love and comfort in all the wrong places. Spirituality is getting to know ourselves at our innermost core and developing that connection with our higher power. Unhealthy coping mechanisms do not support our immune system and make it difficult to fight the battle.
What can we do to protect ourselves from spiritual dis-ease?
- Tune in and listen to your soul; intuition, meditation, journaling.
- Letting go of grudges, bitterness, and anger.
- Flex your spiritual muscles and exercise your faith.
- Vitamin P = prayer is building your connection with the Lord.
- Forgiveness is about learning to process your feelings and is the path to healing and peace.
- Daily dose of reading the Bible for guidance and actively participating in your spiritual life.
- Nourish your soul with what you love to do; find your passions.
- Practice random acts of kindness.
- Being grateful every day lifts your immune system and boosts your spirits.
- Stay connected with like-minded people and create a support system.
A healthy and happy life depends on all these lifestyle factors, which can better equip us with the necessary tools we need as we navigate through life.
Protect your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being by taking responsibility and taking charge of your immune system.
Don’t underestimate your immune system. You can overcome life’s adversity and counteract the negatives by working towards maintaining balance and minimizing the risk of becoming ill.
By focusing on balance and developing healthy habits, you gain a strong immune system ready to take on any challenge with that extra protection.
Remember, improve your immune system, and your immune system will improve your life.
Body, mind, and soul.
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
