Fall is one of the best times of the year, with school and sports starting back up, and with the excitement of the holidays just around the corner. This is a fantastic time to establish some simple, effective routines that will have your body energized and ready to live to its fullest potential. Dr. Nate Gindele has 7 easy tips to help boost your immune system this Fall.
- Drink Water
I know, we’ve all heard it before, but did you know that water helps your body in multiple ways? It improves brain structure and function, it optimizes your performance during workouts, and it allows your body to more readily access and utilize nutrients. It’s one of the easiest changes to make.
Not a huge fan of the taste? Add a squeeze of lime or lemon, a few fresh mint leaves, and some ice cubes for a refreshing twist!
- Exercise Regularly, and make it fun!
You can be creative! Try something new that you’ve always wanted to try, and ask a friend to join you. Chances are, if you love it, you’ll keep doing it! Set some fun goals and rewards for yourself. You can even do this as a family!
- Eat Life-Giving Foods
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. You can literally find thousands of healthy, delicious recipes using whole foods that nourish your body. Did you know that a high calorie, high-fat diet can actually cause your body to respond as if it’s fighting an infection? Unhealthy foods produce inflammation in your body, which wears down the immune system.
Try making this hearty, veggie-packed, fall soup! Make a big batch, and serve it up throughout the week. Have some on-the-go, delicious snacks always on hand, so you won’t be tempted to go through the drive-thru the next time you’re in a hurry. Kids won’t eat their veggies? Sneak them into smoothies, healthy muffins, even spaghetti sauce!
- Take Time to Slow Down and Breathe
Sound impossible? It’s easier than you might think! Take a few minutes at the start and end of your day to stretch and take some deep breaths. As you exhale, let go of tension in your body and your mind. This reduces your stress level and optimizes your brain (and body) function.
Set aside a few minutes at different times throughout your day, wherever you are, and focus on your breathing. This fresh oxygen flow can actually boost your immune system and help you fight off infection. How easy is that?!
- Play
Do you ever notice how carefree young children are on the playground? I know we all might not have a jungle gym in the backyard, but we can certainly find something that brings us life and laughter. Turn off the TV and play a game with your kids. Go to the park. Play mini-golf. Find a beautiful beach, and go for a walk at sunset. Do something that makes you come alive! Laughter really is like medicine, and you are worth making that investment!
- Get Your ZZZ’s
Sleeping is one of the best things we can do for our bodies. See how sleep affects our immune systems here. Having trouble getting there? Try turning off technology at least one hour before bedtime. Read a relaxing book; drink a cup of herbal tea, and practice that deep breathing. Try to let go of everything from the day. You’ve done everything you can do, and you deserve the proper rest your body needs. Tomorrow is a new day!
- Get Adjusted
When our bodies are properly aligned, it reduces stress on the nervous system and enables us to function at optimal levels of health. Many illnesses are brought on or worsened from stress, and a chiropractic adjustment can help alleviate the effects of stress on the body.
Boost your immune system and enhance your quality of life by implementing these 7 simple (and fun!) tips from Dr. Nate Gindele.
