In case you didn’t know – regular exercise performed 3-5 x a week or 150 min a week will boost your immune system. With so many benefits, such as improved cardiac output, natural detoxification from sweating, increased lung capacity, weight maintenance, healthy working metabolism, and improved mood, there’s no surprise that those who exercise often, get sick less.
But first, take a moment to think about this question: If you knew you had some control over contracting the virus or any virus for that matter, even if you could lessen your chances of getting it OR lessen your cold/flu symptoms if you DID contract it, wouldn’t you be pro-active and focus on your health? I believe we have 100% control over our health, assuming you are relatively healthy & are not predisposed to certain conditions or terminal illness. I believe we have the power to prevent the intensity of viruses and symptoms from coming on, as well as so many other illnesses or diseases with exercise, diet and sufficient sleep. Now, of course I am not saying exercise is a full-proof way to stave off ALL viruses and major illnesses, but I am speaking from personal experience. I practice good health – and if I do get sick, I can pinpoint it to not getting enough sleep, my stress levels being higher than normal or I was in close contact with someone who had a cold or a flu.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY BEFORE & DURING FLU SEASON OR IN THIS CASE, DURING A PANDEMIC?
BE WISE, SANITIZE!
Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. The soap does not need to be medical grade. Just wash for 20 full seconds to get the germs off! And carry hand sanitizer with you when you can’t wash your hands.
GET THE FLU SHOT
Okay, whether you are FOR or against getting the flu shot, hear me out! For years I was never a fan of the flu shot because I didn’t want all of those miscellaneous drugs in my system. BUUUUUT, you guys, I changed my mind for two reasons. First I am getting older & second, I work in a gym setting. Lots of germs floating around gyms, so since I started getting the flu shot, (knock on wood) I haven’t gotten the flu. Or full blown flu. I may have contracted a mild cold but not the flu. This is totally a personal choice as to whether or not to get the flu shot, but I have been getting it for the past 5 years and I feel it has helped. (And as you probably know – there is no vaccine available for COVID-19 right now – so I am just referring to the annual flu vaccine.)
These recommendations are what have worked for me and I wanted to share my tips to hopefully help you during this season!
If you need help prioritizing exercise in your life, send me a shout! I’d love to help! PS- you don’t have to be local to work with me!
Here’s to staying healthy during the Covid-19 Global Pandemic and always!
Check out this Immunity Boosting Shot Recipe by 40 Aprons!
https://40aprons.com/immune-booster-shot-recipe/
Rare Magazine | Spring 2020
Written By Deanna Brolly
Images by 40 Aprons
Recipe by Cheryl Malik