I used to get ill often, and I wouldn’t say I liked that. When you fall sick, you feel exhausted, your whole body hurts, you miss your friends, and you also waste your time being bedridden. Recovering from this condition usually takes at least a week or two, sometimes even longer. Sometimes even that much time is not enough to get a hundred percent fit. By and large, our immune system defends us against disease- causing microorganisms. However, the germ invasion of our organism is sometimes hard to defend, and the immune system fails. This is what makes us sick. I want to share with you five tips that help me boost my immune system, so nowadays, I get sick less and less. 

Researchers are exploring the impacts of our lifestyle on the immune system. They have found that our age, the level of psychological stress, diet, exercise, and other crucial factors have a remarkable effect on the immune response. I learned that to improve my immune function, I needed to include some healthy-living strategies in my everyday life. Here are some of them:

1. Get adequate sleep. Sleep has a direct impact on our immunity. While sleeping, our body gets into a self-reparation mode in which it gains energy and strength to provide us with throughout the next day. If our sleep is inadequate, it stresses us, and also our immune system. It gets weakened and cannot defend the body. Getting a good night’s sleep makes your organism less susceptible to illnesses.

2. Don’t drink alcohol, or drink only in moderation. Consuming less is always healthier than drinking more. When we drink alcohol, we become more vulnerable to illnesses because alcohol weakens the body’s immune system. We are more prone to fall ill because the physiological processes that generally defend our bodies are not ‘sober’ enough to do so. 

3. Drink tea. The concept of tea as medicine is nothing new. I drink tea every day to keep my immune system on point. Tea contains powerful and healthy antioxidants that are the core element in preventing cell damage in our bodies. I make a cup of tea in the morning and also in the afternoon instead of coffee. It’s well known that green tea has one of the highest antioxidant levels. Many people don’t really like green tea on its own because of its distinctive bitter taste. As the British do, you can add milk to your cup of tea to make it finer. As for me, I drink different sorts of herbal tea. My favorite herbs for tea are chamomile, nettle, linden, and thyme. Drinking tea can also improve your memory, attention span, and mood.

4. Exercise. Multiple studies prove that exercise improves our immune cells by increasing blood flow, strengthening antibodies, and reducing inflation. Our stress level gets lower or disappears because our body releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling and naturally boost our mood. Well, I always feel like I’m on cloud nine after a workout, and I love it!  

5. Listen to your body. Our bodies give us information about our health and wellness every day. Believe it or not, being more attentive and conscious about how your body works, feels, and communicates with you may be fruitful and beneficial. For instance, I used to drink four cups of coffee a day, but recently I realized that I had felt bloated, and my hands had started to shake a bit. It was pretty unpleasant, so I started to google to learn more about that. I learned that the reason for my problem was too much caffeine. My body gave me direct feedback on my habit which was valuable but it didn’t make me happy at all. I decided to cut down on coffee, and now I drink two, sometimes three cups a day. And voilà, no more shaking hands and no more bloated belly. When you cut out things or foods that harm your body and add foods that nourish it, it will not only boost your immune system but also you will feel happier.

To sum up, boosting your immune system is not only about physical stuff, but you also do good for your mental health. Feeling better about yourself and your ability to control your actions, such as what you do or what you eat or drink, is also a part of the process. After all, it’s your body, and you are the one who calls the shots! Connect with your body; it will tell you what it needs to keep fit and healthy.