When it comes to boosting our Immune system, most of us know that we need to eat a healthy well balanced diet, the more colour and variety the better to help our gut flora. We also need to hydrate well, get enough rest so our body can repair itself and watch our stress levels.

Have you ever felt yourself feeling worried about something or sad or angry and then waking up feeling rundown, like you are coming down with something? It is no coincidence, your emotions affect your body, including your Immune system. Negative emotions increase inflammation and reduces your immune response.

I thought I would shed some light on some alternative ways that you can boost your immune system.

Laughter
You cannot be sad, angry or depressed while you are laughing, it just isn't possible. It is the best way to lift your mood and has positive effects on your Immune system too. Laughter helps to relax your body for up to 45 minutes and releases endorphins, which make you feel good and relieve pain. Laughter increases your Immune cells and infection fighting antibodies. It helps you to feel optimistic and have a positive outlook, which builds resilience and immunity.

Recently my teenage daughter had a meltdown of epic proportions and got herself really worked up. It was before bedtime and I knew it wouldn't be good to leave her to sort herself out. So I suggested she come and watch some comedy with us. The transformation was incredible. After an hour of watching a comedian and laughing to the point of crying, all the anger was gone and we could all get a good nights sleep.

So if you want to boost your Immune system, try watching something funny either a funny movie or a stand-up comedian; read something funny; do something silly; play with kids (they know how to have fun); have more fun; share jokes with friends, family or colleagues.

Cold water
It has been found that letting your shower run cold at the end for a minute or so helps to boost your immune system by increasing your white blood cells. Not sure I am brave enough to try this one in the middle of winter but you can't argue with the science.

Connect with friends
When we feel good, our immune system is stronger. When we connect with friends and family it makes us feel good, which stimulates our immune system. Likewise as I've mentioned, when we feel negative emotions like sadness, grief or loneliness; our immune system takes a knock. It is so crucial especially with all the craziness going on in the world that we connect with our loved ones in whatever way we can and do whatever we can to feel good.

Get outside
We know how important Vitamin D is for our immune system, which we get from the sun. In the northern hemisphere in winter the sun isn't strong enough for us to produce the Vitamin D levels we need so it is advised to supplement with a good quality D3 supplement. It has also been found that blue light in sunlight stimulates T cells so get out as much as you can when the sun is out.

Alcohol
It has been found that alcohol decreases the number of immune cells present in the blood quite significantly, so when you drink you are actually weakening your immune system. If you are feeling rundown, try and avoid alcohol.

Essential oils
There are a number of oils that have a beneficial affect on the immune system,. They can be defused into the air, used with a carrier oil and rubbed into the body or put into a bath. Give the following a try: Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Oregano, Sage, Clove, Tea tree.

Remember, when you feel good, your Immune system is stronger and more resilient. So try and do something everyday that lifts your mood, helps create a positive outlook and makes you feel good.

To find out what else you can do for your Immunity, check out my Blog on Strengthening your Immune system and Natures Immune boosters.

What do you do to boost your Immune system?

I would love to hear from you about what you do to support your Immune System, let me know.

With love,