Get outside in nature, walk barefoot, and feel the sunshine.

Why is this important? We have become disconnected from nature in so many ways. When we are in nature, we are diversifying our microbiome and ultimately boosting our ability to ward off the things that make us sick.

Being barefoot connects you to earth energy (earth has a negative charge which lends itself to healing). Our bodies are made up of many positive ions which produce a lot of acidity. Earth’s negative charge helps to pull those positive ions out of us which can improve our immune response.

The body makes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This is so crucial to our long-standing health.  Vitamin D helps regulate our immune system and helps to fight infection.

Move your body and eat good things.

When we get physical activity, we find release in our body, but we also find a release in the mind. Even going for a walk can change our mood. Our bodies are constantly repairing and healing themselves.  People who have had surgeries or face chronic pain are now being recommended to move instead of be on bed rest.  Obviously we must stay within our bodies abilities, but if given a choice, movement is the best way to heal.

This is no lecture on diet, but consider what types of foods you are consuming. If we are enjoying a lot of greasy, sugary, processed food, the body is going to have to use all of its strength to simply digest and move that food through our system. If you are eating fruits, vegetables and drinking lots of water, your food and hydration levels are actually working FOR you instead of against you. And don’t we need all the help we can get?

Meditation and Breath.

The science of how meditation contributes to our stress response is undisputed. When we sit still and come into a place of gratitude, joy, compassion, we are signaling to our mind that we are safe. When we are fearful, our body enters into a sympathetic state where are nervous system is on full alert (think Fight, Flight, Freeze).  This produces a chemical reaction in the body, which lowers our immunity’s response to viruses.

When we pair that with a mindful breath, we activate the parasympathetic system which opens us up to a more peaceful and calm state. The more we live in this state, the healthier we are, simply because our body is not using up all its resources to respond to stress.

Try a simple technique of “squared/box breathing.” Inhale 4 breaths, Hold for 4, Exhale 4 breaths, Hold for another 4. Do that for a couple minutes while sitting at your desk, walking to the copier or waiting for someone/something.