COVID-19 has thrown the entire world for a loop. Stress levels are up, and it feels like there are more rules to remember these days like continuously washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, not touching your face, and making sure to practice social distancing. These days, all people want to do is make sure they don’t catch the virus, and moreover, think of ways to boost your overall immunity.
Researchers from Northwestern University share that lower stress hormone levels equals a person’s immune cells being stronger. When this happens, it will also lessen a person’s risk of getting a viral and bacterial infection by an incredible 45 percent, as well as “cutting recovery time in half if you do pick up a bug.”
So if you’re looking for easy and simple ways to help reduce your stress and keep your immune system as strong as possible, try these following tips.
1. Head Outside
Nature is an amazing stress reliever. When stress levels are raised, a simple walk outside to commune with nature and admire everything that the earth has to offer can already help immensely. Stress hormones can actually be cut by an amazing 40 percent in just 10 minutes outside, which according to Yale researchers, “can boost immunity for up to 12 hours per outdoor break.” In fact, co-author of Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationship, and Lasting Happiness, Austin Perlmutter, M.D., explains “To boost the benefits, decorate your home with your favorite potted plants.” He adds, “Surrounding yourself with nature, both outdoors and inside, is study-proven to keep stress levels now and immune strength high.”
2. Try Grilling Your Veggies
According to Yale University researchers, vegetables are actually full of calming and immunity-boosting nutrients – otherwise known as carotenoids. They also share that having at least three cups of veggies daily can cause stress levels to drop by at least 66 percent, meanwhile causing a 33-percent increase of immune cells as well. Supposedly, people tend to eat around 50 percent more of their veggies when they’re grilled since all that dry heat makes the sugar in the vegetables become caramelized, making them that much yummier. The next time you’re up for a backyard grilling session, load it up with some yellow bell peppers, asparagus and tomatoes and just try not to reach for seconds! Your mood will thank you afterwards.
3. Play Your Favorite Music on Repeat
As the saying goes, “music makes the world go ‘round,” so the next time you feel yourself getting upset or stressed out, open up your music app and cue your favorite song. Put it on repeat to make it that much more effective too! Music has the amazing ability to lower your stress levels by a jaw-dropping 68 percent, which then cuts your risk of illness by a staggering 40 percent, that’s if you have a “music break” at least once a day. British researchers found that listening to at least six minutes of music – which is about the length of two pop songs – is enough time to “calm adrenal glands.” This will effectively lessen the release of stress hormones as well.
4. Try Something Old and Natural
Apparently around 5 studies have found that taking just 500 milligrams of the herb ashwagandha every day is said to soothe any “rattled nerves.” This can also lessen anxiety and edginess by a surprising 70 percent, as well as increase the “energizing immune cells” in just a week. Psychiatrist Joy Kapoor, M.D. shares that the active ingredients of ashwagandha – withanolides – actually allow your nervous system to “respond calmly to challenges.” Thankfully, it’s easy to find capsules of this ancient herb on Amazon, just make sure that you speak to your doctor first before you taking them.
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