Natural ways to boost your immunity

Body tapping 

Did you know that gentle tapping of the body in certain pressure points can help to boost blood circulation, support lymphatic drainage and even release tension? This method can be especially useful for those who live a more sedentary lifestyle, due to spending more time indoors and the advancement of technology. We’d recommend gently tapping the skin anywhere between one and five minutes a day.

Dry brushing 

Stimulating the lymphatic system, dry brushing is a type of Ayurvedic medicine which can be used to rid the body of toxins. This can be done using a brush with dry bristles, and then brushing the skin using circular motions to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells. For an extra pamper, you could use an exfoliating cream before brushing.

Vitamin D 

Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D plays an important role in the function of our immune system. The easiest way to soak up vitamin D is to venture outdoors- however, as we aren’t always blessed with the glorious rays from the sun, the most effective way to ensure we’re getting enough of the sunshine vitamin is through our diet (think oily fish, eggs, mushrooms and dark leafy greens), and also by taking a supplement if needed. Vitamin C and Zinc are also hugely beneficial for giving our immune system a boost- so make sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables for vitamin C and red meat and milk for zinc, (or if you’re vegetarian or vegan, chickpeas, and nuts).

Laughter is therapy

They say that laughter is the best medicine; but getting the giggles might help to strengthen our immune system, alleviate symptoms of pain, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. So, it not only makes us feel good, but it comes with a heap of wellbeing benefits, too! Whether it’s binge watching your favourite comedy series, spending time with children or animals, or even an overdue catch up with your friends, find some time to connect with your inner child and reap the benefits.

Exercise

Too much vigorous exercise can take a toll on our immune system, however, regular and gentle exercise can actually help to strengthen our immunity. If you’re pushed for time, put on a song you love and dance around the room for a few minutes, or go on a short walk- you’ll start to feel the benefits in no time!  

Sleep 

Getting enough zzzz’s is really crucial to our immunity, and therefore it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough sleep – at least 7 hours, but also good quality sleep too, to ensure you feel refreshed and ready to take on your day. To do this, it can be useful to establish a sleep routine to get you in the habit of unwinding for bed, and also limit caffeine and blue light exposure before bed.

For more information and our top sleep tips, we recommend our other blogs:

Natural sleep remedies

Six bedroom plants to help you sleep better

A bedtime ritual helping you achieve a better nights sleep

Five pampering products to help you achieve a better nights sleep