Why Getting That Body Moving Is So Important
The immune system is a vital part of your health and wellness. This is the ultimate defense, designed to beat back all of the invaders that are trying desperately to get into your body. The system will keep fighting but it can start to get worn down with age, overexposure to toxins, and a whole host of other issues.
Sometimes, your immune system needs just a little help, a little boost. That’s your signal to take action! One of the simplest, most cost-effective hacks to boost your immune system is just to get up and get moving! Movement is helpful in nearly every area of your life, but one key space is all about boosting your immune system.
Benefits of Movement
Building muscles and training for a marathon are only a few of the benefits of movement!
Vitamin D
If you’re the type of person who already loves being outside, this is a simple suggestion that can give you maximum benefits. Getting out, getting moving, and being outside can boost your levels of vitamin D, a key nutrient that keeps your immune system working as it should. Rather than turn to supplements or other ways to get vitamin D in your life, the cheapest way is to just get outside! The sunshine is free, and a walk around your neighborhood is a great way to boost your immune system.
Serotonin
Movement is tied closely to a chemical in the brain called serotonin! You get this same boost in serotonin when you’re with someone you love, or you’ve done something you like. Getting moving can help make you happier! That release of serotonin not only increases your mood but can boost your immune system. The happier you feel, the better edge you’ll have on your immune system!
Incorporating Movement
Not everyone is cut out to join a gym or start training for a marathon. Choosing the right type of exercise or finding ways to just get moving throughout the day is vital to boosting your overall health and wellness and your immune system!
Take a Walk
Going on a walk around the block or around the neighborhood is a time-honored method to get your daily movement in! You’ll be able to be outside, set your own pace, and even take along some friends of the two or four-legged variety. As you grow stronger and your immune system feels better, you can increase the length or intensity of these walks as needed. You don’t have to wait until after work either to go on a nice walk! Take time out of your day to walk around the building or around the block to give your eyes and brain a break.
Yoga
As a low-intensity exercise, yoga is a great way to get moving, work on your flexibility, and still use the space to unwind after a long day at work! You’ll be able to boost your immune system just by stretching, moving, and focusing on your inner thoughts and feelings. You might start your day with a session of yoga or finish it out with one! There’s a different type of move and intensity to suit beginners or long-time practitioners.
Strength Training
Building your muscles is a vital part of movement! As you build up your core and muscle strength, you’ll start to notice a difference in the way you see and interpret the world. Your body becomes stronger in every area including with your immune system boosting it to fight against any foreign invaders within the system!
Cardio
If you’re ready to step it up a notch and start doing more than just moving, getting intentional about cardio is the way to go! As you build up to more intense cardio, your body learns to pump blood more efficiently which gets white and red blood cells to all areas of the body to help fight off infection. Not only do you start to see a huge difference in the way your body operates, but you’ll also see your body better able to fight off colds, flu, and other viruses.
Takeaway
Getting up and getting active is one of the best ways to boost and strengthen your immune system! Movement can be almost anything as long as your feet are moving and your heart is pumping! Start by getting out and walking for at least 20 minutes each day. This might be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood or a lap around the block. Add in new exercises and try new programs to find the perfect one for you that helps you stay active and still stay engaged with movement!
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on how to boost your immune system, click here to check out more in 5 Hacks for Boosting Immune Health and download the guide