4 Ways To Improve Your Health Amidst A Pandemic

The pandemic may be easing up in some regards, with many aspects of daily life returning to normal, but the need to improve our immune system health and make sure it stays at its best is still vitally important. Here are four things you should integrate into your life as you reintegrate into the world.

1. Exercise consistently: Exercise might not be a pastime everyone looks forward to, but its positive effects on physical and mental health are well worth the effort. For starters, exercise can produce changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety, as well as help relieve feelings of depression. Additionally, exercise can help with weight loss, strengthen muscles and bones, increase energy levels, reduce risks of chronic disease and pain, and help with relaxation and sleep quality. All things that contribute to better overall health and well-being.

2. Eat well: In addition to wearing a mask, wash your hands or practice safe social distancing where and when appropriate. Another thing you can do is make healthy eating a daily habit. Making healthy food choices is one of your body’s best ways of strengthening the immune system to better fight illnesses and disease. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing inflammation can improve your chances of a quick recovery, should you happen to fall ill. Other immune-boosting diet tips include:

• • Avoid eating processed foods
  • Reduce the amount of sugar and starch in your diet
  • Eat more plant-based, whole foods
  • Get enough protein (about half your body weight in grams per day)
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • If you smoke, quit
  • Add more anti-viral/immune-boosting herbs and spices to your meals (chili pepper, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, fresh garlic, ginger, etc.)
  • Eat more prebiotic and probiotic foods (apples, bananas, flaxseed, kefir, seaweed, etc.)

3. Get some sleep: Sleep is an important part of bodily function, rest and regeneration. In fact, studies have shown that certain components of the immune system rev up during nightly sleep. This, in turn, allows the body to better fight any infectious diseases that enter the body, as well as aid in recovery time. Additionally, quality sack time has been shown to improve the effects of vaccines, as well as lessen allergic reactions. Most adults need seven to eight hours of good sleep each night.

4. Schedule a checkup: After several months of being cooped up or quarantined from regular activity, most of us are probably overdue for an annual health checkup. Take a moment to get your preventive care visits on the calendar. This includes everything from setting an appointment with your doctor and dentist to scheduling eye exams, screening tests or any other regular visits that may have been put off. If you’re not comfortable with an office visit yet, find out if virtual or telehealth visits are an available option.

At Summit Vista, we realize safety, health and well-being are important considerations when exploring your retirement living options. That’s why we make our community the maintenance-free experience you desire with the peace of mind you’d expect for a happy, healthy future that’s free of concern. For more information about the benefits offered in a Life Plan Community, speak with your retirement counselor or call (801) 758-3138 today.