Are you weakening your immune system by committing these 5 mistakes?
As the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, nations around the globe are taking strong measures in a bid to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Among city lockdowns, quarantines and depressing news on the television, it is understandable if you are feeling overwhelmed and down. This is why it is important to pay attention to our immune system to fight this battle against the pandemic.
In addition to eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, pay attention to these common mistakes that could be putting a strain on your immune system.
You are stressing out
While a global pandemic is a reason in itself to put everyone on the edge, if you get overwhelmed and impacted with tiniest of changes around you, it is time to change that habit. When you are stressed and panicking, your body releases cortisol into your bloodstream. This, in turn, may actually suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses.
What can you do? If you feel that a particular situation is stressing you out, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from the situation, distract yourself and do some meditation to calm your nerves.
Sedentary lifestyleBeing on lockdown isn’t necessarily an excuse to skip a workout. Infact, if you weren’t following an active lifestyle before the COVID-19 outbreak, it is time to pull up your socks and start exercising. The internet is flooded with workout sequences that you can easily do at home. If nothing else works, you can always start with some stretching and yoga.
However, it is important to remember that just as a sedentary lifestyle can threaten your immunity, overdoing the same can also take a toll on your immune system. So, try and find a balance between being a couch potato and working out like an Olympic athlete.
You are 'Netflix'ing and chilling your sleep away
We understand that the lockdown has given you ample time to bing on long-pending series and movies. However, it is also important to maintain a proper sleep schedule and get at least 6 to 8 hours of shuteye. This is because your body builds up the strength to fight inflammation and infection as you sleep.
While the duration of sleep varies from person to person, the bottom line is you need to be well-rested and put a pause on that web series when your body starts showing signs of exhaustion. Our advice? Steer clear of any technology at least an hour before you hit the sheets.
Smoking
Yes, in case you didn't know, smoking isn't doing your body any good. So, in addition to toasting your lungs, it is also messing up with your immune system and leaving you more prone to catching flu and other viral infections. For the uninitiated, nicotine can increase your cortisol levels which can you leave you more susceptible to infections.
Moreover, lighting up can also lower the levels of protective antioxidants in your blood. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the best way to kick the butt is to go cold turkey, when compared to gradually reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day.
Binge drinkingIn case you did not know, drinking and spraying alcohol all over your body will not kill the COVID-19 virus. Not only this but occasionally overdrinking can also wreak havoc on your immune system as it disrupts your gut flora and leads to inflammation of the liver.
It is important to understand that consuming any amount of alcohol is injurious to your body. This is why we strongly advice against the consumption of same, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
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In addition to eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, pay attention to these common mistakes that could be putting a strain on your immune system.
You are stressing out
While a global pandemic is a reason in itself to put everyone on the edge, if you get overwhelmed and impacted with tiniest of changes around you, it is time to change that habit. When you are stressed and panicking, your body releases cortisol into your bloodstream. This, in turn, may actually suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses.
What can you do? If you feel that a particular situation is stressing you out, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from the situation, distract yourself and do some meditation to calm your nerves.
Sedentary lifestyleBeing on lockdown isn’t necessarily an excuse to skip a workout. Infact, if you weren’t following an active lifestyle before the COVID-19 outbreak, it is time to pull up your socks and start exercising. The internet is flooded with workout sequences that you can easily do at home. If nothing else works, you can always start with some stretching and yoga.
However, it is important to remember that just as a sedentary lifestyle can threaten your immunity, overdoing the same can also take a toll on your immune system. So, try and find a balance between being a couch potato and working out like an Olympic athlete.
You are 'Netflix'ing and chilling your sleep away
We understand that the lockdown has given you ample time to bing on long-pending series and movies. However, it is also important to maintain a proper sleep schedule and get at least 6 to 8 hours of shuteye. This is because your body builds up the strength to fight inflammation and infection as you sleep.
While the duration of sleep varies from person to person, the bottom line is you need to be well-rested and put a pause on that web series when your body starts showing signs of exhaustion. Our advice? Steer clear of any technology at least an hour before you hit the sheets.
Smoking
Yes, in case you didn't know, smoking isn't doing your body any good. So, in addition to toasting your lungs, it is also messing up with your immune system and leaving you more prone to catching flu and other viral infections. For the uninitiated, nicotine can increase your cortisol levels which can you leave you more susceptible to infections.
Moreover, lighting up can also lower the levels of protective antioxidants in your blood. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the best way to kick the butt is to go cold turkey, when compared to gradually reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day.
Binge drinkingIn case you did not know, drinking and spraying alcohol all over your body will not kill the COVID-19 virus. Not only this but occasionally overdrinking can also wreak havoc on your immune system as it disrupts your gut flora and leads to inflammation of the liver.
It is important to understand that consuming any amount of alcohol is injurious to your body. This is why we strongly advice against the consumption of same, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
T