10 Ways to Make Your Immune System Happy
What’s the big deal about a robust immune system anyway? “The immune system is a host defense system that integrates many biological structures and processes to protect an organism from invading pathogens….” That's a BIG DEAL, especially in the COVID era because it means we have a defense against contracting it and passing it on to others. So why aren’t we taking it seriously to boost our immune system? Imagine if the government mandated that we take care of our immune systems and make health and wellness available for everyone? Why isn't this the top story on every media channel? STOP THE PANDEMIC ✋🏽 BUILD YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Despite its invisibility, our immune system does more than just fight off bacteria or viruses. It also has a role in regulating other systems, like our endocrine and nervous systems. Our immune system thrives on happiness, so if you want your immune system to keep thriving, strive to stay happy! If you’re having trouble feeling joyful, consider these 10 ways to lift yourself up and make your immune system happy as well.
1. Take action!
I am a Positivity Life Coach, and honesty is one of my charms, so excuse me if I’m being a bit brass, but sometimes we could all use a good kick in the ass. So, what does it mean when I say take action; it’s committing to doing something on purpose. Instead of wasting time complaining about how much we hate what's happening to us and the world, take action by looking for ways out of whatever misery you're living through now. When people don't feel good about themselves, they think there's nothing they can do about it.
Nothing changes for us unless we change. Happiness and health are at an all-time low, and depression is off the charts. If we are to thrive, we must take responsibility for our health and happiness. No one can do this for us. It’s up to us to TAKE ACTION and get out of our own way..
We have much to learn from indigenous knowledge about Health sovereignty. “Sovereignty is about individuals and communities exercising agency. The notion of sovereignty incorporates dimensions of ecological possibility, cultural appropriateness, knowledge capacity, and social governance structures of communities or regions with respect to meeting their food, health and energy needs.”
By taking action to better our lives and attitudes, we boost our immune system by a thousandfold! Devoting every day to reclaim our health will also make us happier and positively affect our overall well-being.
Simple steps, along with mindful eating and regular sleeping patterns, include doing things you enjoy like sledding, hiking, drawing, writing, taking part in the performing arts, or star gazing. Engaging in activities that make you laugh, and simply setting aside time to relax and reflect on your blessings, makes a big difference.
So embrace life, and laugh often! What are you waiting for?
2. Be Happy!
Research shows that people who are happy and feel satisfied produce more antibodies than those who are less happy. Doing things that make you happy elevates your mental and overall physical health. Healthy pleasures reduce stress and activate happy hormones; dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, all supporting the endocrine system. Marina Tsoli, MD, Ph.D., Georgios Boutzios, MD, Ph.D., and Gregory Kaltsas, MD, FRCP in their article, Immune System Effects on the Endocrine System, have written, “Several studies have recently been published regarding the therapeutic implications of immune system mechanisms on endocrine diseases.”
These feel-good hormones help ease pain, enhance mood, and increase energy. Positive emotions help your body cope with stress, making you less likely to get sick with flu or viruses. Without healthy hormones, our immune system has a much harder time fighting off invaders.
Making others happy has been proven to help us live longer because it makes us more content and happy. It boosts our immune systems by making us less likely to become ill or depressed. Imagine how much better we’d feel if we were kinder and more compassionate. Everyone would benefit. Being self-absorbed by feelings of self-loathing, self-doubt, and living in a constant state of sadness, fear, and anxiety are not ways to live a healthy life.
😇 So do whatever it takes to be happy, knowing that what brings you joy will affect your overall well-being, will protect you against viruses and enhance your life.
Our Happiness factor = Immune system elevated!
Happiness is an immune system-booster
When was the last time you spent an hour doing something that made you happy? Think about what makes you feel good and do it!
3. Exercise. Move More!
How much are you exercising? Sitting too much reduces blood flow in our bodies by 40%. We’re literally getting weaker while we sit! Take regular breaks throughout your day. Use a standing desk if possible. Take frequent walks around (or outside) to engage different muscles. Sit up straight when you’re at your desk, uncross your legs —it will help increase blood flow.
You don’t have to run a marathon, just find an exercise you love and do it. Dance, climb trees, hula hoop, play pickleball, hike, walk, etc. Our bodies love routine, so find an exercise routine that is fun, uplifting, and stress relieving. Exercise also has a powerfully positive effect on the endocrine system and overall physical and mental health, so share the benefits with a friend and double the benefits!
4. Connection and Community
Engagement and a sense of belonging is one of the nine Lifestyle Habits of the World’s Healthiest, Longest-Lived People, according to Blue Zone. We can transform our health through deeper connection and community, spending time with positive people, and engaging with our community in person and online. The company you keep directly impacts your happiness factor.
So dump those energy vampires unless you are willing to help them move forward as well. If not, then it may be time for a wake-up call and leave them behind, because energy vampires are the people and things that sabotage your goals and dreams. We like our bubbles. It makes sense—after all, it’s where we feel comfortable. But there comes a time when we have to ask ourselves, is my comfort bubble actually making me as happy as I can be? I’m willing to bet—for most people—the answer is no and you’re tired of not fulfilling your dreams. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a cycle of monotony and mediocrity.
Compost what does not serve you and nurture what does. This isn’t about being mean or nasty; it’s about being mindful of how important it is for all of us to be ourselves and feel good about who we are. Energy vampires are the people and things that sabotage your goals and dreams. Surrounded by optimistic, creative, loving people, you can focus on what makes you happy! These are the people who bring out the joyful and positive sides of you, rather than drain your energy or make you feel bad about yourself.
When we collaborate with like-minded people, we are engaged, which is a human necessity for happiness, health, and productivity.
5. Spend time in Nature
The Japanese word “shinrin-yoku” means “forest bathing,” and I do that on a regular basis because my spirit thrives in Nature. The closer we get to Nature, the closer we get to our true nature. Get out into Nature especially if you live in an urban environment. It is key to staying healthy. Walking through a beautiful park or on a forest trail, sitting on a beach watching the waves crash, feeling the sun on your face—it doesn’t get any better than that! Breathing fresh air, feeling the wind, catching snowflakes on your tongue, and experiencing the sheer beauty of Nature elevates our mood and boosts our immune system. Getting in touch with the microbiome-rich soil keeps the earth and us healthy.
6. Eat As If Your Life Depends On It 🙌🏼 Because It Does
Eating healthy foods lessens our cravings for sweets, sodas, and junk food. Food affects everything from our mood to our waistline. Start by purging your kitchen of processed foods and eating more immune system boosting foods rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Seek out and buy organic food because herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer applications to farmland eventually end up in all foods, packaged or fresh, harming your beautiful body and the environment. Some organic varieties might cost more, but in the long- haul, in the cost to your health and the environment, it doesn't cost, it рауѕ! Pay the farmer now or the doctor later.
“Meet your meat before you eat.” Most livestock producers administer drugs, antibiоtiсѕ, and hormones to their herds, and raise the animals in inhumane enclosures. The stress of these animals and these added chemicals affect our health in a very destructive and unhealthy way.
There are tremendous benefits to eating organic, especially when it comes to your immune system. The soil microbiome and our microbiome have many similarities that are essential for optimal digestion (where 80% of our immune system lives). At the very lеаѕt, buy the organic counterpart of these top ten most chemically treated produce; apples, peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, and strawberries.
Include 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables with each meal (preferably raw or lightly cooked), and snack on 1-2 servings per day. Buy locally grown whenever possible. If you can only purchase conventional produce, make sure they aren’t washed in harsh chemical washes before they arrive at your grocery store and select produce that hasn’t been waxed or wrapped in plastic.
Get to know the farmers who produce your food and support your farmers' market, which supports the health of your local economy. When you are at the grocery store, ask the workers how the food you wish to purchase was raised. Better yet, consider growing a garden yourself! Getting your hands in the rich loamy soil is one of the best things you can do to boost your immune system. (Gardening helps in many ways: refer to Numbers 2, 3, and 4!)
7. Be Mindful
Give your immune system a little boost with meditation or prayer. Mindfulness is all about focusing on what’s happening right now—in your body, in your environment, your emotions, and in your thoughts. Try not to let distractions or other thoughts pull you away from these things. Stay focused.
In addition, when we are mindful of our emotions, we don’t stay stuck in them; instead, we practice acceptance. Being aware of our feelings rather than resisting them or acting on them reduces our stress levels, keeps us present with our needs and those of others, and heightens our senses. The fact that stress is the number one killer and responsible for most chronic illnesses, it makes sense to reduce stress levels. The more mindful we are, the better we can control our emotions, both positive and negative.
Rather than simply thinking about whatever happens to pop into your head while you’re doing an activity, try focusing on exactly what you’re doing as you do it. Instead of mindlessly mowing the lawn, focus on how the sun feels on your skin, or notice when a certain fragrance drifts by. When walking outside, be in tune with Nature with all your senses wide open. This is called a “walking meditation” practiced by spiritual monks for hundreds of years and many are practicing this today, including me. 😇
Instead of watching TV or checking email while eating dinner with friends, be fully engaged and aware of their presence, conversation, and company. Doing so not only helps connect you to everything around you but will also help you appreciate each moment more because you are truly focused on it. You may find that being mindful enhances other aspects of your life. With increased awareness, we feel an added sense of fulfillment from our work and play, and become more attuned to other people’s feelings too.
When we’re in a state of flow—when everything just seems right with the world—we’re automatically less stressed than when everything is chaotic, both in our mind and in our world. Studies show that mindfulness makes us better at multitasking and learning new information. Mindfulness is not only a great way to reduce stress—it just feels good. 😇
8. Laugh and Love More
Laughter is an immense immune system booster. They say laughter is the best medicine and I believe it. Feeling down? Watch a comedy, go to a comedy club, ask a hilarious friend to lunch, play games with your family, and laugh your ass off.
Our emotions are contagious, so if you laugh and feel happy, chances are others will catch your mood. I've been told my laughter is contagious. Just the other day, my dogs were hilarious, playing tug of war with a stuffed teddy bear, tossing it 10 feet in the air, and colliding into each other every time it dropped from above. I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. My husband was in the house and started cracking up because of hearing my elation; even though he missed the dog show. By the time he came out to see the comedy act, the dogs were pooped, zonked out under the shade tree, like nothing happened, but we kept laughing and ended up hugging each other. Of course, the dogs got jealous and came for a pet and a hug too. Laughing together is a great way to strengthen relationships!
I was always the joker in the room when I was a kid. When I was in high school at a career day I realized one of my jobs on Planet Earth was to get people giggling. I guess that’s why I ended up as a Positivity Coach helping others find more joy in life. The effect of humor on immunity is so powerful that simply watching a humorous video has been proven to have a positive effect.
9. Get Creative!
The Renaissance Age happened when people transitioned out of the Dark Ages and into a new, enlightened way of life. It was a time of rebirth for humanity, brought on by a surge of creativity in all walks of life; in the performing arts, architecture, science, and stunning works of art from inspired artists. Although The COVID era has been daunting, it has also brought many of us to new creative heights. I wrote two books during the COVID lockdown, and friends have been writing songs, poetry, and plays, while others have gotten involved with the food pantry, planting gardens, and getting involved in exciting homeschool groups - all of them making the best of the situation by being creative. So, pick up that guitar you’ve always wanted to learn, turn up the music and boogie-woogie, or get involved in a band, or a local theater. Find something new and fulfilling to do, and just do it! You will feel so much better about yourself.
When we embrace our creative side, we expand ourselves beyond just looking at life as a means of survival and begin enjoying being alive. According to a 2014 study published in Psychological Science, people who participated in performing arts activities were less likely to feel depressed or anxious. There is just something about living fully, being immersed in our art or our hobbies. If you are not involved in something that floats your boat now is the time to find it! Your immune system loves to play and be entertained.
Get entertained and entertain!
10. Pets Perk Us Up
Animal therapy is proven to help those with PTSD, and those suffering from trauma, brain injuries, war veterans, memory loss, and emotional problems -from children to the elderly. Pets can help lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety, and even help improve sleep. The benefits are countless. Conversations with your pet are the best. They do not talk back or judge you. They just love you unconditionally. (One of my favorite bumper stickers reads, “I want to be the person my dog thinks I am.”) Given the chance, they will be your best friends. When we care for others, we care more about ourselves. It’s a win-win.
Take time every day to have an uplifting connection and conversation with your pet. Go for daily walks in the fresh air together and socialize with other pet owners. Everyone benefits, especially the dogs. Next time you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, go hug (or play) with your animal; they will perk you up.
To Sum It Up
Your immune system thrives on happiness. We all deserve a balanced, healthy life. No excuses! Well, maybe a few. Understandable grief and sadness are part of a balanced life. But in all due respect, do what brings you joy because it will affect your overall well-being. Self-loathing, self-doubt, and living in a constant state of sadness, fear, and anxiety are not ways to live a healthy life.
Getting out of our own way and taking action is life-changing. Rather than putting up barriers that we think keep us safe, being vulnerable, and changing our ways is worth it. Happiness boosts our immune system by making us less likely to become ill or depressed. Making others happy has been proven to help us live longer because it makes us more content and happy. Now imagine how much better we’d all feel if we were kinder, and a more compassionate people. We’d be happier and healthier as well.
Stay away from drama and start living a more carefree life. The healthier we are, the healthier those around us are as we radiate love, joy, and laughter. It helps ourselves and others to build our immune systems, all contributing to a better world.
All these things mentioned in this article can help boost our immune system and enhance our overall health. For more tips and reality checks on how to care for yourself and others, download my FREE Ebook 33 Conscious Cures.
Stop procrastinating and creating barriers for yourself. ❤️ You got this!
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I have always been a big supporter of the arts. I love music being performed, art being created in all its forms and have given my energy, enthusiasm, appreciation and love to my friends who are living the creative life. One of those is Janey Wing Kenyon. We have been friends for decades, meeting in Homer, Alaska in 1982. At the time, she and her husband, Tupelo, were a performing musical duo, both of them singing, playing multiple instruments, and traveling the world with their music. When she was home in Homer, she took a break from music and created in stained glass, so Kevin and I commissioned her to make our cafe’s logo in colorful glass. It hung in the window for over 30 years.
She’s been doing glasswork, in all its wonderful forms, for over 50 years. Her studio is in Wyoming now, on a mountain creek, and she is devoting herself fulltime to her art. I would love to introduce her and her immense imagination to you. Please visit her website: WingGlassArt.com. Look at her jewelry, especially, because it can be easily shipped. Tell her I sent ya!
A Dose of Positivity
Join us for a weekly uplifting discussion every Thursday at 2 pm Hawaii time, 7 pm EST, 3 pm Alaska time.
This week, we'll talk about how leadership and creativity are inseparable 🙌
Jim Anderson was born and raised on a cattle ranch in South Central Alaska and has lived in varies place across American and in Japan, and no matter where he lived the preforming arts always made him feel at home. He has a unique and diverse background in both business and the arts and involved in the arts his entire life.
An accomplished musician, Actor, Vocal Coach, Director, Producer and Choreographer, he is a 1987 graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and has a Business Management Degree from Alaska Pacific University. He has performed in Alaska, Los Angeles, Arizona, South Carolina, and NYC. Jim has directed Youth Theater Arts programs for over thirty years and has recently introduced a Theater Arts-based Leadership Intensive for High School students that is part of his Launchpad Initiative that promotes the need for greater child advocacy throughout the nation.
In 1991-2017 Jim entered the corporate world and worked in International regulatorily compliance. Jim is also a Corporate Consultant, Executive Coach, Motivational Public Speaker and is currently working on a Business Venture for an International Arts and Leadership Alliance Project that he plans to launch in 2023.
Here's the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3ENYjgL
See you soon! 💕
You’re Awesome!
Big Love and Aloha ❤️
Mama Donna
“Why Retire When I Can Inspire”
Donna Maltz is an author, blogger, speaker, culinary chef, and eco-entrepreneur. Her books include Living Like the Future Matter ~ The Evolution of A Soil to Soul Entrepreneur. I AM ~ A Guided Journal to Cultivate Abundance, Conscious Cures~Soulutions to 21st Century Pandemics and Yummy Recipes, Wilderness Wonders, a healthy activity cookbook for kids and adults. Check out her website: www.donnamaltz.com
She spends her days immersed in Nature and strives to help make the world a more vibrant place for all sentient beings. As a ‘voice for Nature,’ she shares her love for Mother Earth through words and photography. 🌿
