Ayurveda & Yoga for Immune System Support (We're looking at you COVID-19)

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

In the mist of the Coronavirus frenzy, I find myself turning to this prayer. We cannot change the hysteria this virus has created but we can radically take control over our own physical and mental health by boosting our Ayurveda & Yoga practices to strengthen and protect the immune system.

Here are six ways to prepare and protect your body &mind in order to be the most resilient against disease and infection:

Rest

Ayurveda recommends settling into bed about 2 hours after sunset and waking for the day with the sunrise. While you are sleeping your body goes through a natural detoxification process and also produces extra protein molecules that can strengthen your ability to fight infections. Applying a sesame, almond, or coconut oil to the feet at bedtime can help you sleep more soundly.

Sense Care

Dinacharya (Daily Routine) which is the cleaning & purification of the sense organs, cleanses the body and prevents the buildup of toxins that have been accumulated over night or picked up throughout the day. Please visit my blog post on "Dinacharya - The Daily Routine" for further instructions.

Increase your Fruit, Vegetable & Nut Intake

Eating a healthy, plant-based diet gives us the fuel we need for healthy immune function. Whole, in-season foods from the earth such as fruits, vegetables and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which help prevent some chronic diseases, control your weight, and most importantly, boost your immune system.

Breathe

Taking conscious moments throughout the day to pause and breathe full, deep breaths down into the belly, help to calm the mind and pull us out of that fight-or-flight response- all in turn, strengthening our immune system.

Yoga and/or Meditation

Studies have found Mindfulness Mediation to be associated with inflammation reduction, shifts in the expression of genes related to stress, and aid in wound healing. Adding the physical practice of yoga, further strengthens the body while incorporating a body-mind-breath experience to reduce stress.

Get Moving

Engaging in regular exercise, even something as simple as taking a walk, will help to maintain lower stress levels. Decreased stress levels are directly correlated to a strong immune system. Please note, if you are not feeling well, it is just as important to listen to your body and give your yourself proper rest.

Please be sure to visit the CDC website to track any updates and further recommendations.

I hope these tips empower you with the tools to keep yourself and loved ones safe, healthy and at ease.

Be well,

Sunshine Yogi