5 tips to boost immunity this spring

Stay healthy this spring. Here's how:
Immunity is affected by seasonal change.
Beat the Corona Virus. Explore the following ideas today, and stay strong and healthy as we move into and through the spring season.

Seasonal changes and travel both have a weakening effect on our bodies, making us more susceptible to infections, including respiratory issues. Coronaviruses, in particular, affect the respiratory system and may bring on symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath. Many of those infected recover without serious complications. However, the virus can progress into pneumonia and bronchitis in sensitive populations including children, the elderly, and those with previously compromised immune systems. The best approach to avoid being infected is to build your immunity. Giving more attention to your self-care practices now, and changing them up to reflect the seasonal change, can take you a long way in terms of boosting your immune system, and supporting you in feeling your best now and in the months to come. Here are a few ideas to consider from the Ayurveda tradition:

• Massage your body with warm oil now -  This boosts immunity by softening the cells and tissues of your body, allowing toxins to move into the circulatory system where they can be removed, rather than stagnate and fester in the tissues. Applying an oil suitable for your dosha enhances this process, and warming the oil thins it so that it is more easily absorbed through the skin. 
• Warm water is your friend -  Does mucus tend to collect in your airways, including your nose and lungs, this time of year? This is the breeding ground for the viruses and bacteria that result in colds and flu. Try sipping warm water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to help thin mucus accumulation. Enjoy a warm bath or hot water soak more often now, and breathe in warm spicy fragrances using the essential oils of cinnamon, clove, and ginger. And remember to wash your hands frequently, especially when you are out and about on a daily basis.
• Eat light and nourishing meals -  Digestion can become sluggish during this damp, cool kapha season so it's important to adhere to wise dietary practices as much as possible. Reduce consumption of processed foods. Keep things moving by adding in more of the pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes now. Eat mildly spiced, lightly cooked vegetables (using cumin, ginger, garlic, onion), nourishing soups (beans are astringent), and slowly add more salad greens (bitter) into your mid day meal now. Avoid heavy grains, sugar, and an overabundance of dairy at this time. Asparagus and Green Apples are especially good cleansing foods to eat more of through the spring season.
• Go to bed early - Sufficient rest is an invaluable ally in maintaining or boosting immunity. Start preparing for the time change now by moving your wake/sleep cycle ahead by 5 minutes or so each night.
• Daily yoga and breathing exercises promote effective digestion - An intelligent yoga or creative movement practice (walking is great, too!) is designed to stretch the body in every direction.This helps keep things moving. Add in some aerobic exercise or quick breathing practices to get the lungs working, and you will facilitate the proper expulsion of mucus.

Click here to watch a video and try out a fun cleansing breath practice.

Click here to listen to a soothing chanting song by Snatum Kaur called the Angels are Listening, and enjoy a brief "time out".

(Ask me about the perfect EO to add to your drinking water and massage oil now!)