By Julie Hasenberg, Highland Fitness
Is it “I’m stressed from the holidays, not sleeping, over-indulging, and not exercising season”? Coincidence? I don’t think so. When our bodies don’t receive the proper nutrition, rest, hydration, and are on high alert the majority of the time, a weakened immune system will occur, which makes us more susceptible to illness.“ You can’t underestimate the importance of good nutrition when it comes to your immune system,” says Karen Ansel, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietics. “Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants—these are what keeps your body strong, and without them you’re not giving your body the edge it needs to ward off infection.”The number one thing we can do help our bodies function better is drink WATER! If you google “chronic dehydration,” you will find a long list of potential symptoms/illnesses due to lack of hydration. So carry a bottle of water with you…EVERYWHERE!
Rest and relaxation can do wonders for the body and more importantly for the brain. Try Yoga. Calming the brain has a direct effect on our body. At Highland Fitness we offer alignment restorative yoga. Vinyasa and Pilates at no charge with your membership. Exercising is crucial for physical and mental health, especially during the cold, dark months of winter. Exercise helps our mood, gives us energy, and strengthens our muscles. Schedule it just like a doctor appointment. You wouldn’t miss business appointments or kids’ activities, so grab a friend, co-worker, or trainer to be an accountability partner! So what happens if you’re exercising, eating healthy, and getting sleep, and you still end up with the grud? Richard Besser, MD, and chief health and medical editor at ABC News says, “Light to moderate activity may actually help you feel better.” First Besser says to use the “neck rule.” If your symptoms are above the neck—sneezing, sinus pressure, stuffy nose—then breaking a sweat is generally safe. The best exercise is walking. Studies have shown that people who regularly work out tend to get sick less overall.