It’s a very different time for women these days. You may find yourself working from home and having to learn new skills in order to do so. You may be juggling work while homeschooling and or watching children or there may be added financial pressure, just for starters. Making sure to take care of yourself might be last on your list, yet it should actually be first.
How to boost your immune system and be more productive and energetic
In order to navigate this shift in our environments, fueling your body is essential for productivity, energy, and to boost your immune system.
Here are a few tips to help you do all three at once.
Increase hydration
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches—both are not helpful in being productive.
Keeping a water bottle filled at your workstation from home can help.
I have 2 separate water bottles (24 oz). I fill up in the evening before bed and put in the refrigerator. This way, it becomes easy to grab one first thing in the morning. I have a goal to drink 3-4 bottles during the day.
Having a goal is a great motivator. A friend of mine puts 3 rubber bands on her water bottle in the morning and takes one off each time she refills it. When they are gone, she knows she has had at least 72 oz of water.
Tune into your hunger, eat intuitively
Food physiologically relaxes and de-stresses the body (rest and digest). So, in times of stress, anxiety, loneliness or overwhelm, it is no wonder we might find ourselves turning to food.
This is a great time to tune in a little closer to your body’s physical cues.
When you begin to feel hungry, notice it.
Many women tend to ignore their own hunger signals, leading them to become tired, anxious, moody, and unfocused. Making sure your brain has fuel is essential in keeping up energy and increasing productivity.
Some women may find themselves in the kitchen as a distraction. If this is you, ask yourself this simple question, “Am I actually hungry? Or am I feeling something else?”
If you’re interested in learning more about intuitive eating, you’re in the right place! I’ve written several posts on the topic, starting with this blog where I answer, “what the heck is intuitive eating anyway?”
Boost your immune system with fruits and veggies
Just like mother said, eat your vegetables.
Make a conscious effort to add colorful fruits or vegetables to your meals. This gives you the vital vitamins and minerals you need to boost your immune system.
A great tip is to spend some time on a weekend (with a great playlist) to cut up both some veggies and fruits to put in the fridge for the week. This increases the likelihood of reaching for them.
I take time on a Sunday and prep both cooked and raw fruits and veggies. It’s made a huge difference!
Eat away from your desk, and undistracted
You may be tempted to keep working through your lunch break or take the time to catch up on social media.
But research tells us that distracted eating leads to eating more than the body may actually need (overeating) and decreases satiety (fullness and satisfaction). When you eat with distractions, there can be a tendency to be searching for food or thinking about food soon after eating.
Taking a break and sitting down at a table to enjoy your lunch allows your body to reset and regroup for the rest of your day. It may also decrease thoughts about food for the next few hours.
Take time to reduce your stress.
Stress increases the hormone cortisol in your body.
Click here to learn more about the interesting ways cortisol can affect your body.
Cortisol can be good in small doses, but unfortunately right now over 85% of the population is in a state of chronic stress. This can cause multiple physical and emotional disturbances and diseases within the body.
Here are just a few options to help:
- Make sure to get enough sleep
- Breathe! Take 1-2 minutes to take long slow breaths throughout the day
- Take a walk, getting out in nature is a great way to lower cortisol
- Laugh, seek something (or someone) that makes you laugh.
- Get creative (play, paint, color, listen to music, plant a garden)
Fueling the body, moving the body, and resting the body can help you continue to navigate this uncertain time while also boosting your immunity, productivity, and energy.
If you are ready to reduce stress, increase self care and gain body confidence, and self acceptance…watch this free webinar. And then join the Body Joyful Revolution. A private safe, nonjudgmental space that empowers and inspires women, regardless of size, shape or weight to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies and selves.
If you enjoyed this article, you won’t want to miss these either:
Can You Master Intuitive Eating?
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