While the holidays bring plenty of joy and goodwill, they can also carry sniffles plus other seasonal challenges. Holiday activities such as party planning and gift shopping keep us on the go, but it's important to remember to slow down and take care of your well-being. Whether you have ten minutes or just two, here are a few tips to help keep your immune system healthy this holiday season.
Simple Ways to Stay Feeling Healthy
Go for a Stroll
Exercise naturally releases feel-good endorphins and promotes healthy blood circulation, which helps the immune system function efficiently.* Have access to the woods? Try forest bathing leaving civilization behind and letting the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest wash over you.
Find Time for Mindful Moments
It is important to carve out a few minutes each day just for you as research shows that people who practice mindfulness are less stressed, more focused, and better able to regulate their emotions*. Try these self-care practices to enhance your well-being that take less than 10 minutes.
Wash Your Hands Often
We are sure you have heard this advice hundreds of times but sometimes the most important things are, in fact, the easiest. Health specialists recommend washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Don't feel like counting to 20? Try humming the tune of Happy Birthday two times in a row.
Drink Lots of Water
No matter the time of year, staying hydrated is a healthy habit and supports the body during times of occasional stress.* Drinking fluids naturally flushes out waste and toxins and helps with temperature regulation.*
Make Sleep a Priority
Lack of sleep can affect your immune system as studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Rest easy with these herbal products.*
Natural Herbs to Boost Your Immune System
In addition to the lifestyle tips listed above, there are also herbal supplements which can be used to support immune health.*
Black Elderberry
With an extensive history of use in the early stages of seasonal immune challenges, Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the perfect herb for daily immune system support.* Gaia Herbs' best-selling Black Elderberry Syrup is super concentrated and contains organic Acerola Cherry fruit extract, a delicious and rich source of naturally occurring Vitamin C.*
Astragalus
For centuries, Astragalus propinquus (Huang Qi) has been a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. And for good reason! Astragalus supports natural defenses while assisting the body in adapting to daily stress.* The herbs in Astragalus Supreme work together to help sustain overall immune system health and provide antioxidant support.*
Cat's Claw
A medicinal plant that grows in the Amazon rainforest, Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) helps maintain a healthy immune system.* Indigenous cultures of South America have traditionally used Cat's Claw for thousands of years for whole body support.*
Quick Defense®
By combining two Gaia-grown Echinacea species with Elderberry and Ginger, Gaia Herbs created Quick Defense, a best-selling formula to support a healthy immune response when you need it the most.* Consider Quick Defense as an herbal essential for home, travel, the office, or whenever immune support at onset is needed.*
Adrenal Health® Daily Support
Maintaining a healthy stress response is necessary for overall health and well-being.* With a harmonious blend of Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Rhodiola, Adrenal Health® Daily Support helps maintain a healthy adrenal system.*
Whole Body Defense®
Blending Echinacea and Astragalus with Maitake mushroom extract, Whole Body Defense supports a healthy immune response and helps maintain cellular immune support.* It's a great way to support your body's natural defenses and well-being on a daily basis.*
Support Your Immune System Throughout The Year
Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial to overall health, which is why Gaia Herbs offers a full line of herbal products designed to support the immune system.* A healthy lifestyle is also key so check out more lifestyle tips to support your immune system all year long.