Relax. Rejuvenate. Recharge.

How women can give themselves a natural boost physically, emotionally and mentally to lead a long, happy and healthy life

Immunity is the ability of the body to defend itself from 'foreign bodies'. I would like to classify immunity in three parts: physical, emotional and mental Immunity. Science and research show that it is important to look at health and immunity in a holistic way. The strength of our immune system depends on how healthy and positive we are physically, emotionally and mentally. Building our immunity has become imperative to dealing with challenges of life like the Covid-19 pandemic.

People find themselves lacking in

Physical immunity when they:

. Fall sick often - get colds, aches and pains etc.

. Have 'gut' issues and digestive problems

. Feel tired and fatigued most of the time

. Get infections often

. Can't get enough sleep

Emotional and mental immunity when they:

. Feel stressed most of the time

. Feel low, anxious and overwhelmed

. Are unable to adjust to new situations (like the Covid-19 pandemic)

. Feel fearful

. Constantly think negative thoughts

Feel helpless and misunderstood

There are many tools, techniques and habits we can all adopt to improve our immunity. Women should consciously adopt the following to prevent age-related diseases like osteoporosis, breast cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety and other hormonal and inflammatory diseases.

Get timely annual checkups to shed light on any irregularities

Increase digestive health and immunity by consuming:

50 per cent of calories in the form of raw salads, fruits, nuts and seeds, oils or good fats, and 50 per cent as steamed home-made food.

Super foods like broccoli, yoghurt, tomatoes, garlic, green tea and oily fish.

Complex carbohydrates like oats, millets, quinoa, whole wheat, multi-bran and brown rice, as they contain more fibre, a range of minerals and vitamins.

Olive oil, flax seed oil and rice bran oil as they protect cardiovascular health.

Supplements (Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Calcium, probiotics etc.) if necessary.

8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

Exercise is a great way to boost your physical health, feel better and have fun. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigourous exercise depending on your age and health and maintain a healthy weight.

Improve emotional and mental immunity by:

. Participating in self-nurturing activities that are pleasurable and self-satisfying without feeling guilty.

. Adopting and learning healing techniques like meditation, yoga, Tai chi, undergoing therapy etc. to empower yourself to get rid of fears, anxieties, self-sabotaging beliefs, self-doubt and move towards positivity and growth.

. Getting adequate sleep for rest and restoration.