Nourish Magazine

Exercise improves overall health and a sense of well-being, and it’s also a great way to combat stress. Social distancing doesn’t mean you should stop working out. Working out will likely help you keep a feeling of normalcy and protect your psyche while you’re at home. Exercise will help you maintain a centered and more rational mindset. You can work out anywhere no matter how much space you have. All you need is your body weight and exercises where minimal equipment is required. Use this downtime to practice self-care, and to make time to take care of your body. Don’t let yourself miss out on all of the wonderful health benefits associated with exercise. But remember, if you are sick and choose to work out, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard with your exercise routine, or you can risk a temporary decline in immunological function. Why is it important to exercise regularly during these stressful times? According to a survey, 88 percent of organizations had encouraged or required staff to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting social isolation led to emotional, physical, and mental fatigue, thus elevating stress levels. Over time, humans have evolved into social beings, surrounding themselves with family, friends, and groups with similar interests to help cope with life’s stressors and manage their mental health. Although we are now in the digital age where technology allows us to stay connected, we still desire human interaction, involving touch and in-person gatherings, to keep us mentally healthy, so it’s not surprising that many of us are experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Recognizing stress in ourselves and knowing how to manage it is particularly important today because chronic stress threatens our well-being and weakens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. Stress also can harm physical and mental health. Has social distancing influenced mental health during this time? These questions were answered by Gary Small, Herbalife Advisory Board Mental Well-being & Immunity FAQs

Balanced meals do not have to be elaborate, but should include a healthy source of protein, a vegetable or fruit, and some source of healthy whole grains and healthy fats. Choose healthy proteins from low-fat plants or animal sources, such as fish/shellfish, lean meats, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy products, and soy products such as tofu. Protein powders can also be used to make smoothies or stir into other dishes. Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients that support immunity, so a good goal is to include at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal and snack. The fiber in fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains act as food for good bacteria, so plenty of fiber is critically important, too. To make it easier and more convenient to get these healthy foods, add some canned beans to your cart, and pick up some loose-pack frozen fruits and veggies that you can easily add to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, soups, and stir-fries. Healthy fats from foods like nuts, avocado, or fruit or seed oils (such as olive or canola) help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A and provide the necessary fatty acids to support the integrity of every cell in your body. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day and keep in mind that tea and coffee count towards your daily fluid intake. What are some good nutrition habits to keep in mind while going for a quick grocery run?

These questions were answered by Samantha Clayton, Vice President, Worldwide Sports Performance and Fitness. Exercise and Immunity FAQs

How does exercise affect our immune system?

“Exercise stress,” when managed well, is a healthy stress that over time pushes your body to adapt and become stronger and more efficient. Some studies suggest exercising regularly is beneficial for immunological health, as it can have a positive effect on your body’s ability to remain well and fight off common illnesses. Other studies have found that during flu season, the temporary rise in body temperature can discourage certain bacterial growth and the stress relief benefits of exercise help to keep you feeling at your best.

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