The pandemic and the immune system

 The second wave continues. What to do? First and foremost, you should, of course, follow the authorities’ advice: wash your hands, keep social distance, work from home if you can, etc. But what is also essential - especially in the long run - is to strengthen the immune system. The immune system determines the effects of the coronavirus (and all other pathogens) on us. Important things in this regard are:

• Sleep. Sleep is perhaps the single most important influencing factor on our immune system. So be sure to go to bed early and sleep in a dark, quiet room without screens.

• Exercise (when you are healthy). Do it in any way you like, but try to activate yourself aerobically (through, for example, running or cycling) as well as challenging the muscles through some form of strength training. Outdoor exercise can be nice, especially if the sun is shining.

• Food is, of course, important. The colon is one of the most critical parts of the immune system with all its good bacteria that protect us. Eat fresh, well-cooked food and make sure to eat in peace and calm and enjoy the food so that it is properly digested. Eat at regular times, and adjust the amount according to your hunger. Avoid cold foods and beverages.

• Some Ayurvedic herbal remedies strengthen the immune system, especially those containing amla, ashwagandha, brahmi and shatavari - and turmeric is always good to use in food.

• Vitamin D is vital for the immune system, and in Northern Europe, we often suffer from a lack of it because the sun is not strong enough to generate vitamin D during the winter. Therefore, it is good to supplement with supplements.

• Doing oil massage, abhyanga, on yourself is useful, but not if you are ill.

• Do not worry! Anxiety is in itself, damaging to the immune system. It’s a tough time we go through, but everything has a meaning, and everything will be fine in the end - I promise (and even if it doesn’t, worry does not help).

• Instead, make sure to pay attention to all the beauty in nature and in the world and appreciate the small pleasures of everyday life.

• Take the opportunity to do a lot of yoga and meditation. Now that we cannot go outwards, we can take the opportunity to go inwards instead and develop ourselves.

• In general, it can be good - now that we have to stop and cannot rush on as usual - to think about what is important in life - really.

Have a good time and take care of yourself!