From diet and alternative remedies to deep breathing and exercise, many things can boost immune function. A new study found that short bouts of exercise (just 15 minutes at a time) can improve the immune system. The findings come from the American Physiology Summit, which recently took place in Long Beach, CA. Short bursts of exercise increased the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells that fight both cancerous and infected cells in the body.

As of right now, the study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Even still, this isn’t the first study linking exercise to higher levels of NK cells in the bloodstream. Additionally, the number of NK cells appears to increase just minutes after engaging in physical activity. Researchers from the new study said that findings only add to the growing mound of evidence that increasing NK cells may offer better protection against diseases and infections. That is why short bouts of exercise are enough to activate the immune system and increase NK cells in the bloodstream.

15 Minutes Of Exercise May Improve Immunity

The recent study involved 10 participants between the ages of 18 and 40, making it a very small study. Each participant rode a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes at moderate intensity. Before the participants started cycling, the researchers drew blood samples. The researchers drew more blood after 15 minutes on the bike, and then again after 30 minutes on the bike. After 15 minutes of cycling, researchers observed that levels of NK cells increased. They did not continue to increase after 30 minutes of cycling. Researchers note that these findings suggest that 15 minutes of physical activity is enough to boost NK cell production, which aids immunity.

How Do NK Cells Keep You Healthy?

NK cells do not require previous exposure to a pathogen to identify and attack it, which makes them different to other immune cells. NK cells help destroy infected and diseased cells, such as cancer cells. These cells are always on the lookout for malignant cells, meaning that higher levels of NK cells in the body may improve the prognosis of different types of cancer. One report found that different NK cells were associated with survival in people with colorectal cancer. 

Exercises Boosts Immunity In Other Ways

In addition to boosting NK cells in the body, physical activity causes the body temperature to rise. Most viruses and bacteria can easily survive in normal body temperature. Research states that heat makes it harder for these viruses to survive. Physical activity also helps to lower stress levels, and lower levels of cortisol has been linked to better immune function. Reducing stress levels can also improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression and stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which impacts the body’s ability to fight off infections. 

Conclusion

Prolonged bouts of intense exercise can suppress immune function, which is why allowing the body to rest between workouts is paramount. Create a thoughtful approach to your exercise regimen, with the goal of exercising regularly with proper rest and recovery time. Keep in mind that just 15 minutes of exercise can help improve immune function by enhancing the production of NK cells. Elevated levels of these white blood cells can help fight infected or cancerous cells in the body, which may offer better protection against diseases and infections.

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Even if you are not 85 years old, your 28-year-old back may say otherwise. The reality is that the vast majority of people are sedentary, regardless of age, which contributes to back problems. An even bigger reality is that back pain is a leading cause of work limitations, with chronic back problems affecting nearly 8% of American adults. Health care costs due to back pain exceed $12 billion per year!

When people think of back pain, the first image that comes to mind is an older adult hunched over. Perhaps they move slowly and have to sit down very carefully to avoid worsening the pain. Although the risk of lower back pain increases with age, it doesn’t sentence a person to a life without exercise. In fact, there are many types of physical activity that are beneficial for people with lower back pain, even if modifications are necessary. 

The 4 Best Exercises For Low Back Pain

A recent study found that certain workouts can alleviate lower back pain. The review study, which was published in Front Public Health, found tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and sling exercises to be the most beneficial at reducing low back pain. The review looked at 75 randomized controlled trials with more than 5,250 participants. That provided study review authors with a significant amount of data to consider. 

Study authors noted yoga and tai chi to be the most effective for pain management. You and core stabilization exercises yielded better improvement in physical functions compared to standard rehabilitation methods. The theme across the four different modes of exercise is mobility and flexibility. There is no need to focus on intense muscle gains and lifting heavy weights. On the contrary, those types of workouts can increase the pain or worsen the injury, especially if form is incorrect. Tai chi, believe it or not, can improve muscle strength, balance, and endurance without putting too much pressure on the lower back. 

Sling exercises, or bungee workouts, were of particular interest to study authors. The reason for that is because they are underrated for incorporating more movement into an older person’s lifestyle. They are usually more fun than cardio- or weight-based workouts, too! Sling exercises also activate the core muscle groups, which help improve balance and the ability to control the neuromuscular system. That ultimately enhances the stability of the lumbar spine (low back), while simultaneously improving its function. 

Summary

This study was very large, considering that it is quite niche. That said, researchers believe more large-scale studies on this matter will help people make better, more educated decisions about exercising with lower back pain. Knowing which exercises are the best if you have back pain is quite useful, especially if you don’t want to worsen the pain or injury. 

The exercises you choose to do will depend on the severity of the pain and overall mobility of the spine. How did your pain start and are there other concerns you have about exercising with that pain? Depending on the severity of the pain, you may require physical rehabilitation in conjunction with the exercises mentioned in this article. It’s not always about choosing one or the other, but rather incorporating different modalities to recovery as quickly as possible. 

Back pain, much like many things in life, is unique. The best exercise plan will depend on various factors, so it may be wise to consult your physician or physical therapist before adopting a specific routine. Lastly, your muscles and joints change with age, but there are ways to support strength in the long term. These exercises are a great stepping stone to help you get to pain-free movement.

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Listen to any number of podcasts these days and you’ll likely hear someone talk about their ice bath or cold plunge. Health gurus and average Joes alike swear that submerging their bodies in cold water promotes better mood, more energy, heightened recovery, and less anxiety. The benefits may change from person to person, but one thing is for certain: cold plunges are not accessible to everyone. 

It’s safe to say that the average person doesn’t have a few thousand dollars to drop on a cold plunge. It’s also safe to say that nobody wants to go buy bags of ice at the store every day, nor do they want to buy a commercial-grade ice maker for a makeshift cold plunge. That begs the question: can you achieve the same benefits by standing in a cold shower? Experts believe that cold showers count as a form of cryotherapy, so long as the temperature is cold enough (between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy. 

It May Boost Metabolism

When you expose the body to cold temperatures, you can increase the metabolic rate and activate brown adipose tissue, both of which aid weight management. According to a 2022 study, immersing the body in cold water seems to transform adipose tissue, in addition to reducing insulin resistance. The combination of these benefits may also have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and metabolic diseases. 

It May Enhance Circulation

Doctors explain that cold exposure prompts immediate vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, which improves blood flow to all organs. That is why a lot of people use cold plunges to accelerate exercise recovery. Although cold seems to reduce muscle soreness, it is unclear if the cold benefits muscle function. Improving circulation, regardless of athletic level, is beneficial. When you improve blood flow throughout the body, you help deliver fresh blood and oxygen to major organs, which helps them function optimally.

It May Beautify You

Cryotherapy will not turn back the hands of time, but it may positively impact your hair and skin. Cold water seals hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into hair strands. Additionally, the cold helps the scalp retain moisture content, while hot water strips it of its natural oils. The cold temperature strengthens hair cuticles to strengthen them and keep them healthy over time. Cold temperatures may also benefit people with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. Hot water can dry out the skin and cause slushing, which may pronounce redness in those struggling with it already.

It Can Encourage A Breathwork Practice

When you are in the cold, you have to steady your mind and control your breath. The power of controlling your breath can help you embrace the cold and know how to stay calm in the water. When you can control your breath, you can regulate your stress and stay calm in extreme conditions, such as the frigid water. The more you expose the body to cold and breathe through it, the easier it becomes. 

Are Cold Showers Cold Enough? 

Most of the existing research on cold water immersion therapy is focused on cold plunging or being in a cryochamber for a few minutes. Some studies have found that cold showers are a legitimate form of cryotherapy, provided the water temperature can be between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Some experts believe that cold showers fall under the cold water immersion umbrella.

Getting in a cold shower will have a similar effect to entering a cold lake, ocean, or pool. You don’t get cold as quickly as if you were to enter a cold plunge, but you can still reap some benefits. The last thing to remember is to have access to a heat source after stepping out of the cold shower, so that you can bring up the body’s core temperature to normal range. If you don’t bring core temperature back up after any type of cold immersion therapy, you increase the risk of hypothermia. 

How Long Do You Remain In The Cold Shower?

Typically, you remain in a cold plunge or cryochamber for three minutes. Since a shower does not get as cold, how long do you stand in the water? One study found that 10 minutes of cold exposure can aid muscle recovery, but that’s a long time to just let water run. If you want to reap the brain boosting benefits, the study found that you may only need five minutes or less in the cold. Other research says that two to three minutes of cold exposure is sufficient. Start off with less time in the cold and gradually increase the time.

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A significant number of women belong to the status of menopause and beyond. For this reason, a lot of research goes into developing the best comprehensive health program for them, including exercise, lifestyle modifications, and dietary recommendations. Exercise is integral to staying healthy during menopause, as it can help maintain muscle and bone mass.

The best exercise program for menopausal women includes aerobic activity, strength training, and balance exercise. Aim for at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderately-intense physical activity per week. Other exercises, such as deep breathing, yoga, and stretching, can help menopausal women manage stress, which can help mitigate the symptoms of menopause. Exercise just happens to be one of the most powerful mitigators. 

Before we detail the best tips for exercising during menopause, keep in mind that everyone is different. One exercise program may work for some, but not others. Find a routine that feels good for your body as you jump-start a more active menopausal lifestyle. 

Start Slow

It is never too late and it is never a bad idea to start an exercise program. A 20-minute walk around the neighborhood is a great place to start. The key to exercising is to start slow and gradually increase both the time and intensity of your workouts. Again, start with 10- or 20-minute workouts twice a week and build from there. Building the exercise habit and enjoying the activity is more important than you realize. 

Train Balance And Stability

According to a review from 2023, balance is just as important as strength training if you want to reduce your risk of falls. Taking a tumble can be more serious in your later years, with around 20% of falls in older adults having serious effects, such as fracture or head injury. Such an injury in your older years can decrease your ability to live independently. That is why fitness experts encourage balance training, such as standing on one foot while brushing your teeth. Yoga and Pilates can go a long way in strengthening your core and improving flexibility and balance.

Focus On Building Muscle

Strengthening your muscles is just as important as enhancing balance, stability, and flexibility. After menopause, you may be at an increased risk for fractures and osteoporosis, primarily because o f bone loss and weight gain in the belly area. The goal should be to both build and preserve lean muscles mass and maintain bone health. The primary exercises that aid everyday habits include squats, hinge movements (glute bridges or deadlifts), lunges, pushes (push-ups or overhead presses), carries (farmer’s walk), and pulls (rows or pull-ups). If you are unfamiliar with strength training, it can be beneficial to get a personal trainer for a few sessions to learn how to correctly do the exercises. Then you can engage in various workouts on your own.

Prioritize Recovery

The work you do after your workouts is equally as important as the workouts themselves. Proper recovery is necessary for your body to function at its best, no matter where you are at in life. After an exhausting workout, you may find that you require more time to recover than you did 10 years prior. Recovery is different for many people. One person may require one or two days off between workouts, while another person may just need some stretching to get a good night’s rest. 

Your diet also plays a role in your ability to recover after exercising. Consuming sufficient protein is necessary if you work out regularly because it helps maintain muscle mass. Giving the body amino acids can help repair and rebuild your muscles. Aim to consume about five to six-and-a-half ounces of protein per day from various sources to give your muscles essential amino acids and other nutrients necessary for growth. Scatter your protein sources throughout the day for best results. 

Take Your Cardio Up A Notch

According to research, people who have higher estrogen levels have a lower risk of developing heart disease than those who have lower levels. Estrogen levels decline during menopause, meaning your protection against heart disease does as well. Women who exit menopause have a higher risk of developing heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and heart failure than their younger counterparts. Studies suggest that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) are your best bets during menopause. During these workouts, you increase your rate to its upper levels and then recover during rest periods. That increases your ability to work and recover at healthier levels. It also helps to enhance your endurance!

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This spinach, banana, and almond butter smoothie tastes like it was made for a superhero. Although it doesn’t give you the ability to fly or superman-like strength, it does supercharge your body with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and more. Spinach, although it colors the smoothie green, takes a back seat to the sweetness of the banana and nuttiness of the almond butter. There’s no way to be sure, but legend has it that your taste buds do a little dance after every slurp because the smoothie is that tasty! The almond butter really adds that extra oomph of flavor, so much so that you’ll be slurping it down faster than you can say “superfood.”

Where do we begin in regards to the health benefits? This smoothie is like a professional shot to the liver, but in the best way possible. Spinach is full of iron and fiber, which works to keep you satiated and fuller for longer. Bananas offer a lot of a potassium, which not only works to keep sodium levels down, but also aids muscle recovery. The almond butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, not to mention nutty goodness. When you add all of those ingredients together, even though it isn’t the longest list of ingredients, you end up with a tasty, nutritious smoothie. One glass may even have you feeling like Popeye! Just be sure to brush your teeth after because you don’t want to walk around with spinach in your teeth all day.

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For many years, people have either suspected or known that health of the body is influenced by that of the mind. You may say, “My heart hurts,” after a breakup because the intense emotions cause you physical pain. On the other hand, a feeling of elation may boost energy levels and reduce your need for caffeine. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) states that emotions are subject to mental reactions that involve physical and behavioral responses. In simpler terms, your emotions can influence the body, mind, and even your actions. You experience a variety of emotions daily, so knowing what they are, why you feel them, and how they affect you can help you better understand how they influence your overall health. 

Types Of Emotions

Mental health experts suggest that emotions fall into two categories: basic emotions and complex emotions. Basic emotions are revealed by recognizable facial expressions and happen automatically. Such emotions include:

• Sadness
• Fear
• Surprise
• Joy
• Disgust
• Anger

Those emotions are intertwined with human behavior and present from birth. Complex emotions, on the other hand, are not universal and do not have such recognizable facial expressions associated with them. These complex emotions include:

• Envy
• Love
• Grief
• Gratitude
• Worry
• Pride
• Regret
• Embarrassment
• Jealousy

There are many more complex emotions that are not on the above list. The APA suggests that complex emotions are typically the result of two or more emotions. Hate, for example, could be a combination of jealousy, disgust, and anger. Once again, these complex emotions do not have the same facial tells as basic emotions. 

How Emotions Affect Your Physical Health

According to research, there is a link between positive emotions and physical health. In fact, people with a more positive outlook on life tend to have lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Additionally, they have a reduced risk of heart disease, but researchers don’t fully understand if positive emotions lead to better health or if being in good health contributes to positive emotions. For now, experts theorize that a combination of both factors are at play. 

Some evidence shows that experiencing positive emotions can affect recovery from an injury or sickness. One study found that having a positive outlook influenced how quickly participants got better, noting that positivity even impacted survival rates. Negative emotions, on the other hand, have an association with negative health issues or symptoms. People who cannot successfully manage emotions may live with stress, or have a higher likelihood of other health complications. 

How Emotions Affect Your Mental Health

When trying to assess how emotions affect your mental health, you have to first establish if the emotions are “bad” or negative. Negative emotions usually indicate a problem that requires your attention. If you struggle to manage those negative emotions, or simply attempt to ignore them when they arise, they can negatively affect your mental health. If you bottle these emotions up for too long, such as chronic anger, fear, or sadness, your risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse increases. 

If you are able to recognize negative emotions for what they are and learn to manage those feelings, you can move beyond them and develop resilience. Resilient people tend to move past negativity and usually have more positive emotions. In fact, they usually learn to find meaning in their life, even when it gets hard. That doesn’t mean they are free of negative emotions; rather, they recognize those feelings, deal with the issues, and do their best to change their outlook on life. 

Although research indicates a link between optimism and hope and better health, constant positive thinking can damage your mental health. There is such a thing as toxic positivity, which leads to unreal expectations and an inability to feel negative emotions. When you consider your emotions, aim to strike a balance between the positive and negative ones. Negative emotions serve their purpose as much as the positive ones do, but just remember that you have to be negative all the time. Just remember to feel emotions as they come and recognize why you’re feeling them!

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When you think of an ideal location for the best sleep possible, a hospital never crosses your mind. The bright neon lights, the strange smells and noises, and, most importantly, the bed is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. The sheets are scratchy and your reason for being in the hospital often gets in the way of optimal sleep. Although you won’t get the best rest of your life in a hospital, there are a few tips to help you catch some quality shut-eye. 

Why Good Sleep Matters

You know how much better it feels to wake up after a night of sound sleep than after a night of tossing and turning. Health experts understand the link between sleep and recovery, and that’s especially true if you are in the hospital. If you are in the hospital, you are most likely sick or in pain. Since the body is under a lot of stress, quality sleep can help accelerate recovery, and lack of sleep will only make your issues worse. According to sleep experts, quality sleep aids your recover in the following ways:

• Reduces stress hormone levels and increases alertness and energy.
• Decreases inflammation, which helps your tissues heal faster.
• Supports the immune system by allowing the body to produce antibodies, which the body produces less of when sleep is less than great.
• Improves your body’s ability to metabolize sugar. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can get in the way of the body’s recovery, according to researchers. 

All that is to say that sleep matters a great deal for your immune system and overall healing. Sleep during a hospital stay is integral for recovery, especially for older adults, because lack of sleep contributes to delirium. Without sufficient deep sleep, the brain cannot properly get rid of toxic metabolites, which leads to disorientation and agitation. That’s why experts have detailed the following tips for better sleep during your hospital stay. 

Stay Consistent With Your Sleep Schedule

Ideally, replicate the same schedule you have at home during your hospital stay, or as close as you can. Avoid big meals close to bedtime and skip alcohol and caffeinated beverages in the evening. If you turn off screens at 9 p.m. and read for another 30 minutes to aid sleep, maintain this practice. Be consistent with any routines you may have, and that includes waking up at your usual time as well. 

Be Active During The Day (If Possible)

This will all depend on why you are in the hospital and your overall ability to engage in light exercise. Remaining in your bed all day leads to poor sleep, and experts agree on the sentiment that being vertical by day leads to better sleep horizontally at night. Try to get out of bed as much as possible and move around to the best of your ability. If you cannot get out of bed, change the incline of the bed to be in a seated position. You can also engage in chair exercises, which you can learn more about by clicking here. Lastly, take care not to nap too much because excessive napping makes it harder to fall asleep at night.

Reduce Sound And Light At Night

In a hospital, it is very unlikely that you can replicate the blackout curtains and quiet comfort of your bedroom. Cover your eyes with a sleep mask to establish darkness and use ear plugs or headphones to help block out sound. You can also use a white noise machine, or an app on your phone if you are unable to bring your sleep machine from home. Try to avoid bright blue light from screens, especially an hour before you go to sleep. 

Request Comfortable Items

If you can boost your comfort, why not? If you cannot bring a pillow or your cozy blanket from home, you can ask for extra pillows or blankets to make your bed more comfortable. You can also request to move to a room without a roommate if yours is disruptive. 

Check Your Hospital’s Sleep Protocols

If you have to spend the night in the hospital, you may be woken up several times. Phlebotomists, for example, usually collect blood from patients at 4 a.m., so that labs are ready when physicians make their rounds. Nurses may stop by once or twice to check your blood pressure as well. None of that is conducive to a good night’s sleep! Researchers note that taking vitals from every hospitalized patient every four hours may not be necessary. It is better to talk with your doctors and nurses to contribute to better sleep. For example, you can ask for your blood to be drawn during waking hours, and whether you need overnight vitals. If they must wake you during the night, ask to have everything done at once. That will lead to fewer nighttime disturbances and better sleep. 

Get Light During The Day

Exposing yourself to natural light during the day can help the body better prepare for sleep at night. Open your blinds during the day and engage in light exercise if possible. Depending on your room setup, that may or may not be possible. Just remember that natural light in the day and darkness at night is beneficial for your circadian rhythm.

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When you come down with a cold, your first thought is that you wish it could go away immediately. A virus drains your body and it seems like you blow your nose for hours, yet you still see mucus in the tissues. Perhaps you rely on a few strategies when you feel sick, and it usually stems from advice that your parents, grandparents, or other wise people gave you as a child. 

The unfortunate reality is that a lot of the old common cold advice you hold near and dear to your heart is usually more myth than fact. There is no sense in faulting the people who gave you this old folk wisdom, but you can learn to separate fact from fiction in this article. Read on to learn about some of the most common myths about catching or recovering from the common cold. We’ll also provide the real facts from health experts. 

Myth: Feed A Cold And Starve A Fever

The fact of the matter is that you need to rest and hydrate when you fall ill. If you don’t have an appetite or you have a fever, continue to replenish the body with fluids, including water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages. Soups are easily digestible and can also aid your hydration efforts. They also provide essential nutrients, and that warmth can aid your recovery efforts. 

Myth: More Dairy Means More Mucus

According to health experts, dairy can make mucus thicker and it may upset your stomach, especially if you’re running a fever. Dairy doesn’t necessarily increase mucus, though. If you are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy products, it may not be a conducive food to your recovery. Enjoying frozen yogurt or a frozen dairy product while sick may help some and harm others. This varies from person to person.

Myth: Antibiotics Treat A Cold

Researchers note that antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, and colds result from viruses, according to physicians. Antibiotics work by killing or slowing the growth of all bacteria, both good and bad. They can treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, or bronchitis. They cannot, however, cure viral infections. In fact, they can actually cause dangerous antibiotic resistance if you use them too often or incorrectly.

Myth: Your Cold Isn’t Contagious Unless You Have A Fever

You don’t have to have a fever to pass your cold to other people. That means that you have very few symptoms and be very contagious. People became hyper aware of that during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people contracted that virus and were asymptomatic. A cold can be dangerous a day before the onset of symptoms. Colds are usually the most contagious in the first four days after symptoms start. Although viruses can remain in the body for weeks after symptoms end, the chance of spreading infection lessens as time passes.

Myth: You Can’t Do Much To Prevent Colds

Do you gargle salt water, use a Neti Pot, or drink lots of fluids when you have a cold? Although these efforts may not prevent you from getting sick, they may help reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms. If you want to prevent colds, you have to take extra precautions against everything. Experts suggest that you wash hands with soap frequently, stay hydrated, get sufficient sleep, avoid other sick people, eat a balanced diet, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces. Taking these extra precautions can help keep you healthy during cold and flu season.

Myth: You’ll Catch A Cold If You Go Outside With Wet Hair

This old gem still gets passed around like a bad game of telephone. Going outside with wet hair will make you feel cold, but it won’t cause sickness or a cold. Health experts explain that viruses and bacteria cause illnesses, usually when you are in close contact with another sick person. If you live in a colder climate, take extra care to wear warm clothing to protect against the weather. There’s no need to get frostbite, people!

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You can try your best, but you may not be able to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season. Viruses are exchanged more frequently than gifts at a white elephant party, and they don’t discriminate between healthy and unhealthy people. Plus, viruses easily spread via droplets in the air from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, or even talk. And viruses spread easily in indoor, warm environments, where people spend a lot of their time during the colder months. 

Flu season runs through fall, winter, and even into spring. Typically, infection rates are highest between December and February, so you have to put up your best defenses. Prevention is key, so taking care of yourself and monitoring symptoms, as minor as they may be, can help you reduce your risk of illness. Eat right, exercise regularly, sleep well, and make sure to reduce stress to help prevent illness. Should you come down with the flu and need assistance with quicker recovery, the following natural remedies may actually work, according to experts.

Gargle With Salt For Sore Throat

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book of natural remedies to soothe a sore throat. If your throat feels scratchy, gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation and loosen mucus in the throat. That can help clear out irritants and other germs. Dissolve some salt in warm water until you do not see salt granules in the cup. Little by little, gargle with the salt water and then spit it out until you finish the cup. 

Clear Congestion With A Neti Pot

It is irritating and frustrating when you are stuffed up, have a runny nose, and feel like you can’t go a second without blowing your nose. When you are in this situation, or even before you reach this state of sickness, flush out your sinuses with a nasal rinse. Place a saline solution in a Neti Pot and carefully follow instructions for safe usage. There are many tutorials and videos on how to properly use a Neti Pot and how to make the saline rinse. Use properly and safely to avoid any complications. 

Consider Elderberry

More and more research continues to reveal the immune-boosting properties of elderberries. It is available in syrup, pill, powder, and extract form in most pharmacies and major retailers. Researchers theorize that elderberry can block HA glycoprotein spikes on influenza viruses, which may prevent the viruses from duplicating. Elderberry may also enhance the function of cytokines, which are immune proteins that may help fight inflammation. A 2021 research article reviewed 1,200 records of elderberry treatment on prevention of viral respiratory illness. The conclusion was that elderberry may be a safe option, but more evidence is needed to determine if it is a viable treatment option for everyone.

Drink Water And Herbal Teas

If you come down with the flu, one of your main goals is to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. The immune system requires water to do its job properly, so replenishing the body with hydrating fluids may enhance immunity. Health experts also encourage you to drink herbal teas, some of which exhibit powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel, thyme, chamomile, turmeric, ginger, and pennyroyal teas are excellent to consume if you have the flu. 

Sleep Your Flu Away

Accelerate your recovery process by taking the time to sleep your flu symptoms away. Pulmonary specialists agree that sleep strengthens the immune system, which is why sleeping helps you feel better when you are sick. That also explains why you don’t want to do anything else but sleep when you are sick! Sleep as much as you can and avoid contact with others until you have been fever-free for 24-48 hours. If you have a runny nose, place an extra pillow under your head to help your sinuses drain while you rest. 

Take Some Steamy Showers

Taking a warm bath or enjoying a steamy shower can help reduce irritation in the nasal passages or throat. Additionally, doing so may help clear mucus from these areas. You can enhance the effects of steam by dropping some eucalyptus essential oil droplets in your shower or bathtub. If the flu makes you feel lightheaded when you stand up, opt to take a soothing bath instead of a steamy shower.

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Shopping during the holidays is no easy feat, especially if you brave crowded malls to handpick items. Online shopping is so readily available and easy, making it a much less stressful experience. Regardless of how you do your holiday shopping, it is fun to do, especially if your entire mission is to show people how much you love them. 

Gone are the days of just giving gifts to give them. Thoughtful, personal, and practical gifts are much more appreciated by the receiver. And the great thing about a gift that fits in these categories is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many useful or meaningful gifts that are budget-friendly. You may or may not have some of these gifts in mind for certain loved ones, but we’re here to help in case you don’t. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for others, or yourself, by exploring the following list of healthy gift ideas. 

Mental Health Gifts

A Subscription To Mindfulness Apps

If you know that someone struggles with their mental health, consider giving them an entire year of pick-me-ups. There are many apps that offer various services, including meditation, breath work, workouts, and morning motivation. The person you give it to may indulge in a one-minute deep breathing break, or a three-hour procrastinating-fighting playlist. For the person that loves breathing exercises, there are specific breath work apps that can help you harness the power of breath!

A Weighted Blanket

If you or someone you know needs a snuggly gift that boosts mental health, the weighted blanket is an excellent gift. Weighted blankets work to activate the parasympathetic nervous system by applying pressure therapy. That can help the body enter the rest-and-digest state, which helps in relieving anxiety, stress, and sleep issues. There are many weighted blankets on the market, so you may want to choose the one based on the material you or the gift receiver will enjoy.

Online Art Therapy Classes

Art therapy can have powerful mental health benefits because it provides a creative outlet for you to express your feelings and emotions. Research suggests that artistic expression is a great stress reliever and powerful way to reduce anxiety and self-worth. Give your most creative friend a subscription for an online class library, which includes various art therapy courses. If the online subscription doesn’t sound good, consider gifting some art classes at a local studio. 

Calming Gifts That Promote Recovery

Percussive Massage Gun

The great thing about percussive massage guns is that they are readily available at varying costs. You can spend anywhere from $30 to $500+ on these massage guns, just so you are aware of the range. Make sure to read reviews and see which attachments or shapes are best for your body. They provide just the right amount of pressure to help relieve muscle tension and have excellent battery lives. Consider getting a small travel-size one for someone who travels a lot.

Acupuncture Mat

This is the perfect gift for anyone who is always on their feet. An acupuncture mat is slightly cushioned with plastic spikes that target acupressure points in your feet. You can also lay on the mat on your back to help improve circulation and provide pain relief. It is foldable and easy to bring on the go if you want!

At-Home Spa Day Gifts

A Cozy Bathrobe

Treat yourself or a loved one to a five-star bathrobe that is incredibly cozy. These are perfect for at-home spa days, or just relaxing on leisurely mornings. You can even go the extra mile and have the robe embroidered with the recipient’s initials. 

A Heating Pad

Anyone who experiences regular muscle pain will appreciate this gift. A heating pad works to relax the muscles and provide relief from joint stiffness. Heat invites more blood to the area of application, which is integral for the recovery process. It can also be a great gift for anyone who experiences menstrual cramps. 

Bath Bombs

There is no reason that you need to soak in plain warm water when so many bath additions are available. Bath bombs are beautifully scented, they color the water, and help your skin feel so much better than it did before the bath. Consider getting a bath bomb set so that there are various options to choose from.

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