Recharging our immune systems, part two

Happy Monday! Jan here, talking about our health again.


Two weeks ago, I talked about the importance of recharging our immune systems in this time of quarantine and hyper-sensitivity to viruses. (You can read that post here.)

Today I’m continuing that post, and I can feel myself getting healthier with every word!

Remember, I am not a doctor and have no medical training whatsoever. But I am a mom, and I’ve been around for a while. Common sense and experience go a long way in uncertain times, and it is only common sense that keeping healthy is much better than trying to become healthy after an illness.

So, let’s work some more on our immune systems!

If you remember, #1 was eating healthy foods. Now on to the rest of the list:


2. Reduce as much stress as you can

Stress is a killer. It keeps us from the healthy lifestyle we need by interrupting our sleep, causing us to eat poorly, making us tired and depressed…you all know what I mean.

So how do I reduce stress? It’s hard, but these four things are a great help for me:

First, I spend time with God every day. Every day. I read and study my Bible, I pray, I sing, and I meditate. Before Sam came into our lives, I was spending an hour first thing every morning this way. Once he’s past this puppy stage, I’ll go back to my morning routine. I can’t wait! But until then, my hour comes after breakfast and before I start writing. When I miss a day, I can tell.

Second, I have learned to give God the things I can’t handle myself – which is most things. I know His plans for me and my loved ones are the best. Everything happens for my good and His glory…even if I can’t see that right now. So, I rest in His grace, love, and sovereignty. My part is to pray and listen.

Third, I plan and prepare. Believe me, our well-stocked pantry has been a real blessing these past few months, and an effective stress reducer!

But that isn’t the only way I prepare. I’m a list maker. Whenever a major event is coming up (a move, a wedding, a trip to visit relatives, planting a garden, painting the living room) I make a list of the steps I need to take from point A to point B. Having my tasks written down means I don’t need to remember them, and I’m not likely to forget anything…unless I forgot to write it on the list!

Fourth, I have a few hobbies that I love. Counted cross stitch is one, and playing the piano is another. Reading is a definite stress reducer, and so is hiking in the Hills. Other people paint, do jigsaw puzzles, color, or do genealogy. The main thing about a hobby is that it needs to occupy your mind and your time, and it needs to be enjoyable. If you find yourself stressing over your hobby, it’s time to find another one! 

3. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is so important to good health! But how much sleep do you need?

Try an experiment – for a week, go to bed at least eight or nine hours before you need to get up. Don’t set an alarm. Let yourself wake up naturally. Keep track of how long you slept each night.

For me, 7 1/2 hours is my sweet spot. If I go to bed on time (and my sleep isn’t interrupted by stress,) I wake up rested and refreshed.

If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning off the television or computer an hour before bedtime and read instead. Sometimes a cup of herbal tea is what helps me relax. Often, a game of solitaire or two (with real cards, not on the computer) will have me nodding off.

Being able to stay asleep is important, too. Until we moved to the country, we always ran a fan at night to provide white noise and air circulation. Now? Unless the temperatures are below 40°, I crack the window open. Even a quarter inch is enough to bring in fresh air and restful nighttime noises.

Sleep is the time your body needs to heal and fight off infections. Use that time well.



4. Exercise regularly, and outside if possible

Sometimes I think we were crazy for adopting two puppies at our stage of life. But without that constant (and sometimes smelly) reminder that they need to be taken out regularly, I would sit at my computer for endless hours.

Jack (the corgi) doesn’t need as much roadwork, and can get by easily with about a half-mile a day and occasional romp in the yard with Sam. 

A rare quiet moment.

But Sam the Border Collie needs to get miles under his feet before he’s able to be calm in the house. Since he’s still a puppy, I’m working his (and my!) distance up gradually. We do about a mile and a half in the morning and a half mile at noon. Throw in another mile in the evening, and I’m walking three miles a day. Even on rainy days we get in a half mile three times a day.

That’s good for me and good for Sam. It’s good exercise and it’s outside. The challenge is to find something you enjoy, someone who will make sure you do it, and strenuous enough for you to get your heart rate up a bit.

The benefits of exercise include lifting your mood, good air circulation in your lungs, and increased energy. And it’s free!



5. Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol consumption in moderation (if you drink)

I don’t have to go into the health benefits of not smoking. Whether you’re a smoker or not, you know what they are.

I see alcohol as a personal choice, but too much doesn’t do anyone any good.



6. Keep chronic conditions under control

Chronic health issues are a problem. Depending on what they are, we really don’t have much control over them. But you can learn how to alleviate the symptoms in your own body. Keeping your A1C down through diet and exercise if you’re a diabetic, being religious about avoiding gluten if you are dealing with celiac disease, and using prescribed exercises if you have joint problems are just some of the ways you can be proactive with your health and your immune system.

My only chronic problems have to do with plantar fasciitis, an inherited bunion (thank you, Grandma!) and dealing with the effects of minor injuries I sustained in a car accident years ago. I have found that wearing the right shoes the right way works wonders for my foot problems, and learning (and doing) some simple back exercises helps with the rest. Without educating myself on how to control the symptoms of my problems, I wouldn’t be able to walk three miles a day.

Everything is connected, isn’t it?



I hope I’ve encouraged you to take control of your own immune system. It is SO important to be in control rather than suffering as a victim of our own poor choices. And it’s never too late to start getting healthy! Whether we’re 17, 47, or 87, there is no better gift we can give ourselves than good health.



What are some of the ways you have changed your lifestyle for better healthy lately?

Jan Drexler is an author by day who is addicted to counted cross stitch and sauntering through the Hills with her dear husband and their puppies - goofy corgi Jack and growing-fast border collie Sam. You can find Jan's books and other fun things on her website: www.JanDrexler.com.