Ever marvel over friends, family members or colleagues who never seem
to get sick? They breeze through flu epidemics, office stomach bugs and
colds totally unscathed. It truly makes you wonder: Is there a secret
to outstanding health in the middle of the coughing, sneezing and
miserably ill masses? Absolutely. But you may be surprised as to the
reasons.
Seven compelling healthy habits
In the general scheme of life, there really isn’t a magic bullet to
great health, although there are certain habits that resilient
individuals tend to adopt. Some may be familiar, others a bit more
unexpected.
Quality rest - Robust people normally do not burn the midnight oil. Good sleep each
night is the foundation for keeping the immune system in top form. Going
to bed before 10 p.m. and eliminating exposure to light (especially
from computer screens) encourages melatonin production — fostering sound
and rejuvenating rest.
A nutrient-dense diet - Not surprisingly, those who avoid sickness almost always consume
high-quality food, rich in vitamin C and zinc. In the same way, limited
sugar intake is also common. Since refined sugar suppresses the immune
system, avoiding it makes sense. People who have strong health generally
do not live off frappuccinos or candy bars. In return, they are
rewarded with exceptional vitality.
Massage, yoga and acupressure - Stress is the bane of health which silently destroys the immune
system. Studies have shown that people who frequently get sick are often
the most stressed. Health savvy individuals realize that to maintain
well-being, stress needs to be managed. Massage is a good option. It
lowers blood pressure and anxiety — effectively reducing tension and
stress. Likewise for yoga. Acupressure is another technique known to
boost immune response. One point on the body is particularly important —
the thymus. This gland plays a crucial role in the functioning of the
immune and lymphatic systems. To stimulate, gently tap the sternum with
your index finger 50 times in the morning and evening.
Cold baths - While most of us cringe at the thought of a cold bath, especially in
the heart of winter, research confirms that an icy dip significantly
boosts the activity of white blood cells — thereby destroying invading
bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogens. Cold showers help to support
this defensive process as well. Those who are the most resilient to
illness also have a tendency to use cold water to invigorate the system.
A positive attitude - Never underestimate the power of a sunny outlook. A study at
the University of Kentucky found that participants who have an
optimistic attitude demonstrated heightened cell-mediated immunity…
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