immune (adj): protected or exempt; not affected or influenced by something
If you’ve been alive the past two years, you’re no stranger to conversations about how important it is to protect ourselves—physically, from viruses and what not—but also mentally and spiritually, from the never-ending influx of information constantly being thrown at us in any given moment. Grandma watches the news as if Jesus Himself might come on and deliver a sermon. We all scroll… and scroll… and scroll… consuming anything and everything that pops up on our feeds.
There is beauty though, in all of it. The fact that we can connect with each other in ways our ancestors never even dreamed. The speed at which we can type something into Google and get an answer to absolutely anything. It’s so vital that we focus on the beauty; focus on the good. There is always good. It’s also vital that we protect ourselves—mind, body, and spirit. As my girl Toni Jones says, “my energy is the truest wealth in existence.”
Your energy is sacred. Your body is a sacred temple. Your mind is a sacred garden. Act accordingly.
Here are 3 simple ways you can work on your Energy Budget:
Salads are not the only way to eat greens! Find ways to incorporate more plants and plant-based foods into your diet. Choose leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach) or cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower). You can also add vegetables to soups, smoothies, and my personal favorite, Buddha Bowls. Try to consume at least 5 servings of vegetables everyday. If you are someone like me who wants to get more veggies in but can’t seem to find the time—here is a helpful solution that’s helped me get back on track. You will not only strengthen your immune system and increase physical well-being, but there is also tons of research linking nutrition and mental health. Another reason to get excited about eating your greens—heart chakra boosts! Eating fruits and vegetables of all different colors can have powerful effects on the subtle energy system that runs from the base of your spine up to the crown of your head. To learn more about chakras, check out one of my favorite Spirit Science videos: Everything You Need to Know About Chakras.
One of the best ways to boost immunity is with regular exercise. The recommended time is 30 minutes a day. Exercise helps to increase blood flow, reduce stress and inflammation, and strengthen antibodies, which fight off illness. You don’t have to overdo it—too many rigorous workouts can actually weaken the immune system and leave you vulnerable to flu and viruses. Make moving your body fun again—lock yourself in your bedroom and dance to your favorite album all the way through. Play tag with the children in your life. Try a yoga class! I co-teach a free virtual yoga class on Friday mornings—it’s a great way to give yoga a try if it’s your first time or if it’s been a while (you don’t have to turn your camera on or be around people). I also still have some openings for personal training—Get Toned with Taylor. Your first session is free.
When we sleep, we allow our bodies and minds time to rest and recover. Sleep is when we repair our cells, especially our brain cells, and when we do most of our digesting and absorbing of nutrients. Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher levels of stress hormones and can cause inflammation in the body. The recommended amount is 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. To help improve sleep quality, try listening to sleep music before bed, or let it play while you sleep. Working out and utilizing herbal products with lavender and mugwort are also great ways to make it easier for your mind and body to rest. Many of us spend significant chunks of our day in fight or flight mode, making it even more critical that we rest as much as possible to allow the nervous system to rest and recover.
To your protection,
Taylor B. Johnson
P.S. Make sure you click the links next to each number for the associated bop 🎶