It’s that time of the year again! September is already taking us down its beaten back to school and back to work tracks. And while the year has brought unique challenges, it is essential to get back in control. We don’t have much say about whether a second COVID wave will hit us and when, but we can, in the meantime, give our immune systems a little bit of love.
Your immune system has taken a toll during lockdown. It’s time to kickstart the back to school and back to work period with new health resolutions. From getting fit and strong to managing your mental health, there’s a lot to consider when you build an immune system boosting programme. But one thing is for sure: it’ll keep your sane in those stressful times!
Improve your commute journey
The commuting journey is starting again. But if you don’t fancy the idea of joining other commuters on the bus or train with your face mask and your gloves, you may want to consider alternative routes. You can get off the train a few stops earlier to finish the journey by foot, for instance. If you live within walking distance of your office, why not start the day with an active walk rather than driving to work? For those who want to go through traffic fast, cycling is a fantastic solution. For a start, it keeps your fit and healthy, burning as much as 456 calories per 10 miles. But, cyclists are also fast on the road – compared to walkers –, which means that you don’t have to worry about long commute time. Finally, face masks and risks of contagion in public transport become a distant memory!
Give up sugar
Let’s not be shy about it. During lockdown, some of our eating habits might have relaxed a little bit. Not that biscuits and sweets have replaced the typical lunch meal, but they have provided an essential source of comfort. Granted, we all know that refined sugar is unhealthy. But the lockdown pressure called for comfort food… and cake has been a popular choice. However, you might have discovered that your love for sugar is a double-edged sword. Sure, you get the high, but then you get all the negative signs of an addiction. So, this has to stop. Banning sugar from your life is not a good idea, but getting rid of refined sugar can make a huge difference. And yes, that means waving goodbye to your favourite cookies. But hello clear mind, strong immune system, and healthy skin!
Get those late health checks
Talking about sugar, there’s a thing you need to check soon: dental health. Dental practices have been reopening to patients all over the UK, ensuring you can book a safe checkup for your teeth. Excess sugar tends to lead to plaque buildup and cavities. So, if you’ve been going heavy on the sweets during lockdown, now’s the time to get those teeth checked and cleaned professionally!
Something you may not realise, though, is that excess sugar can also affect your eyes. Indeed, sugar can increase your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can leave fatty deposit around your eyes and even create a favourable terrain for glaucoma and retina blockage. Additionally, a high-sugar diet can put you at risk of diabetes, which can dramatically increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure is known to damage the retina and affect your sight. In other words, getting your eyes checked is not optional. What if you discover that you need to change your glasses? No problem, you can follow this link to find designer’s frames at discounted prices. At least, if you’re going to wear glasses, be stylish about your eye health.
Eat your 5 a day
Did you know that many Britons struggle to eat enough fresh produce? Our inclination for carb and protein-rich meals makes it hard to get all the vitamins we need. You don’t need to transform your lifestyle, but eating your 5 a day can fuel your immune system. There are simple ways of bringing more veggies and fruit into your daily meals. You can start the day with a homemade smoothie, for instance. Preparing a salad for your lunch also keeps you fuelled with healthy nutrients.
Get more sleep
Do you find it hard to get to sleep? You need to rest for your immune system to stay healthy. But if falling asleep is an issue, it becomes crucial to transform your bedtime routine. You don’t need more than 20 minutes to help your mind and body relax before bed. Tackle the different stress triggers gradually, starting by preparing your to-do list or bag for the next day. Get the bed ready, making it comfortable and appealing. Finally, switch off with your favourite book.
Improve your posture
What does your posture have to do with your health? A bad posture leads to pain and can increase the risk of joint inflammation. You may think that you’re only sitting all day, but a staggering 73% Brits are unhappy with the way they sit. Sitting in a slouched position damages your body, putting unnecessary pressure on your anatomy.
Improve your skincare routine
Of course, everybody loves makeup. There is nothing wrong with putting some makeup on when you want to feel pretty – prettier. However, makeup is not a tool that you should use to hide skin problems. Admittedly, skin problems such as acne – maskne is the latest trend here –, dull complexion, and enlarged pores don’t burden your immune system. But they can lead to insecurities and low self-esteem, which affects your mood. Your mental health is detrimental to your immune system. As such, investing in hydrating and cleansing products that can help tackle common issues will give you the confidence you need to boost those immune defences!
Fit into those tight trousers again
The problem with loving sugar so much during lockdown is that it tends to pile up on your hips, thighs and stomach. Oops did you use to fit in those trousers? Well, not anymore! Lockdown has encouraged weight gain in the British population. While you don’t want to embark on a crash diet, reducing your calorie intake and staying active can help you fit in your pre-lockdown trousers again.
Spend more time with the people you love
While it’s not safe to be in a crowded place, you can still spend quality time with the people you’ve missed the most during lockdown. The current restrictions focus on meetings in reduced numbers – no more than 6 people – which gives you still plenty of opportunities to plan that dinner with your friends or parents. Spending quality time with the people you love gives you a little boost. It can help those with a naturally volatile mood to feel more grounded, and therefore manage their mental health more effectively.
Embrace your dreams
Last but not least, you can’t let the pandemic fear take over your life. You may not have been able to fulfil your New Year’s resolutions, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on them. Allow yourself more time – until the situation clears – to achieve your goals. You can start planning that distant trip to Asia or your future beauty salon venture. Whatever you had set out to do, you’re still allowed to dream and prepare for a safer time! It’s good for the mind.
In conclusion, we need to seize the back to school/back to work time as a fantastic health-boosting opportunity. While the pandemic fear remains real, looking after your health – mentally and physically – will keep you sane and centred in those stressful times. Create your top 10 resolutions for a post-d-pandemic world! 
