Strengthening the immune system is an ongoing process for cancer survivors. Things such as exercise, eating well, meditation, visualization, aromatherapy and dancing help the body maintain a strong immune system and help decrease stress levels. After a cancer diagnosis, find time to quiet the mind and body for short periods as needed to release anxiety and to boost the strength of the immune system. Enjoy life to the fullest and find joy whenever possible to help the body function at its best and work to prevent diseases.
Step 1
Visualize living the life you have always dreamed of. Mentally imagining goals and dreams helps the body focus on the important priorities in life. Visualization puts the mind in a positive outlook; this is crucial to keeping the immune system strong. Banish negative thoughts and fill the mind with positive visualizations that depict a pleasurable and strong future.
Step 2
Eat foods containing the B vitamins to help the body to maintain a strong immune system. They work to decrease stress and calm the body. The B3 in tuna, salmon and mushrooms can help the immune system. The B6 in bell peppers, bananas, spinach and grains can soothe anxiety, which helps keep the immune system functioning smoothly.
Step 3
Avoid intake of caffeine, cigarettes, soda, white sugar and alcohol. These items can impair function of the immune system and are detrimental to overall health. Add foods that boost the immune system such as yogurt with live cultures, oranges, dark green vegetables, garlic, green tea, carrots, broccoli, spinach and mushrooms. Foods that contain omega-3 also help the function of the immune system are salmon, herring, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, hazel nuts and almonds.
Step 4
Use aromatherapy as a tool to help decrease stress to help the body maintain a strong immune system. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oils in a bath or on a pillow before bed to help suffuse the area with scent and relax the body. Create scent sachets by sewing some natural fabric such as cotton or linen in a square shape and stuffing it with dried lavender or rose petals. A bowl of dried flowers such as roses smells great and adds a nice focal point to a room.
Step 5
Meditate to help the mind and body relax and decrease stress. Regular meditation will help the body learn how to stay calm under stress. This works to help the immune system stay strong to ward off disease. Even just 15 to 30 minutes of meditation a week will help the body release anxiety.
Step 6
Work in the garden to help release stress, calm the body and raise serotonin levels. It provides a sense of accomplishment to see seeds develop into plants, flowers and vegetables. Gardening also is a way to get exercise because the body is in motion. Once the garden is in full bloom, it is also relaxing to wander the grounds and see the plants.
Step 7
Dancing is a great way to achieve a joyful mood. The rhythm of the music helps the mind release stress. Rhythmic movements of the body help enliven the mood. Putting on some favorite tunes and dancing help the mind forget troubles and focus on fun.
Things You'll Need
- Exercise clothing
- Gardening tools
- Essential oils and dried flowers
- Foods containing vitamins B3, B6 and omega-3
- Music
