Boosting Immunity for Back-to-School Season: Ayurvedic Tips
As the classrooms fill up once again, parents everywhere are bracing themselves for the inevitable: the back-to-school bug season. If you are the chief medical officer of your home, you know it's that time of year when your little ones bring home more than just homework and art projects—they're also expert carriers of every germ circulating through the school halls. But fear not!
While we can't bubble-wrap our kids, there are plenty of ways to boost your family's immune system and keep those pesky illnesses at bay. To help your household stay healthy as the academic year kicks into high gear, we'll explore Ayurvedic techniques and Potion, nature's healing medicine.
Ayurvedic Immunity Booster Tips for This Academic Year
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life and well-being with a time-tested history of 5,000 years, offers a treasure trove of natural, holistic approaches to boosting immunity and vitality. Backed by modern science, it is perfectly suited for the challenges of back-to-school season!
Here are some tips to stay healthy this fall:
◗ Herbs and Spices
Herbs play a crucial role in maintaining balance and boosting immunity, according to Ayurveda. They not only add flavor to meals but also possess properties that Ayurveda believes can enhance digestion, improve circulation, and strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Among Potion's powerful herbs, Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, stands out for its remarkable benefits, particularly for children's immunity. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Amla fortifies the immune system and reduces the frequency and severity of common childhood illnesses.
Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend Amla for its ability to support respiratory health, aid in digestion, and promote overall vitality in children. Including Amla with 12 other synergistic herbs, try Potion to make a valuable addition to a child's diet for immune support!
◗ Regular Sleep Patterns
Consistency in sleep schedules helps regulate the body's internal clock. This makes it easier for children to fall asleep and wake up naturally, improving their overall sleep quality. While researchers around the globe are just beginning to explore this idea, Ayurveda has been championing it for thousands of years.
One of the keys to good health is living in nature's cycles. The Ayurvedic or circadian clock coordinates your kid's daily rhythms in molecular, physiological, and behavioral processes; it plays a specific role in synchronizing functions of the immune system, especially when there are threats of infection during a back-to-school season.
In Ayurveda, an earlier bedtime aligns with the natural rhythms of the day. The period between 6-10 PM is considered Kapha time, which is conducive to winding your kids down with the company of a warm glass of milk with tasteful Potion and preparing them for sleep in.
◗ Optimizing Their Diet
Heavy meals right before bedtime can lead to discomfort and indigestion, making it hard for little ones to drift off to dreamland. Instead, opt for light and soothing options like warm soups, steamed veggies, or easily digestible grains such as rice or quinoa. These choices are not only gentle on the stomach but also can help promote a restful night's sleep. For an extra immunity boost, try adding a dropper of Potion to your meals!
Focusing on how and why you eat is just as important as what you eat! Mindful eating encourages kids to tune into their physical sensations, helping them better digest their food and become more aware of their hunger and fullness cues.
◗ Stress Management
Keeping stress in check is super important for your little ones, especially when they're heading back to school. Today's kids exhibit elevated levels of restlessness and stress; it's not surprising that the latest studies demonstrate that: 'Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety or depression' increased from 5.4% to 8.4% among children aged 6-17 in the US in the last five years.
Meditation spaces, which are being used in some schools in the US to help deal with their youth problems instead of punishing disruptive kids or sending them to the Head's office, set a great example, and it's had wonderful results! Misbehaving kids are encouraged to sit in the room and go through practices like breathing or meditation, helping them calm down and re-center, they are guided and taught these skills.
We expect our kids to acknowledge and control their feelings, yet only a small percentage of parents teach their kids how to meditate. To introduce your kids to mindfulness, try Potion's Ritual with your kids!
◗ Stretching and Yoga
Stretching and yoga can be super beneficial for kids, especially during the back-to-school season. They help kids relax and shake off stress while giving their bodies a flexibility and strength boost. Plus, it's like a secret weapon for better focus and concentration in class. Additionally, yoga promotes healthy circulation and breath work, which are essential for overall well-being. These practices not only support physical health but also improve oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity and energy levels throughout the day.
Remember, boosting immunity isn't just about avoiding illness—it's about nurturing overall well-being, from establishing consistent sleep routines and managing stress to incorporating immune-boosting herbs and spices into their diet and staying active. Each step we take contributes to our children's vitality and resilience. And when you need an extra boost, Potion's Immunity Potion stands ready as your ally.
Want to learn more? Here's our Parent's Guide to Ayurveda for Kids
