Hardening as a way to improve immunity and better blood circulation

Michaela Srpová

The everyday comfort of a roof over your head, running hot water and a pleasantly warm home in winter constantly pampers and pampers you. If it is then unexpectedly exposed to conditions beyond the set optimum for a short time, for example when stepping on a frozen bus stop, the immune system receives a blow. The most common cause of colds is rhinovirus infection. This will allow the weakening of the organism, which can occur, for example, due to hypothermia. By hardening, the body gets used to the discomfort and its immune system is able to defend itself against the virus for longer.

So how to properly strengthen the immune system?

Preventive strengthening of the immune system is really the easiest solution so far. It is not only a matter of taking a regular shower with cold water, but also regular movement in the fresh air throughout the year. Not everyone has the physical disposition and desire to go snorkeling among the ice floes. However, the practice of hardening and vascular gymnastics also includes saunas or a number of classic hydrotherapy procedures.

How to get the courage to start?

The hardening method is simple. It is about exposing the body to sub-optimal conditions for a short time. At home, a cold shower is the best choice. But it is necessary not to rush. It's not worth getting hardened in a shock and one-time fashion. In the beginning, it will surely be enough if you treat yourself to a short stay in lukewarm water towards the end of your morning hygiene, which you only add cold water to after a few repetitions.

For now, you're just getting used to it. After one or two weeks, it is advisable to stop saving: cold (not ice) water will no longer represent such a trauma for your organism. Turn the faucet, take a deep breath and count to fifty for starters. With each subsequent shower, stretch this refreshing peel for ten seconds. And only when you get two cold minutes, you need to start working on other elements of hardening.

Some tips for hardening:

-It is not advisable to harden immediately after sports performance. Throwing yourself into an ice shower is a way to catch a cold, not to strengthen your health.

-Do not wet your head while hardening under the shower. Cooling would then be too fast.

-It is advisable to shower twice as long in the morning as in the evening. It is a start to a new day when you want to stand ready on the signs.

-A shower is better than a bath. When showering, you keep moving, you don't stand in one place. Sitting in an ice bath pond does not exercise the blood vessels evenly. It's not exercise, but cooling down

-When you shower, dry yourself thoroughly with a dry towel. It's not trivial: it's a massage that circulates blood in the body and warms the skin.

-When water comes into contact with the body, it dissipates heat twenty times faster than cold air. This gives you effective control over the entire process.

-You should definitely not toughen up if you are sick. This would not improve your health. Forgive yourself for hardening even after consuming alcohol.

A lifestyle, not a one-time heroism

Be aware of how you heat your home and how you dress. Hardening will not have such an effect if you are constantly indulging in the tropics during the day. Also go through your diet and try to adjust it in a healthy direction. Don't forget plenty of vegetables and fruits. Make physical activities a regular part of your daily routine. Skip the elevator and try to gradually increase the length of the walking route you cover every day.

If you include some sport in your day, it will only be good. Hardening is a complex process in which you can significantly strengthen your immunity by changing your lifestyle. It is also possible to harden with the sun and air, not only with the cold. You can gradually add additional seconds and minutes under the shower. However, it is a good idea to stop at about ten minutes.

Take care of yourself<3