Pampering Your Immune In Other Ways:

Last, but certainly not least, I feel that it’s very important to pamper your immune system in another way, different from what I’ve already mentioned.. These are, in my opinion, two of the most crucial medicines for reaching optimal health: Sleep and laughter! I gained these opinions from reading Why People Don't Heal and How They Can! Besides that, it's simply common sense. You must feel good in order to heal. Sometimes food and supplements aren’t all it takes. Last year I was accepted into a tough Interior Design program. Although I LOVE what I am studying, I was letting late nights in the studio and assignment deadlines keep me from sleeping, having fun, laughing and relaxing. In fact, I’m convinced that this stress I was experiencing may have been the cause of cervical dysplasia for me. As we know, about 80% of women come into contact with HPV at some point in their life but most immune systems throw it out, therefore, the goal is to boost your immune system to both prevent it and/or get rid of it! (Stress is notorious for downing immune systems). Since there is no way to test men for HPV, it’s nearly impossible to avoid it, unless your immune system can! 

Besides sleeping and laughing, I started exercising more and going on hikes with my pup.

I started doing yoga flow which focuses on taking even breaths and opening your body. I'm also going regularly to a restorative class that gives me time to slow down and honor my body.
I’m taking salt baths regularly followed by aroma therapy (Wyndmere Immune Support which includes Lemon, Peppermint, Niaouli, Pine, Thyme and Patchouli). 

I’ve started laying out in the sun more and soaking up that Vitamin D. 
I always have fresh flowers in my house because what we look at has such an effect on how we feel. 
I practice breathing and meditating at home before bed. Breathing is an easy way that we can lower stress and we have it available to us 24/7. Try it - take deep, long breaths in and out of your nose the next time your stressed and see the effect it has on how you feel.
I resolved the things in life that were causing underlying tension. I got in touch with an old friend who I was on bad terms with and worked things out with her. I also decided that I just wasn't going to carry any resentment or bad feelings towards anyone, any more! I sat down one night and made this decision and haven't gone back since. Life is too short to carry those negative feelings around - and so hard on your body.
I treat myself. At the end of a tough week I might go get a manicure.
I try my best to always be on time and organized because I'm stressed when I'm not. 
I also have made sure to leave time for the things I love, in the midst of all of my school work. I dance and go out to eat weekly! 

I am a big believer in massages. If you can’t afford them, ask a good friend or your mom to rub your back or just give yourself a good foot massage every once in a while. I’ve read that massages are extremely important when you’re detoxing your body and besides that, they feel great and are sure to bring happiness and relaxation into your life!

Honoring your scared moon cycle. This is a beautiful and powerful practice! Yes, I'm talking about menstruation, as a divine process. We are taught to despise it and fight it, claiming that our periods make us evil and unpleasant. What I have learned about extensively in my yoga trainings is the incredible relief we get from EMBRACING this sacred cycle. Within each month there are four phases. If we can learn to respond to each phase accordingly, we can find such peace. The first week (which begins with the day you start bleeding) should be very slow paced and relaxing. During your period, spend as much time alone as possible, allowing yourself to reflect, nurture yourself and relax. The second week (once you stop bleeding) is associated with growth and new ideas. The third week (following ovulation) is when we're at our peak energy level - powerful and connected to others. Finally, week four is the time to let go and accept change as you begin to turn your attention inward once again for menstruation. Below is a diagram I made to help me discover the relationship between these four phases and the phases of the moon.