7 Ways To Keep Yourself Healthy for the COVID Vaccine
Planning to get a vaccine for COVID-19? If so, you’re making a big investment in your own health and the health of your community. It’s exciting to think about the prospect of safely being able to gather again with friends, coworkers, and loved ones. Concerts, vacations, and other close-proximity gatherings will become more frequent and carefree once the population reaches herd immunity. Vaccines will play a significant role. You might be wondering how you can best support your well-being before, during, and after the vaccination process. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Know Your Limits
This is crucial: Before, during, and after your vaccination(s), get familiar with the guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The information there will help you be confident about your choices and identify effective ways to take care of yourself and others — and it’s an engaging, user-friendly read, too. Share the website with friends and family so they can make good decisions for themselves, too. Bookmark the sections you read the most, as they are updated regularly.
2. Know Your Nutrition
Take sensible measures to maximize your nutrition. Eat as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible, and limit your intake of sugar. Be sure you get the right quantities of protein and vegetables for your age, stage, and body type; this is when advice from a trusted health practitioner can come in handy. Anti-inflammatory foods are generally beneficial, and a healthy microbiome supports immunity. Wanting to find out more about foods that enhance your overall wellness? Do a search for red superfood to check out some great nutritional options.
3. Know Your History
Be well-informed and up-to-date on your medical history before getting your vaccination, especially if you have any history of vaccine allergy. This might affect the setting where you take the vaccine or the type of vaccine you choose. It’s also a good way to connect with your medical providers and get your records in order so you receive well-informed medical care as time goes on.
4. Know Your Medications
In addition to your general medical history, take stock of your medications (both prescription and non-prescription), and get educated about best practices for taking them while going through the vaccine process. Check with your physician if you have questions or concerns. On the whole, there are few contraindications but it’s helpful to be aware of potential interactions.
5. Hydrate
Drinking plenty of fresh, filtered water helps all of your body’s functions operate more efficiently — and it simply makes you feel better! Approximately half your body weight in ounces is the usual recommendation. Before, during, and after your vaccine(s), maintain your water intake and be sure to get sufficient electrolytes as well.
6. Rest
Individual responses vary after the COVID-19 vaccine, but however your body responds, rest will help you recover and feel your best. In fact, regularly prioritizing your sleep and rest will strengthen your immune system, improve your mental health, and help energize all of your days. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your vitality and longevity. Take time to evaluate your sleep habits. Making small changes (like limiting your screen time before bedtime and keeping a regular sleep schedule) will result in big gains.
7. Move
Having a solid routine of moderate exercise and functional movement in place before you receive your vaccine(s) is a great way to feel strong, positive, and resilient as your immune system ramps up to fight the COVID-19 virus. Around the time that you actually get the shot(s), listen to your body and move gently/rest within your individual capacity. It’s a wise thing to do under any circumstance, but especially important during the vaccine process.
Keeping yourself healthy for the COVID-19 vaccine requires maintaining common sense habits and staying mindful of how your body feels. Try these simple suggestions to feel strong, optimistic, and resilient.
