If you feel a little flu-ey, maybe engage in some exercise and a little meditation! Research in 2013 has revealed that preventive measures such as some daily physical activity or mindfulness meditation may be almost as effective as a flu vaccine in decreasing the risk of an acute respiratory infection.
The study’s results showed that there was a 40 to 50 percent reduction in respiratory infections when test subjects exercised or practised a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme. Those given flu vaccines only experienced a level of protection of 50 to 60 percent and only for a few strains of the flu virus.
The results were:
Data analysis showed that people in both the exercise and meditation groups had significantly fewer bouts of acute respiratory infection than those in the control group. Exercisers had fewer episodes of illness, but the infections experienced by meditation subjects were less severe and didn’t last as long. Researchers don’t yet fully know the reasons for the differences, but the findings are highly encouraging.
What do you think? Are you a regular exerciser or mindfulness practitioner who doesn’t fall ill so often? If you aren’t, would you start one or both activities to help improve your overall health?
Tell me in the comments!