Finding your Health Compass through COVID-19
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has affected virtually every aspect of society on a global scale. We have been left without a roadmap for how life is and what it will be like for the future. In times of uncertainty you may be are wondering WHAT can I control?
Although you can’t control the spread of the virus except to shelter at home, you can control your lifestyle habits which can create the grounding you need.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits states:
When you feel overwhelmed, practice a minute of mindfulness or deep breathing.When the world seems uncontrollable, focus on what you can control. The truth is everyone is building new habits right now. Whenever there is a big change in your environment there will be a big change in your behavior. In times of uncertainty, your habits can ground you.
So how you use this time to keep yourself strong and healthy at home? Here’s 4 of my Life Style Solutions to help during this unprecedented time.
Keep to your clean eating regime. Now is not the time for comfort food as you need your immune system to stay strong. Extra carbs and sugars depress your immunity, besides increasing insulin resistance and inflammation. Keep to protein and good fats at each meal along with as many colored veggies as possible. This combination will help gut health which increases immunity and metabolism. Since the gut is the largest organ in your body at least 25% of your immune cells live there. In addition, 90% of serotonin is made in the gut so if you your diet is not optimal, your mood will suffer.
Include some immune enhancers. You’ve probably heard of some of these but here’s my list:Â Vitamin D3 which is commonly known as the antibiotic vitamin, buffered vitamin C, Zinc, Coenzyme Q10, a strong probiotic (50-100 billion) and oil of oregano (an antibacterial).? Normally most of these are not essential but a virus of this measure calls for extra support. Amounts vary based on your age, genetics and level of health.
Spend time in Nature with Activity. Although you can’t go to the gym, you can get outside and get some fresh air (with care for social distancing) to help with stress, besides a dopamine and metabolism boost. A good walk can do a world of good and your dog wouldn’t mind the extra steps as well.
Use this time to get some rest. In our fast-paced world sleep is usually one of the first things to go. Since we are stuck at home, why not sleep in, get the REM sleep your body craves and help your metabolism, inflammation and immunity all at the same time.
Although we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we can prioritize our health as we continue to adjust our daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s continue to be kind, generous and patient with ourselves and our loved ones and realize we will get through this together, stronger, and healthier on the other side.
March 21, 2020 @ 7:24 am
Hi Susan….Eric and Carol Gobler here. We are sheltering in place at the bunkhouse in MH for the weekend. The cabin has been torn down, but now they tell us the new construction can?t proceed until all this is over and the workers can return. Talk about stressful. I already miss my little cabin! Your message today was wonderful and helpful. Thank you. I?ll take this down time to read everything you have on your website.
March 21, 2020 @ 1:34 pm
Thank you Carol – HOW lovely to hear from you!!