04/02/2020
I hope everyone is hanging in there during this time of uncertainty. Just a reminder that even though this seems like the longest snow day ever or like the movie Groundhog Day. repeating everyday of the day before that we should all still be trying our best to practice healthy lifestyle. Practicing healthy lifestyle can help boost our natural immune system so that we can possibly fight off infections and viruses. I know everyone is craving all those comfort foods that tend to be on the stove or in the oven during your snow days. There are no magic pills for this crisis but my thoughts are now is the time to eat for health. There will be plenty of time to celebrate when this is all over with your favourite casserole or baked goods. Here are some of my healthy tips and suggestions to help us get through:
1. Eat as many whole plant foods as possible- flood your body with nutrients. If you are a meat eater try eating your whole plant foods first save those animal products as more of a side dish. Now is the time to try new recipes and experiment lets get cooking those healthy dishes and crowd out those unhealthy foods. Eating plenty of Greens will help the body clear congestion and reduce mucus.
2. DITCH THE DAIRY! Just a thought Now is the time to ditch the dairy. Remember when you were young and you got a cold your parents or grandma's would say no dairy products because they make mucus. Well there is truth to that. The protein found in animal Dairy products increases inflammatory response in the lungs, and causes phlegm to thicken. COVID is a influenza type virus that causes respiratory collapse. Do what you can to reduce the mucus and congestion. DITCHING THE DAIRY and INCREASE YOUR GREENS.
3. Get plenty of sleep minimum of 8 hours. It is a known fact that people who are sleep deprived or who do not get quality sleep are more susceptible to colds and infections. Make sleep a priority, make a night time schedule or ritual. Turn electronics off 1 hour before bed, do your skin care, stretch, prayer or meditate. If you are good at falling asleep but wake up in the middle of the night evaluate what is happening before bed. Are you eating too close to bed time, Alcoholic beverages can actually disrupt your sleep so try a cup of sleepy time tea instead of a night cap too close to bedtime, turn off all electronics.
4. Movement - even though you maybe facing different feelings and emotions everyday in isolation. Somedays I am not motivated to do anything. This is the COVID Blues. Just try to keep up some kind of exercise program. You don't have to do intense workouts but walking when the weather is nice, yoga, dancing around your house. There are plenty of free YouTube video workouts and many instructors are offering classes through Zoom.
5. Keep things Light plan "Play Time". Whether its getting out the colouring books, playing board games with family members , electronic games or connecting with family and friends online via Zoom or other online video chats. Have dinner with family and friends, girls night etc via Video chat. Watch comedies or something that makes you laugh. My new addiction is TikTok I love watching those short videos and some of them had me laughing out loud!! The day can be filled with bad news updates all day. We want to know what is happening in the world but it can become overload. Limit that negative stuff and find sometime to "Play"
6. Stress Reduction - stress is just as compromising to the immune system as a poor diet. Saying that These are stressful days would be putting it mildly. So find ways to reduce your stress yoga, meditation, prayer or whatever it is for you. Find something that takes your focus off of the negative things that are happening in the world right now. Even if its only 10 mins a day.
7. Gratitude - Giving gratitude every day for even the small things will help to refocus on positive things in life.
8. Learn something new. Sign up for online cours, webinars etc. there are even plenty of classes and webinars that are free. I am always signing up for free webinars and summits, I currently have an online course I am doing, plus excited for new Food for Life classes that have been added.
9. Take this time to declutter your space. Cleaning out closets, basements and garages. There is time now for us to the things we didn't have time for even though we may not be motivated to do anything. If we schedule time every day or a few days a week just like scheduling work and social activities maybe if we put it on the calendar we will get it done.
10. Set an alarm- This is one I need to do. I found that because I have no where to be or nothing on my calendar I am sleeping in more. When I do get up my motivation level is low. So My goal from here on in is to set my alarm and put things in my agenda book. Even if it is walking the dog, laundry, movement or cleaning the fridge. We need to have a sense of daily normalcy and purpose our lives depend on it! Stay Home , Stay Safe it SAVES LIVES but Lets not fall into this dark hole called COVID-19.
