As Covid19 ravages the globe, here are some reminders for staying as well as we possibly can whilst we wait out the storm….by Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT
Nutrition
This really has to be one of the most important. If we properly nourish our bodies with plenty of natural foods; veggies, fruit, seeds, nuts, pulses and wholegrains, we’ll be packed full of sustainable energy, not the peaks and troughs experienced when bulking up on the type of empty calories found in most processed foods. So make your own – take advantage of the abundance nature provides. The more you nourish your body with good health-giving plant nutrients, the less it will crave the garbage and the more energy you will have to accomplish everything you need to – even if it is clearing out cupboards and upcycling furniture and home-schooling!
Juicing ~ is one of my favourite things to do and the kids love it too. Packing a punch with ginger and turmeric, carrot and orange immune boosting smoothies are great during times of nutritional need and packed full with beta carotene the precursor of vitamin A needed for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision to name just a few of the benefits. Green juices are also up there on my list of top-tips!
Vegetable soups ~ another great way to ensure our bodies are getting enough nourishing vitamins and bowel cleansing fibre. I love the whole process of making hot, filling ‘good for you’ soups, from buying the fresh organic produce, to chopping and slicing and adding them all to a huge pan, cooking then serving with a good sprinkling of course ground black pepper or better still, I like to grind up pepper corns in my pestle and mortar. This is one of my favourite Sunday night suppers.
Supplementation
Vitamin C ~ Abundant in many fruits and veg; a crucial nutrient. Thought to reverse skin aging, reducing cholesterol levels, boost immunity, improve heart health and so much more. There are many studies to be found that extol the health benefits of vitamin C. Deficiency is reported to have a serious detrimental effect on the body, causing symptoms like impaired immunity, gingivitis, slow wound healing and many others. On the other hand, getting enough is attributed with the benefits of warding off illness and infection and enhancing iron absorption amongst many others.
Vitamin D3 ~ vitamin D seems to be growing as a recommended supplement by GPs. Reputedly many adults are believed to be at least somewhat deficient in vitamin D, especially those who live in the northern hemisphere…and now we are all spending so much more time indoors during lock-down, there may be a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, which studies have shown may be instrumental in anxiety, weakness, fatigue, depression, trouble sleeping and a weakened immune system!
Self-Care
This seems to be a buzz-word at the moment, but I for one think it’s super that finally, pampering ourselves is accepted as a normal part of a good life / work balance and is actively encouraged. Here are a couple of things I most definitely would not be without.
Meditation ~ Again, there are numerous studies supporting the benefits of meditation not just on the mind but the body also. Slowing down and giving oneself time to switch off from normal life has a long term positive effect. I meditate every day at least once a day for 20 minutes. First thing in the morning is great before the rest of the house is awake. I’ve been practicing for many years now so can slip easily into a relaxed meditative state at will, but others find their brain ticks over too much and they can’t switch off. There are many Guided Mediation downloads out there…so anyone can have ago.
Essential Oils ~ Not just used as part of a massage regime but used every day to sustain health. I diffuse most days, inhale and rub a drop or two on my feet for quick absorption. The odd drop of orange or lemon oil in cooking is great too. The molecular structure of high grade essential oils is so tiny, that just one drop can easily travel through our circulatory system. I have read that with a simple lavender massage, a blood sample taken 20 minutes later will reveal lavender molecules present in the blood stream. Other oils that help are cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus, all used for killing bacteria so great to ward off general colds and flu.
If you do find yourself generally unwell …give in to it, we are just human after all. Take a couple of days to rest, drink honey and lemon or whatever you personally find helps, sleep, leave the cooking to someone else, leave the dust to rest….it will still be there when you feel better.
But Most OF All!
Listen to official advice; wash hands, social distance, self-isolate,
ring the helpline if you need to and STAY SAFE!