Pandemics don't happen frequently, but when they do, they disrupt every aspect of society. We don't have anyone around who was alive during the Spanish Flu that killed more people than WWI, but we have lots of records and artifacts from that time to inform us. Of course the times are different than they were 102 years ago, but just as that generation survived and forged ahead, so will we.
Surely you have been receiving e-mails from your bank, your favorite airline, etc., regarding how they are responding to pandemic, and in the spirit of communication, I wanted you to be aware of the following updates:
1. I am available for appointments via ZOOM. Just shoot me an e-mail or text.
2. The spring RESTART and "Finally Free" Emotional Eating classes have been postponed to May.
3. I will be able to order any supplements you may need and drop ship them to you. There is an additional fee for this (per the manufacturer, not me). If you are interested, let me know.
It's hard not to feel overwhelmed by the pace of the changes and restrictions, and fear of what may lay ahead for us as a society and our families specifically, but it's important to take care of your self and your family.
What does taking care of your self look like if you are not currently ill?
1. Not worrying about what's not in your control.
2. Staying hydrated - 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day.
3. Getting a good 7 - 9 hours of sleep every night. Your brain and body need this time to detox and clean up.
4. Get some activity - even if you are at home, do what you can to move your body. Can you do isometric exercises? Push ups? Jump rope in the garage? Get out your yoga mat and stretch? Pull up an exercise video on tv or YouTube and get moving - even if it's just for a few minutes a day
5. Eat as much nourishing fresh whole food as you can. Do your best!
6. Stay in contact with your loved ones via skype, zoom, facetime, phone call, etc. Checking in with everyone is always appreciated.
7. Are you able to provide any assistance in your community? If you are on Facebook, I have seen several groups spring up around helping those in our neighborhoods who may need a meal, etc.
8. Manage your stress. This is super important and the healthy strategies are numerous. Enjoy a hot cup of tea, a long soak in the tub, a walk around the block with the dog, simply taking deep breaths stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and will calm you down.
9. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. The forecast for this week is sun (not heat), but it's better than clouds.
10. Give yourself permission to unplug from the news for awhile.
11. Consider supplementing with NAC - I am currently taking 1 per day and if I become ill, I will take 3 per day.
12. Toilet paper jokes aside, laughter is really great "medicine" Have a good laugh or two every day.
If you are ill
1. Heed DOH advice. Do NOT go in to your doctor. Call them first. Many offices are scrambling right now to set up telemedicine so you may be asked to not come it at all.
We are all in this together so please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you would like to laugh, swap recipes, talk gardening, or just check in.
