Self Care & Covid-19
Friends,
As we are faced with unprecedented challenges in regards to our global experience with this novel coronavirus, there are preventative measures in self-care, which greatly support our immune system and reduce our likelihood of becoming exposed or infected. Information on this subject changes daily, however these practices are surfacing across multiple sources as strong preventative measures.
10 Conscious Measures you can easily employ:
1- Deep & steady breathing reduces stress & boosts immunity
2- Fear not! Healthy caution coupled with positive outlook
3- Physical distancing with social connectedness
4- Drink hot liquids: Coffee, soups, teas every 20 mins
5- Gargle with an antiseptic in warm water every day
6- When returning Home Shower immediately
7- Disinfect smooth & metallic surfaces frequently
8- Do Not Smoke - this seriously compounds your lung health
9- Wash hands every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, then rinse
10- Eat fruits & veggies that are high in ZINC and Vitamin-C
Treat soar throat immediately; COVID-19 passes to lungs after 3-4 days in the throat.
We believe that conscious breathing is an important core tool that impacts every aspect of our lives. Apart from medical benefits of improved energy, lymph, blood, and oxygen circulation, breathing properly can guide us successfully into meditation and conscious awareness (Mindfulness), as well as ground us emotionally and mentally during high stress conditions. For a highly informative article on proper breathing, check out Scott Jeffery's How to Breath like a Jedi.
It is important to be well informed and take precautions when confronted with such a global health concern. There are real world implications that affect us collectively and easily move beyond our individual understanding and even our immediate personal health concerns. This is when employing Mindfulness matters most. As counter-intuitive as it may seem, adopting an attitude of gratitude and remaining focused on that which we want to bring into the world supports a healthy psyche and promotes well-being. Fear is the largest stresser in humans, and stress is linked with weak immunity. Fear is more toxic and the coronavirus itself! One of our favorite speakers on the Law of Attraction, Abraham Hicks, discusses the coronavirus.
We continue to hear and be coached on social distancing. As our good friend Dave Zaboski reminds us, really the call is for 'physical distancing'. At such a crucial time where support from our communities is important, we must find the ways to stay connected and in our modern times with phones and digital technology this can be easy. We are seeing social circles, ecstatic dances, community prayer and support meet-ups continuing on digital platforms, and we encourage this valuable support network. There are an increase of Facebook Live events which give people an opportunity to come together in a good way in different context, as well as seek support around immediate concerns.
Drinking hot liquids frequently keeps your mouth moist and washes any of the virus within your mouth into your stomach where the gastric juices neutralize it before it can move to the lungs. Gargling with warm antiseptic when you wake up will kill any virus or germs that collected during sleep when you are unable to drink hot liquids frequently. We recommend natural antiseptics like: vinegar, salt, lemon, or essential oils like oregano oil. Keep in mind that oregano oil must be extremely diluted, and is extremely effective against viral and bacterial germs, gingivitis, plaque, dry mouth, and bad breath.
When returning from any foray away from the house it is highly recommended to shower immediately. Do not sit down anywhere, resist handling groceries or supplies, and wash with hot water and soap thoroughly. This can dramatically reduce introduction of outside infection. If you have laundry machines at home it is a good practice to drop your clothes directly into the washer to avoid further handling. Wash clothes daily - detergent soap kills the virus. If you are unable to wash clothes daily, hang your used clothes in the sunlight.
UV-rays in sunlight are known to kill bacteria - this may or may not be completely true for the coronavirus, so it should not be relied on as the only measures to disinfect clothing or surfaces. However, sunlight is an important source of Vitamin-D, and there are many established benefits of sunlight for human health. So while the orders stand on physical distancing, it is important to get out of the house, breath fresh air, and get at minimal 30 minutes of sunlight per day. Wim Hof shares his phone app and perspective on his approach to the coronavirus.
If you are a smoker there is no better time to quit smoking. If you are normally exposed to second-hand smoke, distance yourself and request them to stop or - at minimal - smoke somewhere that doesn't affect anyone else. The last thing any one wants is to contract this serious respiratory virus with a set of unhealthy lungs. Smoking is often a difficult habit to break, but what better reason to commit to the decision?
Proper hand washing begins with wetting your hands and forearms; scrubbing your hands, wrists, and fingernail beds with soap for at least 20 seconds; then rinsing with hot water and using a disposable towel. We are all about sustainable and regenerative earth practices and do not normally use paper towels. If you choose to use cotton or linen towels, throw them in the wash after each use. This can greatly reduce the spread of the virus. When you are in public, use the paper towel to turn off the facet and to open the bathroom or kitchen doors.
Vitamin boosting is always recommended when we know we may be in an environment prone to flu and cold. Our immune systems are super charged when we dose ourselves with vitamin-c and zinc. Eating fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, red bell peppers, and broccoli, are well known health-boosting foods that can be used in prevention and treatment to common cold and flu viruses. Our bodies are able to process and use vitamins and minerals obtained through food more effectively than taking a pill, due to in a way that can be naturally processed. While supplements work, eating nutrient rich foods directly allows for more effective chelation (absorption) of the vitamins and minerals. Food pairing can support better absorption as well.
If you begin to have throat discomfort, feel cold- or flu-like symptoms in your throat or lymph in your neck, you should apply these counter measures vigorously. There is a 3-4 day period where the coronavirus affects the throat before moving to the lungs. Gargling and drinking hot liquids with the antiseptics mentioned, and mega dosing on immune boosting vitamins will increase your chances of keeping it out of your lungs where its worst affects are realized.
If you are diagnosed with covid-19, we are hearing from multiple reliable sources who are directly working with impacted communities, as reflected in this Forbes article, that a combination of hydroxychloroquine (sold under the brand name Plaquenil) along with the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax) are currently showing promising results in treatments. This could be helpful information to mention to one's doctor as an option. We trust research will continue to provide us with safer prevention and treatment moving forward. We are currently still offering private massage and energywork sessions, though this may change. These healing services are definitely essential to some, and we incorporate best practices to ensure our own health as well as our clients. Energywork is just as effective offered at a distance. If anyone is sick and lacks local support, please contact us and we will help deliver food and/or supplies so that you can stay quarantined in the interim. Blessings and love to all during this incredible time. Remember, we are all in this together and it shall pass.