As someone who regularly interacts with the public (in my clinic) and travels the continent to teach groups of people, I’ve had to think a lot about the Coronavirus. I’m often asked my opinion and “What to do?”
So, I thought I would share ‘how I’m doing it’.
I’m taking care of myself.
* First off, I’ve stopped reading articles and social media posts on the topic (most of which just say the same thing). They are way too fear-based for me. I know that operating from fear releases a cascade of harmful chemicals in my body that will interfere with my immune system’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria. And right now, I need to focus on maintaining a strong immune system. That is my main defense. People with strong immune systems are experiencing very mild symptoms from the Coronavirus.
* To start my days calmly, I meditate, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
* I start the day with a positive attitude, believing in the health of my mind and body to take care of me.
* As a way to manage stress, I make sure to spend a few moments throughout the day taking deep, slow breaths. Intentional breathing calms the mind, which strengthens the immune system.
* I’m making sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep boosts T-cells which helps fight viruses.
* I’m staying mindful of my eating choices. It’s too easy in a time of unrest to resort to high sugar, empty calories to get an immediate hit of feel-good hormones – however, in times like this, what my body needs most is healthy phytonutrients found in organic fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
* I’m staying away from alcohol, too.
* Stimulating my lymphatic system by working the lymph reflexes of my feet in bed each night and dry skin-brushing before my evening shower.
* Moving every day. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a little yoga, lifting a few weights – something to move the lymph, boost immunity and keep the stress level down.
Preventative Measures
* Number 1: I’m washing my hands more and for a longer time. Happy birthday to me – twice.
* Doing my best to keep my hands away from my eyes, nose, and mouth.
* I keep a hand sanitizer in my car to use after touching items in public places. I like to make my own sanitizer since I find the alcohol-based ones too harsh on my skin to be using numbers of times a day. Those made with witch hazel have been shown to be just about as good. I make one with 3 ounces of witch hazel, 1 ounce of aloe vera gel and about 30 to 40 drops of essential oils. My go-to anti-viral oils are Tea tree, cinnamon, clove, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiata.
* I’m taking the following supplements: 1000 mg. Vitamin C and an anti-viral tincture. Some of the herbs known to be anti-viral are ashwagandha, oregano, olive leaf, elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus.
* I have zinc lozenges on hand if I do start to feel any symptoms as well as an oregano throat spray.
* I’m also using a product called Xlear every morning and night. It’s a saline nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract and xylitol in it that cleans, moisturizes and soothes the sinus tissues. (Great for respiratory allergies, too.)
* Keeping my distance. No handshaking. (Did you see my video post on Facebook of the ‘reflexology-shake’?)
* Except for my upcoming teaching engagements, avoiding crowds.
* Using knuckles, elbows, fists, and hips to touch and/or open things as much as I can.
* Using disinfecting wipes on surfaces such as grocery store carts, gas station pumps, my car’s steering wheel (and other surfaces I touch in my car a lot), as well as wiping my cell phone and laptop keyboard. I make a point of going around my clinic a few times a day and wiping down all door handles, sink faucets, light switches – anything that gets touched a lot by my clinic mate, clients and/or me.
The above all done and in practice, I’m just putting it all out of my mind. I’m staying focused on knowing that I am healthy and strong.
Importantly, if I do feel like I’m coming down with something, I will take to my bed. I will not go out and infect others. I will catch this bug as soon as I can and spend the two weeks of quarantine enjoying my home. My freezer is stocked and I know friends would gladly deposit healthy food on my porch should I ask. And I have a stack of books just begging to be read!
Good luck ,very good strategy… I feel I am well informed.Thank you.
I think the key is not to panic, and to make smart choices. That’s all. Glad you enjoyed, Gaye.
I really embrace your article. I think its at the individual level to take good care of yourself and get over this.
Thank you, Karen!
I feel like I just got “permission” to take care of myself the way I recommend my clients to take care of themselves.
Thank you for the validation and the permission ❤️
Tanya Boehland
Fargo, ND
YES! Take care of yourself, Tanya. How else could you ever be able to take care of others?
Love this…felt so at ease just reading it..I too will practice the same..thank you again..be well
Same to you, Virginia.
Karen,
You are ALWAYS a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing the great advice and thank you for your life lived with love!
Cheryl
❤️
Thanks Karen, there is no share choice, so many more people would have benefited from such sound advice, thanks again💗
Cheena – I will look into adding a Share button at the bottom of blog posts. Thanks for the idea. In the meantime, you can copy the page URL and share that way.
Dear Karen; always the calm voice of reason to step back, view the situation and then make an action plan to use and share. Your voice is heard around the world. I have been sharing Alan Cohen’s essay on fear and will also share (and use!) your tips on staying calm and positive now and always.
You are an encouraging empowering mentor. Thank you!!
Gail
Thank you, Gail, for taking the time to comment. ❤️
😊 Thank you for taking the time to give a nice clear guidance, xx
I’m glad you found some usefulness, Sue.
Thank you for sharing your many helpful suggestions. I too am working my lymphatic reflexes to strengthen my immune system & tell my customers to work their hands as well. I stopped seeing clients March 18th. I had hoped to open on April 6th but am now going to May 4th but will adjust if needed. I’ve several calls to make but find it good to connect with each person by phone, email, or text & use the contact to make sure each one is doing OK.
Reminding everyone to use this time to just be is great. Some are reading, doing spring cleaning & taking walks if the weather allows. Self pampering is good. I know I don’t do that enough.
Thank you for all the specific suggestions.. I hope you continue to enjoy this time & that you stay well!!
Thanks for your input, Jan. Sounds like you’re doing a good job adapting to this time and taking good care of yourself and your clients. Bravo!