Summer weather brings out the youthful adventurer and socialite in all of us. We want to spend time in the beautiful sunny weather with friends and family enjoying parties, cookouts, and other events. However, most can agree that this summer is unlike any we have ever experienced. The presence of Covid-19 is still the issue of the day. As infection rates resurge, we must remember the best defense is a strong offense. Here are a few reminders to help fortify your immune system, the body's first line of defense.
Key Defense Strategies
1. Drink Ample Quality Water
Most of you know to sip, not gulp, at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. However, the water must be a good quality to be effective. Tap water is laden with harsh chemicals. Basic pitcher or refrigerator filters cannot mitigate these toxins which decrease cellular absorption, leaving the drinker still partially dehydrated.
2. Eat Fresh Produce
Fresh, preferably organic, fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. Nutrient dense food is required to boost natural immune response to the levels required to defend against a virus.
3. Sea Salt Soaks
Soaking in a relaxing tub of sea salt and warm water has many benefits. In older medical journals, “sits baths” were recommended for a variety of ailments, including stress, tension, and sore or aching muscles. The sea salt helps absorb away toxins from tap water and provides much needed natural-occurring minerals be absorbed by the body through the skin. Add Baking soda for additional water-softening or a few drops of a calming essential oil such as chamomile or lavender almost guarantees a good night’s sleep.
4. Get Physical
As most people are spending more time indoors, we must be a bit creative to get enough exercise. Exercise is important to fill the lungs with oxygen, Increase the heart-rate and blood circulation, move interstitial fluids, decrease stress and maintain a harmonious mood and proper brain function.
5. Stay Connected
No man (or woman) is an island. We need people; human contact is vital to physical health and mental stability. Since we are limited to physical contact with only our most immediate family and shared household members, we have the opportunity to put modern media devices to their best use. Instead of texting, call and have a conversation. So much more is communicated through hearing one’s voice over text messages. Seeing our loved ones while hearing their voice simulates physical togetherness. Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime users feel as if they're in the same room physically together.
6. Supplement Wisely
In addition to the vitamins and minerals you normally take, consider adding or increasing your intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Vitamin C helps to increase the body’s immune system. Since we are spending less time outside in direct sunlight, which normally would provide some of this most important vitamin, D3 supplementation is highly recommended. Discuss changes with your physician.
7. Maintain Routine
Unexpected or undesirable changes in one’s schedule and daily habits can cause subconscious stress at levels we are not aware. In these situations, the best we can do is behave as normally and appropriately as possible. If you generally go to bed by 11pm, continue to do the same. Deep restorative sleep is important as it allows the body time to rest and recharge for the next day’s activities.
If you used to work away from home and now you work in home, avoid staying in your pajamas all day. It may seem luxurious at first, but long term it can prove counter-productive and may foster depression. Follow your former routine as close as possible; get dressed for work in the morning just as you did before. You may not want to put on a suit or high heels, but the act of changing out of sleep wear into casual office attire signals the brain that the rest period is complete and the work day has begun.
Equally important, remember to practice social distancing and wear your personal protective gear. Wearing a mask provides some protection to the wearer and those nearby. Plus, wearing it demonstrates your mindfulness of public space and your participation in minimizing this public health crises. You may be covid-free, but the public does not know your health status as many people are asymptomatic. Taking care of self and showing consideration for others is the best plan of action.
Key Defense Strategies
1. Drink Ample Quality Water
Most of you know to sip, not gulp, at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. However, the water must be a good quality to be effective. Tap water is laden with harsh chemicals. Basic pitcher or refrigerator filters cannot mitigate these toxins which decrease cellular absorption, leaving the drinker still partially dehydrated.
2. Eat Fresh Produce
Fresh, preferably organic, fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. Nutrient dense food is required to boost natural immune response to the levels required to defend against a virus.
3. Sea Salt Soaks
Soaking in a relaxing tub of sea salt and warm water has many benefits. In older medical journals, “sits baths” were recommended for a variety of ailments, including stress, tension, and sore or aching muscles. The sea salt helps absorb away toxins from tap water and provides much needed natural-occurring minerals be absorbed by the body through the skin. Add Baking soda for additional water-softening or a few drops of a calming essential oil such as chamomile or lavender almost guarantees a good night’s sleep.
4. Get Physical
As most people are spending more time indoors, we must be a bit creative to get enough exercise. Exercise is important to fill the lungs with oxygen, Increase the heart-rate and blood circulation, move interstitial fluids, decrease stress and maintain a harmonious mood and proper brain function.
5. Stay Connected
No man (or woman) is an island. We need people; human contact is vital to physical health and mental stability. Since we are limited to physical contact with only our most immediate family and shared household members, we have the opportunity to put modern media devices to their best use. Instead of texting, call and have a conversation. So much more is communicated through hearing one’s voice over text messages. Seeing our loved ones while hearing their voice simulates physical togetherness. Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime users feel as if they're in the same room physically together.
6. Supplement Wisely
In addition to the vitamins and minerals you normally take, consider adding or increasing your intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Vitamin C helps to increase the body’s immune system. Since we are spending less time outside in direct sunlight, which normally would provide some of this most important vitamin, D3 supplementation is highly recommended. Discuss changes with your physician.
7. Maintain Routine
Unexpected or undesirable changes in one’s schedule and daily habits can cause subconscious stress at levels we are not aware. In these situations, the best we can do is behave as normally and appropriately as possible. If you generally go to bed by 11pm, continue to do the same. Deep restorative sleep is important as it allows the body time to rest and recharge for the next day’s activities.
If you used to work away from home and now you work in home, avoid staying in your pajamas all day. It may seem luxurious at first, but long term it can prove counter-productive and may foster depression. Follow your former routine as close as possible; get dressed for work in the morning just as you did before. You may not want to put on a suit or high heels, but the act of changing out of sleep wear into casual office attire signals the brain that the rest period is complete and the work day has begun.
Equally important, remember to practice social distancing and wear your personal protective gear. Wearing a mask provides some protection to the wearer and those nearby. Plus, wearing it demonstrates your mindfulness of public space and your participation in minimizing this public health crises. You may be covid-free, but the public does not know your health status as many people are asymptomatic. Taking care of self and showing consideration for others is the best plan of action.
RSS Feed