The thought of staying at home and being without work or being on the forefront of the fight against COVID 19 is frightening to many of us. It is tempting to give up and fall into a pit of despair. But I encourage you to keep positive.
The best way to do this is to keep ourselves healthy. Eating well, keeping fit and minimising stress are key factors to improving our health and our perspective. Improving our health supports our immune system. We need our immunity to fight illness.
My journey to health was a slow chipping away at my lifestyle to bring me to optimal health for my body. This does not mean I have eliminated the threat of developing the chronic health issues that affected my family. What it does mean is that my body is in the best position to fight chronic disease and illness.
Below are some simple, yet important things to remember.
Eat well:
A diet filled with lots of different fruit and vegetables is a great way to support your immune system. Fill your plate with a variety of different colours. You don’t need to eat lots of different vegetables in one meal, instead choose a variety over a week. Night one could consist of carrot, pumpkin and zucchini. Night two, sweet potato, broccoli and mushrooms. Night three, capsicum, cauliflower and beans. Over the week, fill your plate with reds, greens, oranges, whites, blacks, purples, every colour of the rainbow. Make sure you also have proteins which can be found in meat, fish, beans, nuts and vegetables like broccoli, spinach and asparagus.
Keep fit:
Exercise is a great support for the immune system, and it improves our mood. I don’t mean going to the gym or competitive sports. Exercise comes in many forms. I walk with my greyhound, Dreamy every day. We don’t do a fast pace, but we do put in a lot of miles. At the beginning of my weight-loss journey I walked very short distances and I suffered with pain after each. But, after only a week I found myself more mobile. Gardening is another form of exercise. I can only do a bit at a time, but there is great satisfaction comes from being in the garden. Other examples include mowing the lawn, cleaning, swimming and cycling. What it your favourite way to exercise?
Minimise stress:
Go easy on yourself! Many of us are without work and our focus turns to worry about the future. Distract yourself from the endless negative rhetoric in your mind; I should do more, there is no hope, what is everyone else doing? You are an individual with your own unique desires and aspirations. Focus on the present moment. You are at home, you are safe, you have family and friends, you are loved, and you are accepted. I live alone, but I find great joy from being in my garden or hugging my dog. What can you do at this moment to have your best experience? Meditate, watch relaxing movies, walk, ring a friend and laugh, these are just a few examples. Having a short-term goal to clean the garage or clear out some drawers at home can be good medicine. Happiness is found within. I found happiness when I found myself. Find out what makes you come alive.
In love, Jenny
