While the constant news about COVID-19, with the escalating steps to prevent its spread being front and centre for many, a clear focus on keeping ourselves as well as possible is one of the most powerful approaches we can take.
Check out my 8 TOP health tips to optimise our wellbeing –
Immune System –
- Washing our Hands– even a change of season, let alone winter or a pandemic, are times that our immune systems will often be under more stress.
One of the simplest ways to avoid spreading germs is to ensure that we consistently wash our hands. This is especially important especially if we’re using public transport, drink water from a water cooler when we’re out and about, or pick up kids from school. 1
- Micronutrition – ensuring our body’s pantry is well stocked is vital on a day by day basis – and even more so when our bodies maybe exposed to more stress (on any level).
A couple of ways to make sure we optimise this process include – accessing a clinically tested and proven Probiotic (given that 70-80% of our immune system is in our digestive tract), plus a way to receive an effective dose of vitamin C; whilst making sure that we maintain an optimal level of micronutrients across the board.
Doing this in a way that’s actually effective, and can fit into our budget can be easier said than done. Message me for more details on the research I’ve done in this area.
Physical Health –
- Regular movement– Not letting the circumstances around us get in the way of our daily movement is key. There are multiple benefits of regular exercise, including helping us avoid heart disease, ensuring strong muscles and bones, plus lifting our mood. Making sure we enjoy the activity we choose is key
– it might be running, hiking, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, yoga, skiing, rock climbing, or simply walking more – keeping moving to help us keep healthy is a wise move.
- Plenty of quality sleep– this one is an important key all year-round – full stop! When we don’t get our fill, we’re at a higher risk of depression and experiencing viruses.
Here are some tips for optimising our sleep health –
- Turn off devises a minimum of 30mins (ideally 60mins) before bed
- If possible, go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, to help our bodies build this habit
- A dark bedroom is the best way to help optimise our circadian (night/day) body rhythms
Nutrition –
- Opt for anti-Inflammatory foods– seek out supplies of these goodies that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts, olive and hemp seed oils, flax and chia seeds, edamame and seaweeds.
Foods high in omega-3s can help our systems deal with several inflammatory diseases, including IBS (inflammatory bowel disease) autoimmune conditions, plus skin and joint diseases.
- Select hydrating foods–this one is just as important during winter, given we’re often exposed to heating and of course air con all year round – although especially in the summer.
As well as drinking plenty of filtered water, going for hydrating foods can help our immune system, providing important nutrients for our cells and helping to flush out bacteria. Adding in capsicums (peppers), citrus, green leaves including lettuce, plus soups can boost this hydration process.
Mental Health –
- Getting out and about– it may not always be something we feel like doing, especially with some of the media coverage relating to the spread of viruses, although getting out (even when it’s winter) can be a game changer for us.
It’s important to schedule time outside for our fresh air, to relish the sunshine, and have a break from indoor-stuffiness.
Scheduling a walk during the workday, or having a walking catch up with a friend may help with a mood-lift, besides numerous health benefits from cardiovascular and digestive to immune and respiratory.
- Being kind to ourselves–now’s a handy time to practice self-compassion and avoid being too hard on ourselves. It can help to avoid being overly critical of any mood fluctuations we may have – especially when we may be fearful, and on alert.
Doing something each day that helps us personally to feel good, like a yoga class, a herbal cupa or reading a nourishing book can make all the difference 😀
And your BONUS number 9!
Keep connected – Times like these can feel lonely and isolating, so it’s important to schedule face-to-face time where ever possible with those people we care about the most – our friends and family. Our community can be one of our biggest sources of comfort, encouragement and strength – especially when we need it most.
Ultimately, ensuring we avoid being the statistic of a pandemic will be related to how well we maintain all areas of our health. Want to learn more about the best ways to ensure you’re on track to match your personal health needs and goals? Simply PM me or pop me an email to arrange a no-obligation brief assessment.
And if you’ve found this blog useful – please do share. Doing this may change someone’s life – for the better.
See you soon on this week’s #AlivewithFi 😀
1 Here’s a link to a guide for understanding the importance of washing our hands to prevent getting sick from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
“Handwashing – clean hands save lives”
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, and Health Brand Ambassador.
