As we go about the business of understanding
this new threat, we are reminded that it poses a significant stressor because
of all the unknowns … we do not know how much risk is there for us. We do know about Italy, however, where there
is a clear epidemic that has resulted in many social restrictions …
· So,
what could possibly be an opportunity
in the midst of this virus event? Well, many people have the ability to build
their psychological resiliency as they negotiate daily rituals and attempt to
stay healthy.
· This resilience is helpful not only for
you and your personal health but to those around you, e.g. your family and
network of friends. This support group is vitally important
· We are advocates of praying every day; during
times like these there is plenty to pray about. Consult your clergyman of
choice or a Christian friend if you need to brush up on your praying.
· So,
to build resilience and mental toughness it is also a great idea to help others
and encourage others; we all need that.
· Seek
balance and emotional well-being through focusing on the present moment,
mindfulness and breathing purposefully and slowly as part of a meditative
state.
· Make
every effort to take charge of your thoughts and attitudes, even during times
of uncertainty. Seek self-efficacy, your ability to achieve and persevere as
you negotiate challenges.
Recommendations
·
Consult
the coronavirus.com website for broad-based information about many aspects of
the virus
·
We
recommend that you include in your routine lifestyle practices the consumption
of whole plant foods because they contain up to 100,000 powerful, healing
nutrients called phytonutrients;
these plant compounds help us to avoid bacterial and viral infections, help us
to keep our immune system in tune, and help us to avoid inflammation.
·
Among
these many healthy foods would include an apple a day, berries, steel cut or
old-fashioned oats, garlic and onions, green tea, beets, leafy green vegetables
like kale, beans, whole grains, a few nuts and seeds, cabbage, and a large
vegetable salad every day. This may be the perfect time to experiment with your
vegetable soup recipes.
·
As
important as what you eat is, what we recommend you not eat; it is greatly
important! Generally speaking, high animal fat, low nutrient, low fiber, high
sugar, high sodium, and highly processed foods are not recommended.
·
We
make these food recommendations with the awareness that some people have
specific food sensitivities and allergies that they need to attend to. Also, we
are aware that in some cases your medications may contraindicate certain foods.
Also, we are aware that many medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease
may require certain foods; regarding this, we are also aware that there is
sometimes a lack of consensus about which foods are healthy or not, and we take
a very specific stance here, that unprocessed plant-based foods are very
healthy. Not only are they healthy, but they are the foods of choice to help
correct most all chronic medical conditions.
·
Stay
well hydrated, consuming plenty of clean water every day.
·
A
high-quality multiple vitamin containing nutrients only from plant foods is
recommended.
·
Make
an attempt to exercise daily; brisk walking is a great idea as is strength
building exercise twice a week.
·
Get
10 to 20 minutes of sunshine daily when possible.
·
7 to
9 hours of sound sleep every night is very important.
·
Essential oils: here we have an adjunct nutrient
source and a means of countering some the toxins in our environment. For
example, tea tree oil is very useful in countering airborne bacteria and
viruses. Oregano, Thyme, Melissa, Peppermint, Lavender, and Clove essential
oils can also be helpful in this respect. However, be sure that you fully
familiarize yourself with the use of essential oils; there are specific
guidelines for use, including application methods, and dose. Also, many of the
applications involve using a neutral carrier
oil like jojoba to create a mixture of oils.
·
It
is counterproductive to consume mood altering drugs in order to cope with
stress, unless you are on medication for a mood disorder or related condition.
Alcohol is a depressant drug and is not required for optimal health. Vaping is
very unhealthy. Smoking is very unhealthy.
·
Make
every effort to keep the interior of your home clean and disinfected,
especially bathroom, bedroom and kitchen areas.
·
During
this time, be very cautious about eating in restaurants where there may be
added risk of infection associated with the food itself and/or the gathering of
large numbers of people.
·
Be
your own best self-care and health care advocate.
·
Positive
emotions are important: serenity, inspiration, amusement, laughter, gratitude,
joy, pride, love, happiness and contentment are refreshing.
·
We
recommend that you not allow yourself to get addicted to all of the negative
news coverage on the Internet and in the popular media. This can be
disconcerting and can foster a counterproductive negative mood state. Limit
screen time about the virus and peripheral issues.
·
Social
distancing is important and has huge implications. Are we ready for it? Are we
resilient enough to cope with it??
·
The
point here is that your self-care during times of stress is very important in
order to remain healthy and functional. We all need plentiful accurate information
about how not to get sick.
3 John 2
William A. Zahler, MSW, DipACLM
Web: lifestyle-interventions.com
YT Channel: William Zahler
Email: wazahler@gmail.com
March 11, 2020
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