Self-care in the time of Covid-19

Although I very much appreciate all of the recommendations to wash my hands on social media, I have a far more aggressive personal self care practice when it comes to my health.

Because I have had multiple injuries, and have a personality that often takes on too much, I have learned to prioritize my self care above all else (yes including work). I try not to even show up in rooms anymore if I’m feeling even slightly off. And “health” includes not just the physical. Health to me is a holistic and integrated word that includes the spiritual, and emotional body.

Since everyone is sharing their best practices, I’d like to also add to the existing list. Many of you probably have this information, but in the event that you do not I thought I would share it with you.

There are some things you can control (internal health) and some things you can’t control (when or how you might get covid-19). Although some of the measures like washing your hands, and social distancing help, ensuring your immune system is at 100% is in my opinion, more important.

1) Vitamin C packets. I normally drink 1 a day, and now I might be increasing my dosage to about 2 a day.

2) Herbal supplements that help with any cold or virus or for maintenance: Echinacea, Olive Leaf Extract (known as nature’s antibiotic), Loviral, and Lobelia.

3) Meditation. Check out Joe Dispenza’s “rest and renew meditation”. If I ever feel like I’m run down, I practice this, and it works wonders. I also have my own meditation practice after going to meditation school for 2 years, so it you’re interested in more ideas, let me know.

4) At least 7–8 hours of sleep. Try taking Taurine, Magnesium, and Calcium if you can’t sleep. I also take an epsom salt bath every single night. Yes, every night. With a lavender diffuser in the background or some drops of lavender.

5) Yoga postures. Check out Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire. Life Force Academy online is a great site with a ton of great online exercises.

6) Read books like: The Untethered Soul, Seat of the Soul, Real Love (I have a massive list of favorite books on spirituality, and just exciting fiction if interested).

7) Ayurvedic medicinal drink: warm water / milk / almond milk / coconut mile mixed with ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, touch of honey. Keeping your throat warm with these healing herbs is supposed to help digestion and the immune system.

8) Gratitude exercise: wake up and think about all the things I’m grateful for each day and end the day that way

9) Sunshine and grounding. I try to put my feet on the earth every single day. We’re the only species that doesn’t physically touch the earth or sleep on it every day. Also getting enough Vitamin D is important.

10) Qi-Gong. Check this out. I dare you to try this for 30 minutes and not feel pure happiness.

11) Energy Medicine. Check out these energy practices by Donna Eden.

12) Alkalize the body. A virus will have a tough time to survive in alkaline environments. Some of the foods that alkalize your body include lemon water, asparagus, spinach.

13) Morning Pages. I try to write things down so I can make sense of them. if you’re anxious right now, try writing a letter to yourself, or to the virus.

14) Shutting off your internet/WiFi when you sleep. For some reason, this allows me to sleep much better. I’ve tested this on an off for years. Let me know what you think.

15) Get a humidifier. A virus has a harder time staying alive in humid environments.

If we practice living by the rules of nature, I imagine that we will be fine.

There is no reason to worry or feel stressed as that only decreases your immune system anyways. Instead, let’s all try the practice of sending love to everyone who is suffering in the world, especially those who have suffered by the virus.

Sending you all a ton of love and compassion in the year ahead.