As we enter another week of being home and in a very different world scenario, I wanted to offer a bunch of other resources to help you through this next phase.
After speaking with many patients via telemedicine (Zoom webinar or phone) this week, I noticed a theme of people needing a “loose” routine to help create some structure and guidance for each day. Setting general guidelines like “I will move my body within an hour of waking” or “I will get outside after lunch” can help us feel more grounded and ensure that we are maintaining excellent care of our bodies, minds and spirits during this trying time.
Speaking of self care, the idea of “dosing” was brought to my attention this week (thank you, Shelley!). The theory here is that we need extra self-care right now, and can use it throughout the day, rather than just once a day like we might typically do. This could look like movement multiple times each day, 5 minute meditations, fresh air, taking breaks from children – but doing smaller increments throughout the day to keep your cup full.
If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, try blending a green drink, using green foods powder, or make a smoothie with a cacao-based protein powder to give you a boost of energy.
I know there’s been a lot more baking (which can be a fantastic activity!) and/or sugar consumption, which can lead to mood swings, irritability, depression, and fatigue.
(Click here to join the 30 Day Sugar Free Challenge – this is the perfect time to practice and you can start anytime!)
Try to be mindful of when or why you’re choosing sugar – oftentimes it’s simply to feel something other than what you’re feeling. Can you take 3 breaths and simply BE with whatever is present for you? You may still choose the sugar (or alcohol, tobacco, caffeine or “up next” on your show series) but you will be creating more conscious awareness of what is up for you. Simply becoming conscious of what is present and then breathing deeply will allow those old thoughts, patterns and emotions to start shifting on their own. No effort required.
Regarding sugar, please take the time to read labels on your immune-boosting supplements as many contain more sugar than you’d guess, especially since sugar suppresses the immune system. For example, most Emergen-C packets contain 5 grams of sugar. (Remember that 4 grams = 1 teaspoon!) The vitamin C packets that I’ve found that are low sugar (they’re sweetened with Stevia) are the Effer-C brand, but only the elderberry and acai berry flavors. Same holds true for throat lozenges and cough drops. Make sure you know what else is in the product!
Did you know that essential oils are the most potent antiviral substances in plants? Yes! Not only do they smell amazing, but they have many of the most powerful medicinal agents.
Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils have been found to be effective at preventing the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Tea tree oil was shown to prevent influenza virus from entering host cells. Both eucalyptus and tea tree oils, when diffused into the air for 2-15 seconds, were proven to clear any airborne virus within 15 minutes! Anyone you know who is working in a healthcare facility or still has to go to a work environment should strongly consider adding this into a daily protocol, and this is something that is cost-effective and simple to apply in any home setting.
Don’t underestimate the power of herbs and oils! It is very simple to make your own essential oil hand sanitizer. Click here for a recipe for how to do that.
Last, but certainly not least, is the importance of moving your energy throughout each day. This can come in lots of forms – dance, walking, breathing, art, singing/sounding – you name it!
Here are some free resources that may help you be inspired to keep things from getting stagnant in your system:
- A 6 minute meditation from my teacher, Sylvie Olivier, to help you connect with your 5 senses and cultivate gratitude and wonder.
- Nia is a form of dance, martial arts and healing arts that I have practiced for years, and it has literally changed my life. They are offering a free 30 day trial for their online classes, and it’s such a powerful way to be in your body.
- Down Dog is a yoga app that is offering free membership right now. I also really enjoy Cat Meffan’s yoga classes on YouTube.
- Joe Wicks is offering daily 30 minute living room workouts on YouTube – and these are great for all levels and kids too!
- My dear friend and mentor, Dr. Kim D’Eramo has been going in depth about how this COVID situation is a calling to something much greater – check out her video blogs here.
- Kids of all ages (including parents!) love a great scavenger hunt – here’s a nature based one that is a fun way to get outside.
It is so important to stay connected, so I will be offering more emails this week and am always available to connect with you. Whether it’s a quick herb consult, an online mind-body session, or sharing stories in our FaceBook group Connectivity, I want to hear from you.
I am offering telemedicine consults – email me to set up a time to talk: office@puravidahealthcare.com. Or join our Facebook group here.
We are stronger together.
With light and love,
Dr. Nicola is the founder of Pura Vida Natural Healthcare in Durango, CO where she sees people locally and virtually. She's an expert in the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. By connecting people back to themselves, she is able to minimize supplements and medications as her patients become empowered to heal themselves.