Things We Can Control
Day by day we are seeing this pandemic grow substantially. In uncertain times all you can do is what you can control and the main thing we can all control right now is taking steps to increase our immunity and give our health a boost. Taking preventative measures right now is important to our health and well-being.
Here are 11 tips to keep your immune system and mind healthy while this virus has numbers climbing daily.
Follow Social Distancing
First, follow the tips suggested with social distancing. The suggestions from those giving directives are for good reason. The biggest way to level the curve of this thing is to stay away from the masses and only venture out if it is absolutely necessary. If you need groceries, try click list. If that is not an option, keep the designated 6 ft distance from those at the store and limit the number of trips out. If other countries can handle it, surely we can follow suit and protect those that cannot protect themselves like the immune-compromised and the elderly. Stay home and level the curve.
CUT OUT SUGAR!
It is not rocket science or just released news that cutting out sugar helps to prevent sickness in general. This is a good time to evaluate eating habits and sugar intake. If we increase our blood sugar, it suppresses our immune system. The more sugar that can be removed from your diet, the more your body will thank you. Look at ingredients to the foods coming into your home. Avoid added sugars as an ingredient as much as possible.
REDUCE STRESS
Stay current on information regarding the virus but turn off the TV and put down the phone now and then. Go out for a walk or sit and soak up the sun, if at all possible. Do some relaxing yoga or get in some additional exercise. Unfollow those folks on Social Media that are sharing fake news or bringing you down with constant negativity.
DISINFECT
Your home, cell phones, cars, and play surfaces. These are places you spend the majority of your time and where most germs gather. Clean first, then sanitize. After all, being hulled up for weeks off of work and school due to the virus, many will have plenty of time on their hands to do some additional cleaning and disinfecting. Also, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
EXERCISE
Decrease stress and anxiety during this time with exercise. I know we are all stuck in our homes but there are ways to get in some movement close to home. Get out for a walk and get some good old vitamin D while maintaining a 6ft distance. Connect virtually with friends and start an indoor challenge with an exercise tracker. Search YouTube for some basic indoor exercises. Start some morning yoga and stretching. It made sound trite but exercising increases your immunity and your body will thank you.
Here are some great exercises to do:
At Home Yoga During Co-Vid
30 Minute Cardio With No Equipment
INCREASE YOUR VITAMINS AND ELECTROLYTES
Another tip is to load up on extra vitamins and nutrient-dense foods to build immunity naturally with keto. What we are putting in our bodies during this time is so important to good health and wellness. Taking things like Elderberry help to increase antioxidants and vitamins and boost immunity.
Can’t find Elderberry readily available? Create your own by following this low-carb/keto recipe for it.
Drinking bone broth is one of the best things you can do for the body any time, but it is extremely helpful for boosting the good stuff during a time like this. Bone broths are one of the most nourishing foods for healing and immunity. Get 20% off an online order using our Kettle and Fire link.
Increasing electrolyte intake keeps your body balanced in turn, allowing you to maintain good health. Try our electrolytes specifically formulated for the keto diet to increase energy, performance, and muscle mass.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
Right now nutrition is more important than ever for building your immune system. Eat an adequate amount of protein, lots of green veggies, a small amount of lower-carb fruit, and eat nuts and seeds. Here is a list of keto whole foods. Avoid processed foods with more than five ingredients or ingredients you can’t pronounce. Skip it. Anything that is low-fat- avoid it. It is loaded with chemicals and just not good for anyone. If it has added sugars in it, skip it. Avoid foods that are cooked in industrial oils, cook at home with healthy fats instead.
GET ADEQUATE SLEEP
Getting enough sleep is key for a healthy body and good mental health. With stressful times, cutting out some caffeine late in the day and getting active can wire the brain for success. There are also some natural supplements that can allow for better sleep, such as, melatonin and valerian root.
MEDITATE, PRAY and PRACTICE GRATITUDE
If you are not sure what to do, find a meditation app like Headspace which is offering free access during this time. The Gaia app is another great resource. You can also search for YouTube videos online that can walk you through some deep breathing.
Meditation for Decreasing Anxiety
AVOID SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit or at least cut-down as much as possible. I see those eyes rolling, but seriously. I know it is a stressful time but we have faith in you. Also cutting out alcohol is going to keep your immune system from plummeting. Now is not the time to lower your immune system tossing back alcoholic drinks. Think about it, during a normal situation, after having a night out and some drinks with friends… how do you feel the next day? At your best? Nope… then leave it!
CONNECT
Connecting with other people increases the good feels and keeps us grounded and grateful. We’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Take this time to connect virtually with the ones you love. Call an old friend to check on them, chat with your elders, share a sweet video with someone in a nursing home to brighten their day. Maintaining that human connection is so important for our health and well-being. It will brighten someone’s day and keep us all from feeling so isolated during social distancing. Let us know in the comments how you are connecting with others during this time.
Above all, spread positivity and help those in need at a distance if you are able. That could be something as simple as sharing a smile, a phone call, dropping off a meal at a neighbors door, sending some positive vibes through social media. Let’s get creative here and get through this together.
Stay safe and healthy family!
