Don’t Panic, Be Healthy

Don’t panic, implement the foundation principles to stay healthy.

The cancellations rolled in today like gang busters. At first I thought it was ridiculous but when the latest one came in I realized the government is basically quarantining everyone to nip this in the bud, at least that’s the spin I’m giving it. Last week someone suggested, “why don’t we all just expose ourselves and get it over with?” Well, this is pretty much it but without the exposure. Is it madness or the right thing to do?

Well, one right thing to do is something we should all be doing daily anyway, building a strong and resilient body and mind from the inside out so when an illness is being spread you stay healthy; that is the goal after all. At Energize Body & Mind I teach the foundation principles that are necessary to build health. I’ll highlight these principles below with a Qigong move and some supplements to boost your immune system. I posted a video yesterday highlighting the same, which you can watch here.

Foundation Principles

Diet – there’s plenty to say about what constitutes a healthy diet and the answer is unique to each individual. However, there are some guidelines that apply to everyone and go a long way in maintaining a healthy body. Perhaps the most important is simply to eat real food. Each day your body makes new cells from the nutrients present in the food you eat. So choosing nutrient dense food is key to staying healthy. Avoid processed food, processed sugar (found in most processed food), trans-fats, artificial sweeteners, and soda for starters. Choose whole fresh vegetables and fruits and free range or grass fed meat. Whenever possible buy organic! If you can’t afford to buy all organic then prioritize organic meat, dairy, oils, and the “dirty dozen” (most heavily sprayed foods). The dirty (bakers) dozen, according to the Environmental Working Group, are apples, celery, cherries, grapes, kale, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, and hot peppers. For more information on the dirty dozen and clean fifteen click here. Cooking at home is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially during a health crisis. Many restaurants often don’t use the freshest ingredients or high quality foods and oils to cook with. For fast and easy recipes you can check out my book The Optimal Health Cookbook: Your Guide to Real Food Made Easy. I include meat and vegetarian dishes as well as desserts that are sweetened the right way. You’ll cook with ease and feel good knowing you’re contributing to the health of you and your family.
Hydration – Hydration is a balance of water and minerals. Most people don’t drink enough water but some who drink plenty may actually be diluting the minerals in their cells which can also cause dehydration. The recommended amount of water to drink is half your body weight in ounces per day. So if you weigh 150 pounds you would drink 75 ounces of water per day, more if you sweat a lot through exercise, sauna, fever, or other reason. Drinking flat mineral water is best but if you drink purified water (spring, filtered, or reverse osmosis) then adding a pinch of quality sea salt to trace minerals to your water may be recommended. You can also simply make sure you get enough minerals in your diet.
Sleep – How simple is that? The best (and easiest) thing you can do to stay healthy is sleep 7-9 hours per night. Relax and wind down before bed to help fall asleep. Some people diffuse essential oils while to help them sleep as well.
Movement – Get the right amount of exercise for your needs. In my book I discuss working in vs working out, the importance of each, and how to determine which is appropriate for you on a given day. Besides walking in nature, the best way I find to move my body is Tai Chi. Tai Chi strengthens, energizes, and relaxes my body at once. Truly amazing. For more information on Tai Chi and classes, click here.
Breathing – The way we breathe helps determine the state of our nervous system, not to mention the necessary oxygen it brings in. Taking diaphragmatic breaths (inhaling into your abdomen) brings in more oxygen and massages the organs of the lower abdomen. Your inhale should expand your abdomen and only move up into your chest on the last 1/3 of the breath. Taking a few deep diaphragmatic breaths several times a day can calm you right down and send a message to your body that all is well. Very de-stressing!
Thinking – You’ve likely heard about the benefits of positive thinking. Change your stinkin’ thinkin’ and you change your world. Worry and panic will keep your body in a stress state. When faced with a stressful situation or a health crisis do your due diligence then let it go. Your thoughts have incredible influence on your energy which has influence on your overall health. Find happiness deep within you and your health improves dramatically.

Living a lifestyle based on these principles is key to overall health. In times of stress or illness there are some extra things you can do-
Supplements – my favorite supplements to use if I feel an illness coming on are vitamins C & D, echinacea (tincture or tea), astragalus root, oregano oil, Biocidin, GI Detox, probiotics, zinc, lymph movers (Lifespa is great source), elderberry syrup, herbs (thyme and rosemary are good for healthy respiratory system- tea, herbs in food, and/or essential oils).
Neti and nasya– If you haven’t tried a neti pot, buy one immediately and try it! It’s an interesting sensation but wow is it cool. A neti pot is used to clean your sinuses and nasal passages. This is especially important with viruses such as corona virus that enter through the nasal passage. After cleansing your nasal passage with warm water, add a few drops of nasya oil or caster oil to lubricate and prevent the virus from binding. I buy my nasya oil at Lifespa.com
Acupressure points for boosting immunity – Make a daily practice of rubbing or tapping your Lung 1 points (the indentation just beneath your collar bone near your neck). This clears the lungs and boosts immunity. See my video, approximately minute 4’30”, for a demonstration.
Hygiene – Washing your hands with warm water and soap is more effective than using hand sanitizer. Use sanitizer when washing with soap and water isn’t possible but please wash your hands as soon as you get home and every chance you get. Rub the soap on every part of your hands and wrists for 15- 20 seconds then rinse.
If you’re sick, stay home. Sharing isn’t caring. If you cough or sneeze do so into your elbow and keep your fluids to yourself.
Finally, this is an opportune time to check in with your lymphatic system, which is crucial in combating illness by removing waste and toxins from the body. To read more about the importance of your lymphatic system in your immunity and ways to maintain a healthy lymphatic system, read the related article below.

There is so much more that could be discussed and every individual is unique in his/her needs. Always talk to your doctor or health care provider if you have questions, don’t simply rely on what he/she says, have a discussion and take your health into your own hands by researching and listening to your body.

For more information and services please visit EnergizeBodyandMind.com

Be healthy.

Suzanne is a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Tai Chi instructor, Reiki Practitioner, and Shamanic Practitioner who has hosted and presented seminars on non-toxic products and detoxing your home and your body. She offers classes and private sessions. Join the EBM mailing list for events and workshops.