In case you don’t know me that well yet, I’ll let you in on a little secret about me… I’m currently overcoming orthorexia (an unhealthy obsession with eating and living clean) and hypochondria (quick refresher: someone who worries obsessively about their health). Yep, I can be a little too obsessed with my health to the detriment of…my health. As the mystics say, “where the mind goes, energy flows” and with CV dominating global headlines, I’ve had to make a conscious effort to disconnect (ok, a little) from the media the past few weeks.
On Friday morning I decided, as much as ignorance is bliss, it was time to become properly informed about COVID-19. The result: it didn’t serve this sensitive soul at all. I started to feel a sore throat and runny nose coming on a few hours later. Then later into the night, my limbs began to feel achy and I had this all-consuming lethargy take over my body. I thought I could sleep it off.
I woke up Saturday with a dull glazed look in my eyes too. And I believe our eyes are a reliable barometer of wellness, Mum even used to say when I was little that she could tell if I was really sick or faking it to have a day off school by checking my eyes.
Of course, I began to panic “What if it’s CV?!?!?”. I couldn’t go to work as not only did I not want to risk infecting anyone, but I was too achy and too snifly. Thankfully I felt OK enough to head to the chemist and stock up on some essentials that were missing from my immunity toolkit (fortunately, I haven’t been unwell for over a year now so was completely out of my usual go-tos).
I got home and immediately got onto project Bianca-aint-got-no-time-for-the-C-word. Here’s what I did:
Stocked up on anti-virals such as extra virgin and raw coconut oil, elderberry/zinc/vitamin C tablets, ginger, turmeric, echinacea and garlic. Now more than ever, we need to load our systems up with extra anti-viral foods and herbs to strengthen our systems as best we can.
Started nasal irrigation using my Neti pot before bed and a nasal saline spray (I like Fess and Bauer) every four hours through the day to prevent viral respiratory illness thanks to the antimicrobial solution.
Sipped on warm herbal teas packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibacterial superfoods and spices such as turmeric, ginger, lemon, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, chamomile, raspberry leaf, green tea and coconut oil.
Made a big batch of veggie soup using sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, garlic, ginger, coriander, onion, lemon, spinach and lentils. Amped up the immune-boosting power with loads of spice including cumin, turmeric, coriander and cayenne pepper. Stirred through a tablespoon or two of antiviral apple cider vinegar and blitzed it all up in the blender. Made enough to last a few days and some for the family too. Winning.
Slept for 9 hours. While I’m not the best at getting to bed on time, I do at least make a conscious effort when I’m feeling a little run down. Sleep is critical for repair and regeneration on a cellular level. Sleep deprivation increases inflammation in the body which in turn lowers our immunity therefore making us more susceptibility to catching a cold or virus.
Positive self-talk. Perhaps the most underrated of all. Amidst the escalating chaos unfolding all around us, I have started to up my affirmation game. That means focusing on really positive thoughts, beliefs and images that make me feel healthy, strong, fit and well. That means tuning out (a bit) from the media. That means taking control of my health and expecting wellness, not illness. Ease and not dis-ease. “I am healthy. Bianca, you are so healthy and vibrant and well. I am strong. I am fit. I am filled with energy. I feel great. I am lucky. I am healthy. I feel strong. Perfect health is my divine right”. You get the idea…
The result: I woke up Sunday feeling like a new woman! I felt 100% better and was able to go for my morning run! I felt completely fine, back to my normal healthy and vibrant self. With plenty of energy to accomplish everything on my to-do list, I was eager to get this information out there, to help others who may be worried about their health and wanting to safeguard themselves and their families from colds, flus and viruses. It’s now Wednesday and I’m glad to say all of these preventative measures have helped so much.
Take control of your health, there is SO much you can do to protect yourself from viruses and bugs that we may be exposed during these uncertain times. And remember…expect health and you’ll get health. Expect illness, expect to be sick, expect to catch the flu, expect to feel crap and you’ll probably get all of that too.
Positive wellness vibes coming your way.
Bianca x