COVID-19, the corona-virus, now being called a global "pandemic", is here and we have to cope with it. Measures to contain its spread may feel extreme and challenging (school and work closures, social distancing, isolation and quarantining of any persons suspected of being infected, and incessant sanitizing of all surfaces).

Here are some suggestions for keeping our immune systems strong, and taking care of ourselve​s emotionally​ in the face of uncertainty, as we gradually reduce the scope of our lives to staying at home for an indefinite period of time.

Take care of your immune system — and support your emotional resilience — by following these guidelines:

• Drink lots of water and herbal teas.
• Eat a whole foods diet.
• Minimize sugar and processed foods.
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Sleep on a regular schedule of 7-9 hours/night. If you’re having trouble with insomnia, be in touch with me for some coaching.
• Reduce your social media time. PLEASE do not use your extra time on social media. It is bad for your mental and physical health. Set your timer, so you can go on — if you must — for a discrete period of time. I suggest 30 minutes to 2 hrs per day at most. Practice the radical act of calling and talking to people instead. This will be much more replenishing.
• Limit your exposure to news. We all want to stay abreast of news development, but be mindful of the news you are consuming. Choose your source carefully and only check it a few times a day at most. Too much exposure to news will increase your stress and lower your immunity.
• Meditate. If this is not part of your skill set yet, this is the time to start. Meditation has been proven to improve immune functioning and reduce stress & anxiety. I highly recommend the meditation app Waking Up​.​
• Prayer. This is the time to increase your prayer practice, if it is part of your belief system.
  I am praying for the wisdom, creativity and love that I know dwells deeply in humanity to rise up into a collective, grass-roots leadership that will guide us into smart, sustainable solutions. I am praying that we get through this pandemic with minimal suffering and with an abundance of caring for the most vulnerable of us around the globe.
  ​I encourage you to articulate your own prayers for your selves, loved ones, communities and humanity as a whole.
• Gentle Yoga. It can relieve nervous tension in your muscles and joints while also helping you become more in tune with your breath. Try it before bed for a restful sleep. You can get a free 2 week trial for yoga classes on line via Yoga Glo or other yoga class platforms.
• Exercise. Again, proven to reduce stress & anxiety and a big immune booster. Getting out for fresh air walks on a regular basis would be best, but move however you like and can.
• Listen to music you love, and dance if you are so inclined. Music and dance are vital to nurturing our souls.
• Practice patience with any loved ones that you are quarantined with. This is one place where the meditation will come in handy! In times of crisis, we remember what’s most important is the people we love. How can we be our best selves for each other? We may need to figure out ways to take intentional space from each other at times in different parts of our homes.
• Use the extra time to pursue things that you never have time to do: read a book, cook a new recipe, play a game, make art or practice a musical instrument.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any additional support at this time.