This pandemic has been a real wake up call for humanity on how we spend our time, our money and our resources. On how we treat each other, and how we treat ourselves.
We often put our health on the back burner, but in reality it should be our number one priority. Your health is what will get you to live a long and happy life. It is good health that what will guide you through challenging times.
A pandemic is not the time to put your health on hold. It’s a time to put it first and embrace any changes you need to make to have a high functioning immune system and a long and happy life.
I have pulled together some simple steps that we can all take to navigate our way through the pandemic and remain healthy.
Step 1
Ensure your meals are made up of a good balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and aim to eat mostly wholefoods whenever possible. Wholefoods are nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, pulses, herbs, spices, vegetables, fruits, meats and fish.
Having healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado and oily fish at each meal will ensure your brain function is optimal and it helps
keep us fuller for longer, so we are less likely to snack on unhealthy options.
Step 2
Soak up the sunshine. As we enter the warmer months, if you can get out in the sun for 5 to 10 minutes a day and top up your Vitamin D levels this greatly enhances immune function.
In a study done on 14,000 people they found that those with lower to sub optimal vitamin D levels were more at risk of contracting COVID-19 and were more likely to be hospitalised with the infection. Vitamin D is a great nutrient to support the health of your lungs, skin and the general functioning of your immune system.
Step 3
Try to stress less. We all know that stress has a negative impact on our health.
It’s not uncommon for those who suffer cold sores to get one when they are tired and run down. Keeping your stress levels under control can be as simple. For example you may need to hand over some of your household tasks to someone else, so you’re not carrying such a heavy load or making time for something you find relaxing activities, such as walking along the beach or reading a good book.
Step 4
Address those niggling health complaints. Whether you have ongoing indigestion that never seems to resolve or you have IBS,
there is no time like the present to go and see someone and ask how you could resolve these uncomfortable issues.
After all they affect your quality of life and most of them can be managed adequately without the need for medication.
If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us it is that our health won’t wait, so let’s take the time to work on the kinks and
Cody Kennedy is the Naturopath and Director of CK Health, a Merewether based wellness clinic which offers Naturopathy, Psychology and an Infrared Sauna.
