Fear of the unknown can make us worry and feel anxious. We have heard so much chatter about the coronavirus over the past few days. As of now, there is a lot that public health officials do not know about this virus.
What DO we know? The best defense is a good offense.
Are you concerned about getting sick? We can take steps to help ourselves and our loved ones build stronger immune systems. The basic principles of health apply now and always. Here is a quick rundown:
1. Nutrition – Eat enough lean protein, a variety of colorful veggies and fruits, nutrient dense carbohydrates, and nutritious fats.
2. Sleep – Strive to get 7-9 hours of good quality sleep per night to help support a healthy immune system.
3. Exercise – Move your body in a variety of ways and find ways to have fun! Maybe push a sled! See how much fun it looks?!
4. Stress less – Find effective ways to quiet the mind and reduce stress. We all have stress and anxiety. It is a normal part of being a human. Too much stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on the immune system. This applies to kids too!
What areas can you improve? Consider taking one habit that you would like to improve, make small changes, and slowly build from there. We all have something to work on to help ourselves. For myself, better stress management is my big area of opportunity. Don’t get hung up on trying to be perfect. Progress is the goal, not perfection.
What else can you do to avoid illness? Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough, and stay home when you’re not feeling well.
Note: Over exercising and chronic dieting can be hard on the immune system! Let’s all be kind to ourselves.
Stay well!
