Your wellness guide for navigating Coronavirus

To all my beautiful readers,

My hope is you are all safe and healthy as you read this. I’ve spent the last week thinking how I can be a support to this beautiful community during these difficult times. The truth is, I don’t have an answer! But what I do know is that together we are stronger.

I’m writing this from cold but sunny Seattle where I am now homeschooling my 8 year old and my 21 year old who is medically fragile. I never thought I’d ever be responsible for teaching 3rd grade fractions or how stars were created, yet here I am, and I’m actually loving it. I’m sharing this because our roles have not changed. We are still momma bears, or daddy’s, or perhaps a paid caregiver but with more responsibility. But with this comes the potential for more stress, anxiety, worry and overwhelm. If you are feeling any of these emotions you are not alone!

Many in our disability community are battling chronic health challenges and difficulties that make them extremely vulnerable. My daughter is considered high risk if she were to come into contact with the virus. Stella has dozens of seizures a day, some much more extreme and occasionally life threatening where she requires the need of a ventilator to keep her alive. The thought of not having enough of these critical life saving machines is frightening. So, we are committed to taking the advice of our medical team and following strict precautions to keep our family safe. I encourage you to do the same too. If you are part of a community similar to ours, let’s stand together. You are not alone!

The reason I share my families story is because in the coming days and weeks we have no idea how our lives will look and how we need to evolve. What I will continue to do however is to do my part in minimizing the damage from this outbreak and flatten the curve.

6 simple steps to support your health and that of your loved one during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

1. Take Social distancing serious!

I know this is my biggest challenge, and probably yours too. We are human and we love to connect. But connection is exactly what we need during times like this. Loneliness can quickly turn into depression and depression can manifest into “disease”.

Take advantage of technology, be the first to reach out to your neighbor and have “dinner parties” over the fence. Or “Mocktail hour” via facetime. Schedule dinner time with your loved ones so they can join you at the dinner table. Just because we cannot meet up at a restaurant or invite all our friends and family over we can still enjoy their presence.

I’m @Amandavs (if you are in need of some love please come and find me). keep reading #6 for more tips

Check this article from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and there is up to date info here from the World Health Organization. These provide a wealth of information on appropriate “social distancing”.

• If possible work from home.
• I know how difficult it is first hand, but no playdates. Not even 1:1, our children may have no symptoms but may still carry the virus and pass it on.
• Stay away from public areas where you cannot maintain 6 feet minimum space around you.
• Even in public areas be mindful of your ‘personal space’, but share this space with kindness by smiling as you step backwards to create more space.

2. Wash your hands!

Coronavirus has spread so quickly with such a global reach because it’s primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets (commonly spread from sneezing and coughing and even talking).

Good old fashioned hand washing is your number 2 strategy of defense in properly protecting yourself. I’m singing ABC 2x with my girls each time we wash our hands. If we have to leave our home I carry onGuard hand sanitizing spray with me. I use this to spray grocery carts, handles of doors and of course our hands the minute we walk out the door.

But your personal hygiene doesn’t stop with hand washing. Protect yourself when you are out and use hand sanitizer on any hard surfaces you come into contact with. Disinfect your door knobs, phone and other commonly used surfaces often!

3. Eat and Drink for your Health

This is where my love language truly lies. Momma Nature has provided us with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to keep our immune system strong. Eating a whole foods, plant-based diet is one of the BEST ways to promote long term health and strengthen your immune system. There is no magic pill, so be wary of any quick fix solutions. Instead commit to eating a wide variety of delicious whole foods. Check out my recipe section for delicious ideas.

While we are on the topic of nourishing your temple this also includes staying hydrated. I get it, you might be having an extra glass of wine at the end of the day, but try to keep drinking clean water throughout your day. And, if possible sneak in a green juice or two during the week.

4. Rest and get plenty of sleep.

Stress and overwhelm is real during these times of uncertainty. You may feel anxious or even helpless and outright fear and it’s ok. All emotions are perfectly ok. But here’s the thing, STRESS wrecks havoc with your immune system, so reducing it is crucial.

Getting your zzzz’s will help with your overall health, wellness and mental health. Commit to creating an evening ritual and getting your 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Stay away from the news before you go to bed, the stress will only keep you awake. I made this mistake myself and was tossing and turning all night with worry.

If you are feeling anxious when you get into bed try some calming music, or a 15 meditation to calm your overactive brain. Meditation is my go-to. Check our my meditation playlists on Spotify.

5. Move your tush.

I made it into the studio today and recorded a 45 minute cardio based Barre class. You can join in anytime by heading over to my FB page where it will stay up for you to take anytime. We had technical difficulties for the first 10 minutes so be patient with that section! The feedback I received from clients was so beautiful, “this was exactly what I needed”, “you created normalcy in my life again”. 

And my love that’s why you need to keep moving your tush, staying glue to the TV or your laptop listening to the latest press release is not part of your typical daily routine.

No matter your preferred method of exercise make it a priority in your day. The mental health benefits are incredible. You’ll be so happy you moved I promise you!

6. Connect.

This is not a time to stay cooped up all alone in your home. We have modern technology to help keep us connected with our loved one. All our family is oversees, mine split between the UK and Italy, and my hubby’s are all in NZ. We use face time to catch up, and these few minutes take away the unknown and fear of our loved ones health and safety.

My older daughter lives in Chicago, and more than anything I wish I was there to help her. She started feeling really run down a week ago and went to her local walk in clinic asking to be tested, but they sent her home. For the last 5 days she’s felt miserable, with body aches, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough… basically all the COVID-19 symptoms but with no answer. I relish our daily face time calls just so I can see with my own eyes she is safe.

I’m loving the conversations I’m having with my neighbors over the fence and it seems even on a casual walk around the lake, people are much friendlier and smile. This virus has created connections. The common thread between us all is an awareness of each others safety and it has created unfiltered love and compassion even with strangers.

Take care of yourself beautiful!

I woke up today feeling really panicked, and told my husband there was more we could do to keep our family safe. But my soul passion — the one that fuels my optimism and love — is glowing bright. I have plenty to share so please reach out if you are needing anything at all. I am here to help you! Remember you are loved.

With so much love,

Amanda

PS. Share what you are doing to take care of yourself. How are staying connected with your loved ones?

Reach out to me on Facebook Pintrest or Instagram (tag me @amandavs and #amandavs, #healthyissexy). You are part of my virtual family and I love and thank you for joining our wellness warrior tribe. 

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xo Amanda