The Positive Aspects of Corona COVID-19

Wait, How can there be a positive? Well, the way I see it is that we can choose to live in fear or we can search for the lesson. So, what is the lesson here?

Well, I feel that one of the positive aspects of facing a virus like Corona COVID-19 is that it is bringing forth awareness of the importance of our health. Besides it motivating the masses to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, it's assisting with shifting our consciousness towards our health and incorporating healthier habits.

What are some of these lessons to live a healthier life?

1)Improve Diet: Now more than ever people are looking at their diet to ensure it includes the nutrients that the body needs to not only sustain life but to invigorate it. So how do we do this. Diet is different for everyone. I would say to intuitively listen to your body. If your body has a negative reaction to an item before eating it, ask why to investigate whether you have a negative association with that food or whether it's something that doesn't agree with your constitution. Pay attention to how you feel after each meal. If you feel energized and light then you're body agrees with your diet. If you feel, sick, sluggish, achy or nauseous after a meal or the next day then the some of your food selections need to change. If you're not sure how to navigate this then do some research or look in to finding a nutritionist to support you.

2)Exercise: Many people are waking up and realizing that their bodies need to be strengthened through movement and exercise. Exercise is one of the keys to reversing this downward health spiral in our lives. In fact, exercise is a primary factor in building our immune system. How often are you moving throughout the day? When you go to the grocery store, instead of parking in the closest parking spot to the entrance, try parking in the spot that is the farthest away? Do you have a desk job? Perhaps you can move to a standing desk. Do you have a lunch break? Maybe, go for a brisk walk for a portion of your lunch hour. Need a glass of water, walk to the farthest faucet or water cooler in the building and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every bit counts. Exercise can include the gym or an at home exercise routine or program too but you would be surprised what small daily steps can do to improve your health.

3)Drink Water: Water is essential for assisting the body in it's built in detoxification process. How much water do you drink daily? Did you know that health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule (8, 8oz glasses of water.) However, some health gurus believe that you need to sip on water constantly throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty. Many people claim that if you don’t stay hydrated throughout the day, your energy levels and brain function start to suffer. And there are plenty of studies to support this. One study in women showed that a fluid loss of 1.36% after exercise impaired mood and concentration and increased the frequency of headaches (1Trusted Source). Other studies show that mild dehydration (1–3% of body weight) caused by exercise or heat can harm many other aspects of brain function (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4). Keep in mind that just 1% of body weight is a fairly significant amount. This happens primarily when you’re sweating a lot. Mild dehydration can also negatively affect physical performance, leading to reduced endurance (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source). So, be one of those people who is always carrying around a refillable water bottle and sip away!

4)Reduce alcohol intake: Drinking heavily reduces your body’s natural immune system. This makes it more difficult for your body to fight off invading germs and viruses.

People who drink heavily over a long period of time are also more likely to develop pneumonia or tuberculosis than the general population. About 10 percent Trusted Source of all tuberculosis cases worldwide can be tied to alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk for several types of cancer, including mouth, breast, and colon. Click here to learn the basics of alcoholism. You can also read about the stages of alcoholism and recognizing an addiction.

5)Stop smoking: Now more than ever it is important that we encourage each other to stop smoking. Not only can smoking cause cancer but it has major impacts on the effectiveness of our immune system. The effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system include a greater susceptibility to infections such as pneumonia and influenza. Smoking can also cause contracted illnesses to be more severe and longer-lasting than that of non smokers. Smoking lowers the levels of protective antioxidants (such as vitamin C), in the blood. So, start your smoking cessation plan today and encourage others to do the same.

6)Lay off the sugar: I know when we're stressed, comfort foods like sugary cakes and cookies might be what you want to reach for but here is why it's better to reach for nuts, seeds and fruits. Eating or drinking too much sugar curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria and viruses. This effect lasts for at least a few hours after downing a sugary drinks or snacks. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E, plus beta-carotene and zinc. Go for a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Other foods particularly good for your immune system include fresh garlic, which may help fight viruses and bacteria, and old-fashioned chicken soup. If you do come down with a cold or the flu, a bowl of chicken soup can help you get well faster, one study shows. Some mushroom varieties -- such as shiitake -- may also help your immune system.

7)Sleep: Are you getting enough sleep? Did you know that a lack of sleep can affect your immune system? Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't get enough sleep. So, your body needs sleep to fight infectious diseases. How much sleep do you need? The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.

So, let's stay on the positive tip and look at Corona as an opportunity to improve our health and incorporate healthy habits to not only boost our immune systems but to feel Good!

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