Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation and it's in this spirit that I'm reaching out to share a few self-care suggestions, resources and ideas. If there are things you are finding helpful during this time, please share as I'd love to learn what you are doing to care for yourself during this public health crisis. 

 

First, and foremost -- and this is the big one -- do your best not to live in fear or anxiety about the situation. Yes, it is a serious matter that requires our attention. Yes, we are having to make radical adjustments to our lifestyle. It is important to recognize thought that that when we get trapped in a fear response our immune systems shut down in favor of survival mechanisms, which actually further heighten our anxiety! Be wise and discerning about you are taking in the news, and how you are choosing to spend this time. Trust you are doing what you can to keep yourself and your family safe.

 

Calming Anxiety and Stress Acupressure Points video by Michael Gach on Acupressure.com

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Wildmind Meditation - meditation resources for stress

 

Next up: Fresh air! Getting outside is vital to healthy immunity. Even as little as 10 to 15 minutes three times throughout the day will benefit you. Exeter has some great hiking trails and I just heard that Alnoba is opening their grounds next week for wanders in the woods. They have a pretty fabulous outdoor scuplture collection including a few by my favorite artist, Andy Goldsworthy.

 

Rest!  Get plenty of sleep and rest.

 

More acupressure techniques from Michael Gach to help with sleep. I've never watched this guy's videos before today, I've had his book Acu-Yoga for many years. He's kind of peculiar, but the techniques definitely work!

 

I also really like Daily Om online yoga classes, they are sliding scale, super affordable and easy to follow. I particularly like Pelvis Rest for Lower Back Pain and Chair Yoga for Strength and Mobility. Lots of local places are putting their classes online as well - if you have some favorites, please share so I can check them out too!

 

Most of us are having to take time off from work, while others are being pushed into the front line of dealing with this health crisis. If you are able, consider how you can help others. One seemingly small thing I did this week was buy two Exeter Hospital healthcare workers lunch from Laney & LU's. They are coordinating gift cards for hospital workers. Simply go to their online order page, select 'smoothies' and choose the 'gift a smoothie' item or select 'bowls' and/or choose 'gift a bowl' and they will take care of the rest. Kudos to them for a great idea!

 

During your time at home, consider how you can just enjoy some time away from work - walks in nature, creative pursuits, cooking healthy dinners together with your family, board games, curling up with a good book and limiting your social contact are all enriching ways to protect yourself from community transmission. I've cleaned off the dining room table for a puzzle marathon this weekend, it's been ages since I've done one and I'm really looking forward to this new one I picked up last week.

 

Food wise - and I can't emphasize this enough - take this time to eat well. Try out some new recipes. This week I made a vegetarian shepherd's pie with french green Puy lentils, so good! Contact me if you'd like my recipe. According to the American Acupuncture Council, it's highly recommended to Increase your anti-oxidant and nutrient-dense infection-fighting foods like: organic blueberries, raspberries, spinach, sprouts, garlic, onions, ginger, parsley, cilantro, celery juice, bone broth and fermented foods and beverages. Looking ahead to the growing season, now is a good time to consider a Community Supported Agriculture share. They provide stability to local farmers while giving you a weekly influx of healthy, locally grown food including vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese, grains, legumes and meats/seafood too. Here's the NH CSA Farm Directory from last year to get you started. More immediately I've just signed up for Veggie-Go: Three Rivers Farm Alliance offering home delivery

 

It's also highly recommended to stay hydrated! Drinking good quality water and herbal teas is one of the best things you can do to flush out toxins from your body and help support the immune system. If you want to try some Mulberry and Loquat tea for respiratory health, let me know and I'll send you a packet.

 

I know this will be a hard one for some of you, but it's strongly recommended to reduce your sugar intake to help keep your immune system strong. Avoid eating processed sugars. Sugar weakens the immune system and makes it less able to deal with viruses and bacteria. And when you need a little something, consider The Chocolatier in downtown Exeter, shop online (every thing is amazing) and have it shipped to you.

 

And lastly, dry brushing the skin using a natural fiber brush helps stimulate the circulatory system, immune system and Lung meridian system. Brushing gently up from the hands and feet towards the heart and in a circular motion on the stomach will be of great benefit. Get your upper back too if you can manage it!

 

Thank you for being a part of my community and know that I wish you all well. Again, if you'd like to share anything that you are doing to help support you during this time, please do so! Herbal consultations + wellness check-ins are available for established clients, contact me for details. 

 

In kindness, health + wellness,

Michelle

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Please note that whatever links I've shared here are through my own personal network of resources, I don't get any benefit from you shopping at any of them!