Falling for Wellness
With the dawning of the Autumn Equinox, I can’t help but remember all of the literature I ingested from Queen Afua and Chef Akhi regarding cleansing and immunity. Their counsel and knowledge throughout the last few months felt like suggestions rather than directives. During the summer, without an ounce of remorse I chose my guilty pleasures over a weekly shot of bitters or a bowl of greens determined to “live my best life.” Now it’s getting much harder to scroll aimlessly past an instagram post about the daily superfoods we should have at our fingertips or an article about the emotional discipline that is needed to rethink our relationship with our food. It’s even harder to notice the drastic change in weather along with the news warning us about the increasing numbers of COVID cases. Our imminent reality is here. Three hard facts remain: we are still facing a global pandemic that none of us are immune to, we have to practice certain precautions to prevent further infections, our lifestyle and what we eat play a major part in our chances of survival in these times.
This year has been taxing on us as individuals in every way. Physically, our bodies are at a hostile standby with a life threatening virus that is extremely contagious. Mentally, we are all adjusting to the consistent change and our daily way of life. Emotionally, feelings of anxiety, fear, hopelessness and doubt float around as the city closes and gradually reopens . Not to mention the communal uproar and response to the unjust killings of our brothers and sisters by law enforcement. It's more than overwhelming dealing with all that we have had to endure. Stress levels are high and due to the quarantine our immune systems are not where they should be. Currently a lot of us are attempting extreme self care including getting back in touch in nature, eating better, working on projects/ businesses for some extra income and even taking slight chances to reconnect with our loved ones in more ways than ones. The weather did allow us that luxury. However as it gets colder, there needs to be some adjustments made.
Governor Cuomo did an adequate job of keeping the numbers low with certain precautions in play. We all know the mandates being wearing a mask and socially distancing at least 6 feet apart. Other unspoken directives being avoiding large crowds, disinfecting commonly touched areas, frequent hand washing and isolating oneself if symptomatic . In general every precaution mentioned would very well help prevent the harmful microorganisms from spreading from one person to the other. The lack of enthusiasm to follow such guidelines does not have a direct correlation with their efficiency. In other words, if we want to maintain the low numbers of outbreaks during these next few months we should highly consider implementing these protocols. Being sick in any way is something everyone should be hoping to avoid. Our mindset should shift from seeing it as a burden to acknowledging it as an aid to reducing modes of transmission and remaining healthy.
Physical precautions should only be step one of standing a chance against the “Twindemic.” The real alchemy for defense happens when we take care of bodies and use the Earth’s bounty to strengthen our immune system. Unfortunately that is something not really reinstated on the news.
This information is made available in our community through our kitchens and oral traditions passed on from generation to generation. Some of us are more than aware of the multifaceted usages of lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper. Hot tea, homemade soups and meals are embedded into our memories and used for when we get sick or just in need of plain old comfort. It is more than relevant today, it is necessary. It is no longer optional to think of health as secondary in our community. There are some key things to remember when trying to prepare our bodies for the winter months to come:
❖ Eat and drink fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C. This can include oranges, berries, kale, bell peppers, spinach, lemons, grapefruit, parsley, thyme etc.
❖ Get enough sleep. Rest is very important when it comes to our immunity. The recommended amount of sleep each night is approximately 7 hours.
❖ Exercise daily . It is recommended that a person should exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Dance, run, or swim to maintain a healthy weight and give your immune system an advantage.
❖ Manage and minimize stress. We deal with stressors every day. Try to find ways to release any physical and mental tension and deal with your stimuli in a healthy way.
❖ Reduce or eliminate smoking and drinking. If these activities can be done in a limited recreational manner please do so. You may not feel the benefits in the moment, but I guarantee your immune system will thank you.
❖ Use supplements and herbs. With the consultation of a licensed herbalist, supplements such as astragalus, echinacea, and angelica root can aid in the efficiency and strength of the immune system.
Pictured are Immunity Support Vitamins from Ankhology
The time is now to begin implementing these changes. Zip codes within the five boroughs are already witnessing increasing cases and countermeasures. Lifestyle changes are necessary. As a community, the only way to get through this is to do our part as individuals for the greater good. We advise to be safe, be smart and adapt using these guidelines while remaining hopeful that things will be better.