Hello and welcome to the summer edition of WTF Is Even Happening: 2020. For those keeping track, this is month 5 of the pandemic…though it’s hard to remember a time when this wasn’t happening at this point. I hope you’re all taking good care of yourselves, spending quality time with your fam, and staying out of the politics of literally everything.
I have multiple immunity posts, but it seems like a good time for a refresher, don’t you think? It’s never too late to start boosting your immunity, and it certainly isn’t going to hurt given…well, everything.
Disclaimer: You already know I’m not a doctor, so don’t even sass me. Do your own research and consult your own doctor like an adult. K, BYEEE!
ALL THE VITAMINS:
Zinc – According to Dr. Axe, zinc has the ability to exert an anti-viral effect by attaching to receptors in nasal epithelial cells, blocking their effects. I won’t pretend like I understand this, but if it can help, why wouldn’t you take it? Some doctors have been using it on COVID patients as well. This is why it’s been sold out pretty much everywhere. Personally, I take it all the time because it helps my skin stay clear, which is a nice perk.
Quercetin – This is another one that’s hot in the streets for rona prevention/treatment apparently. It’s a flavonoid that’s found in onions, green tea, apples, berries, red wine, and more. Early findings are showing that it’s beneficial for airway infections, which is why it’s gained attention right now. However, it’s most commonly used for heart conditions, cancer prevention, bladder infections, and diabetes.
Immune Shroom – This is one of – if not my absolute – favorite vitamins. I hardly get sick anyway other than the occasional sinus headache, but I’ve been taking this consistently for 2 years and have not been sick. I literally haven’t missed a day of work for being sick since 2018. Even my boss has commented on it. Anyway, it’s made by Organic Olivia who is an awesome herbalist out of Brooklyn. She recently did a podcast episode about her parents’ near-death experience with the coronavirus. Highly recommend listening to it!
Elderberry – Elderberry has been a staple in natural medicine for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient Egyptian medications (always ahead of their time with everything!). Elderberries contain rich flavanoids which are known to stimulate your immune system.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D supports the immune and nervous system, brain, and lungs, which makes it a nice addition to your preventative measures. According to Medical News Today, children given 1,200 international units of vitamin D per day for four months reduced their risk of the flu (type A) by over 40 percent. Who knows about the rona, but it’s definitely not going to hurt. Don’t want to pay for it? Go outside.
Vitamin C – You already know. It’s the OG immunity vitamin! If you don’t want to take a pill, at least have a bunch of oranges on deck.
ALL THE STRESS RELIEF:
Infrared sauna – This is my favorite thing lately. Mark my words, one day I will have one in my house. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting inside a hot sauna. It’s ironic because I literally hate being hot, but something about an infrared sauna soothes me. Perhaps it reminds me of my ex-bf: the tanning bed. If you can’t breathe in traditional saunas, definitely give infrared a shot! Potential health benefits include losing weight (I sweat out 2 pounds every time), healing tissues, sweating out toxins, and feeling calm AF. Studies have also been done on high blood pressure, heart issues, arthritis, and premature aging, though these studies are just preliminary.
Deep tissue massage – Aside from the fact that it just feels good, deep tissue massage is said to increase blood flow, decrease blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve lung function. If your day spa is taking proper precautions and you feel comfortable going, definitely treat yourself.
Home workouts – Since I literally haven’t stepped foot inside a gym since March, the living room is my gym and YouTube is my trainer. I’ve been obsessed with Holly Dolke’s videos the past couple of months. She has a lot of great ones that are super hard without even using weights. They’re also pretty short (like 7 minutes) so you can do them on breaks from work.
Bougie baths – I will praise baths in every blog post for the rest of time. There is nothing more relaxing than this, especially at home! Treat yourself to a fancy bath kit and reorganize your bathroom while you’re at it. I recommend checking out Herbivore if you’re feeling in a treat-yo-self bath mood.
Journaling – Pro Tip: Instead of writing your thoughts all over Facebook where they live forever, try writing them in a journal and hiding it in your closet where no one will ever find it. Thank you.
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NEWS: I pretty much never watch the news anymore. A lot of people will say that’s a bad thing, and I get it, but I just can’t. I don’t need the constant death tolls. I don’t need to hear people yelling at each other. We get it. Earth is in flames and everyone is dying. It’s bad. For the sake of my mental and physical health, there’s not much more I need to know. Until they start talking about the aliens, don’t tell me anything. Embrace the isolation bubble how you see fit!
DON’T ENGAGE IN ARGUMENTS: Arguments raise your cortisol. Cortisol makes you angry and sick. Angry/sick people just might shoot their husbands. They just might!
Just remember: no one has ever changed anyone’s mind by yelling at them over social media. You just look like a douche. Even if I agree with what you’re saying, I’m still going to unfollow you for being a douche.
Anyway, I hope this has been helpful. Tune in next time for God only knows what because it’s 2020!
Great reminders. Turn off the news is my favorite one.