COVID-19 can make life feel uncertain, there are six specific ways in which people can take control of their health and wellness and maintain a positive mindset during times of international crisis. 6 Ways To Stay Healthy & Positive During The COVID-19 Outbreak The COVID-19, or Coronavirus, outbreak has forever changed the way that Americans live their day-to-day lives. On March 22, Ohio governor Mike DeWine ordered a state-wide “Stay At Home” order, instructing all non-essential workers to effectively quarantine themselves until April 6, at least. It was an unprecedented, but essential, step in the state’s history. Although the COVID-19 outbreak began in China, it quickly spread around the globe in a matter of months. Through cruise ships and commercial flights, COVID-19 made its silent entry into Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. While the reality of COVID-19 is a scary one, it’s important to remember during uncertain times that human beings still have the power to create and maintain their health and wellness by adopting positive habits and an optimistic mindset. In this blog, we’re going to explore six specific ways in which Americans – and everyone else across the world – can stay healthy and positive during the COVID-19 outbreak, and in the many months to follow. After the COVID-19 outbreak is over, you can still choose to follow these steps so that you can continue to live a full and vibrant life – no matter what the future may bring! 1. Eat A Diet That’s Full Of Fruits And Vegetables Although many people consider a healthy diet an essential component to weight loss, it’s also an essential component to maintaining a well-functioning immune system. A diet that is full of fruits and vegetables, in addition to whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein, provides all the energy you need to stay active and alert throughout the day, with no sugar crashes or afternoon slumps. In addition to energy, a well-balanced diet also provides the essential nutrients and amino acids your body needs to aid with its growth and repair processes and its ability to fight off free radicals and harmful bacteria and viruses. According to NHS Inform, “deficiencies in some key nutrients – such as vitamin A, B, C and E, and zinc, iron and selenium – can weaken parts of your immune system.” If you’re looking for immune-boosting foods, Healthline can help. Citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, kiwi, poultry, sunflower seeds, and shellfish can all help protect you and your family from the flu, cold, and other illnesses. Just remember to switch up your diet and eat a wide variety of foods so you get adequate nutrition from each source! 2. Aim To Get At Least 30 Minutes Of Activity Each Day It’s well-known that regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but do you know why? Not only does exercise burn calories and contribute to weight loss, but it’s also a major mood booster – an invaluable thing to have during times of international crisis! Although many state governments have shut down bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 outbreak, exercising outdoors is still allowed, so it’s a great, productive way to pass the time. According to Medline Plus, “during exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. This can help you deal with stress and reduce your risk of depression.” Additionally, “exercise stimulates your body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain.” While we’re all cooped up indoors, it can be difficult to feel like you have control over your life. However, exercise is an easy way to take control of your body and shake up your daily routine, no matter how mundane it may be. Plus, with all the Netflix you’ve probably been watching (no shame!), it’ll do your muscles a little good to stretch out during a daily walk. 3. Cultivate High-Quality, Restorative Sleep Habits We all know that icky feeling when you get a bad night’s sleep. Your mind is foggy, your body aches a bit; it feels like you’re moving through mud. But did you know that lack of sleep can do more than make you feel tired? In fact, if the problem persists long-term, it can actually impact the functioning of your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, “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, such as a common cold virus.” When you’re asleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which can help protect against infection and inflammation. Additionally, “infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep.” Although we all know that 8 hours every night is optimal, the quality of your sleep is also equally important. To hit that magic number, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that you stick to a regular sleep schedule, practice a relaxing bedtime ritual, cut off contact with electronics at least an hour before bedtime, and avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. You can learn more about treatments andbook a free consultation today at jivamedspa.com 4. Drink Plenty Of Water, At Least 64 Oz. Per Day Along with food and air, water is the most important part of human survival. In fact, without water, you would only live a matter of days. The human body is 60% water, and our blood is 90%. According to How Stuff Works, “water regulates our body temperature, moves nutrients through our cells, keeps our mucous membranes moist, and flushes waste from our bodies.” During times like the COVID-19 outbreak, drinking plenty of water is especially important, since “staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness,” according to Fisher-Titus Medical Center. The general recommendation is to drink eight 8-oz glasses of water per day, or 64 oz., although that number can vary greatly depending on your body composition and level of physical activity. If you’re looking to get even more immune-boosting benefits from drinking water, consider investing in a Kangen Water System. Although it’s only the size of a coffee maker, the Kangen system produces pH-balanced, electrolyzed-reduced water that is mineral rich and full of antioxidants. In fact, the water that Kangen makes mimics the molecular structure of some “healing waters” found in German, Indian, French, and Mexican springs. 5. Work On Breaking Unhealthy Habits Like Smoking With newfound downtime in the form of social distancing and “Stay At Home” orders, many people are using the COVID-19 outbreak as an opportunity to work on themselves. Some people are taking up knitting; others are breaking out the paint supplies they’ve had hidden in their basement for years. One way you can really make the most of your time is by working on breaking unhealthy habits that have plagued you for years. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, and it hits people hardest who have underlying health conditions. Smoking, as we’re all aware, is one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to lung health. According to Web MD, “smoking doesn’t just hurt your lungs. It harms almost every organ in your body, making you a more likely target for cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.” Quitting smoking is difficult, but there’s nothing like a worldwide global respiratory pandemic to open your eyes to the consequences of unhealthy habits. If you need support during your journey to wellness, there are many online sources that offer community guidance. And remember – it’s important to have support from your friends and family! Use this time to explain your “why” behind quitting and ask them to rally around you (or… 6 feet away from you). You got this! 6. Enhance Your Lifestyle With High-Quality Supplements Although eating a healthy diet, getting physical activity, prioritizing sleep, staying properly hydrated, and quitting bad habits are all key in the fight for health and wellness, people can further enhance their lifestyles and support immunity with high-quality, medical-grade supplements. You can think of supplements like an insurance policy – on top of all the good things you’re already doing, supplements will guarantee that you’re reaping the ultimate rewards. When choosing a supplement that helps to fight off illness, there are a few products from XYMOGEN that reign supreme. The first is Viragraphis, a supplement that features three herbs that have been used traditionally for immune support and stimulation. The second is OlivDefense, which uses olive extract and elderberries to support the body’s natural immune defense. A third supplement to consider is ImmunotiX 500, which primes and mobilizes the cells that support the body’s immune response. Of course, not all dietary supplements are created equal, so be sure to do your research and consult a doctor prior to beginning any new supplement regime. Of note, XYMOGEN has been ranked for the 10th time in Inc. Magazine’s INC 5000 list, which recognizes the top 5,000 fastest-growing, US-based, privately held, and independent companies in the nation. In addition to XYMOGEN supplements, there are a number of home remedies that can help boost your immunity, including turmeric serum, elderberry juice, and kombucha fermented tea. Conclusion: In Uncertain Times, There Are Guaranteed Steps You Can Take To Boost Your Health, Wellness, And Happiness Although scientists are still searching for a cure for COVID-19, it’s important to remember that you are not defenseless, and all hope is not lost. By being proactive and taking thoughtful measures, you can emerge on the other side of a global outbreak healthier than ever before! At Jiva Med Spa, we’re all about treating the whole patient – mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we offer a number of products that are helping our patients stay healthy and positive during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. According to Dr. Rakesh Nanda, Medical Director of Jiva Med Spa, “We must remember that when the government clears citizens to return to work and get back to a state of normalcy, that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. The virus will still be among us, still alive and as strong as it was in China, if not stronger. We must think of this battle as a marathon, and that means we must prepare on all fronts. That’s also why we need to keep your health and immunity stronger than ever! Jiva has always been at the forefront of wellness, but now we’re taking it to the next level.” If you have any questions about the Kangen Water System, high-quality, medical-grade supplements from XYMOGEN, or other immune-boosting home remedies, please do not hesitate to call us at 614-421-7546. We offer overnight shipping and curbside pickup on all supplements, and we also sell the Kangen Water System in our office locations in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio. Together, we can get through this. And together, we will pave the way for a happy, healthy, and much more positive second half of 2020!