An Integrative Wellness Approach to COVID-19
As an Integrative Wellness Coach, we must take a whole-life approach to health and well-being. For this reason, you must be aware of all four systems and how they play an essential role in protecting you from illness, generally, and from Coronavirus, specifically. Here are a few thoughts about how to protect yourself in every area.
Physical: Dis-ease enters our bodies when our immune systems are down. Thus, getting ample rest, eating well, being active, and maintaining cleanliness are essential to our physical wellness. So, like everyone says, go to sleep, wash your hands, and eat foods that help boost your immune system. An article in the Courier Sun advised that viruses have a better chance of getting through your first line of defense if you don't have enough vitamin A. It's like you have no front row on your football team. Good sources of vitamin A are cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk, and yogurt. Plant sources of vitamin A include yellow, orange, and dark green vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, and broccoli." Simply stated, make healthy choices.
Mental: It is tough to stay mentally sound when so much fear is in the air. It is going to be very important to protect your mind. Everywhere I look, there are signs of Coronavirus. Memes on Facebook, warnings on Instagram, constant updates in the news… it's enough to cause anyone to panic. But panicking is a choice. Remember, "Ships don't sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don't let what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down." So instead of panicking, make a healthy choice of reason and protect your mind. Be informed, but don't get obsessed. Get off of Facebook, ask your friends and family to stop sending you constant updates, and do not listen to the conversations of your freaked-out co-workers. Your mind is so powerful. If you focus your mind on sickness, you will find it everywhere. If you concentrate on wellness, it will attract itself to you.
Emotional: Your feelings about what is happening matter. Fear, confusion, overwhelm, panic, disbelief, disinterest, inconvenience, or even opportunity (to all those Millennials catching cheap flights) are all healthy emotional responses to Coronavirus. One of my girlfriends just sent me a message saying, "I'm trying to remain calm, but I'm failing. I laid on the couch. Girl, I just can't." And I get that! Acknowledge all of your feelings. Feel all of your feelings. But! Don't let what you feel make all your choices during this uncertain time. It's OK to feel panicked, but that doesn't mean you have to prepare for Doomsday. It's OK to feel overwhelmed, but that doesn't imply that you don't need to go to the grocery store. You can even feel indifferent but still choose to be somewhat informed. Feel what you feel, and make decisions that serve your highest good. Care for yourself.
Spiritual: I firmly believe in the power of prayer, universal thought, positive intention, and our universal connection. We are one. Marianne Williamson said, "Isolate socially, but don't isolate emotionally or spiritually. The way to get through this is to make it not about you. Check on any elderly family and friends. Make sure they have everything they need." This is a time to cover ourselves, our families, and our communities in well-wishes and positive thoughts. I found a scripture from the Christian Bible that comforted me during this time. It involves "putting on the whole armor of God," and I thought armor would be helpful when we all need a little protection. I felt I should share it with you:
Ephesians 6:12-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
During times like this, I am pleased that B. Well offers virtual coaching so that we can continue to support our clients in different parts of the world, even those who might be shut in. If you need us, please call. B. Well, dear one. B. Well.
Take good care,
Dr. Adrianne R. Pinkney
Integrative Wellness & Life Coach
