Covid-19 Has Sent Us to Our Rooms to Self-Reflect
Although one-size never fits all, we’re all being told to stay home
While this is a particularly smart time to be building up our immunity, and creating our healthy weight, the closure of recreation centers, parks, and beaches, can lead to an aftermath of stress related illnesses. According to Ayurveda, ancient nutritional wisdom, when under stress we become more susceptible to depression, weight gain, insomnia, and whatever disease is going around since a hormone called cortisol is elevated in the body during stressful times.
If stress continues for an extended time because fear, doubt, or worry over getting sick, or anything, including Covid-19, that may not even happen to you, the appetite is stimulated. And with the assistance of elevated insulin levels from eating too much food, drinking too many beers, cocktails, sweet drinks, or eating too many desserts, cortisol activates the enzyme lipoprotein lipase.
Ultimately, excess cortisol in your body can turn into fat no matter what you eat or drink.
Physical activity can protect against depressive symptoms, release weight, enhance psychological well-being, and lower your cortisol level. What are you doing to move your body, get fresh air, and expose yourself to sunshine?
Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Exercise is helpful for weight loss and maintaining your healthy weight. Being at your ideal weight enhances the immune system, protects against depressive symptoms, and improves psychological well-being.
Fortunately, a few months before Covid-19 hit the United States, I moved from Northern California to Maui, Hawaii. My decision about whether or not to take walks is based upon my body’s wisdom, Ayurvedic wisdom, and where I live. Maui has not been hit as hard as some of the bigger cities.
I’ve chosen to continue hiking in the forest, along Thompson Road, and throughout my neighborhood. Perhaps, as we continue our shared fight against coronavirus (COVID-19), you may want to form a social circle with no more than 10 people with whom you can come in contact. Think of your social circle as the people who can join you on a daily hike, or for a weekly dinner. (Some states have physical distancing, hugging, or same-household regulations, while others don’t. Inquire about your area. And of course, use your common sense). If someone in your circle feels sick, they should immediately inform other members of the circle, self-isolate at home and not come into close contact with anyone, including other members of the circle.
I’m interested in knowing what’s going on where you live. Feel free to reach out and let me know. Meanwhile, there’s more that we can do.
According to Ayurveda, a good night’s sleep enhances the immune system
Sleep removes toxins, returns us to balance, and repairs the body’s immune system. Sleep also releases stress, and turmeric aids in fat metabolism.
Try this
About an hour before bed each night drink a mug of delicious golden turmeric milk.
GOLDEN TURMERIC MILK
In a stainless steel or glass pot, heat 1 cup of organic milk, ½ cup of filtered water. (Plant milk works well. I prefer Ripple: it’s made from pea protein.) Add 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder and 3 saffron threads. As the beverage begins coming to a boil, turn off the heat and serve topped with a sprinkling of ground nutmeg.
Saffron, particularly the chemical components of safranal and crocin, elevates serotonin levels. When serotonin levels are high, people feel less stressed, and are less likely to overeat. The higher serotonin levels also produce a full feeling, and promote a good night’s sleep. Nutmeg is a delicious herb used, among other things, for the treatment of sleep disorders and stress prevention.
Love,
Cheryl
Cheryl Sindell
Global Nutritionist, Consumers’ Reporter, and Weight-loss Mentor. I studied at The University of California, Los Angeles. The American University of Complementary Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and The Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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