So first off, in my mind I am thinking that I hope I don’t give you the CoronaVirus by reading this post.

Because right now I am catastrophizing.

• What if I get Corona?
• What if I infect my family? My mother is elderly and has pre-existing conditions.
• What happens if I lose my job?
• What happens if my partner loses their job?
• Do I have Corona? I know I have it – all of a sudden my throat is scratchy, sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe and I think I have a headache. I bought a digital thermometer and am checking my temperature every hour.
• Should I get a test? No, I think that would be taking a test away from someone else who really needs it.
• Someone sneezed in the next aisle of the supermarket the other day while I was stocking up on food and supplies – maybe there were virus droplets on the shopping cart handle?

My mind is racing, it is difficult to concentrate, I am a tired, worried mess and I feel sick. I am spending more time on my phone and on social media. I got a cold sore the other day and broke out in hives.

My kids are home – school is canceled – they are driving me crazy. It feels like they have regressed:

• not eating,
• not sleeping,
• acting up,
• not wanting to do their school work.

Now I have to worry about childcare and making sure they are following their remote schooling program.

My partner is not sure about their job. My partner is grumpy and snappy – not sleeping, I am snappy and not sleeping. We both had too much to drink last night – the CoronaVirus has not shut down home alcohol delivery! ‘Maybe we try weed next time?’, we ask each other.

So how do I intend to get through this? I am ditching the weed and the alcohol and making a plan to protect myself and my family. Here is my plan (and I would love to hear yours or input on mine):

Each day I plan to:

• Get off sofa
• Go outside
• Get some exercise
• Eat healthy
• Meditate and unwind
• Limit watching the news and social media but stay informed
• Limit consumption of alcohol and drugs
• Connect with my friends, family and loved ones
• Focus on what I can control – not what I can’t
• Build my immune system
• Seek help if I need it

Why am I focused on building my immune system?

When humans are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections, and probably why I got the cold sore. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes). Here is a link to a study if you want to read more about this.

I am not talking about getting or treating Corona. For Corona, I am following the CDC guidelines to prepare, prevent and protect myself and my family. If I truly get the symptoms, I will get tested and there are now more tests available at drive up testing facilities.

I am talking about the typical seasonal illnesses – common flu, colds, sore throats, allergies etc … that we face every year. I want my immune system to be as strong as possible during this period. I want to avoid getting sick if at all possible to take care of our families and because the healthcare system is already stretched dealing with this virus pandemic.

All-Natural Supplements for Immune and Mood Support

For Mood Support, I am taking Tranquilene.

Tranquilene contains Gaba and Serotonin boosters and I find that it really helps me remain calm.

To enhance my healthy eating, I am taking all-natural supplements. For immune support, I am taking Ayurvedic Ashwagandha and Olive Leaf Extract.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, few herbal compounds are prescribed more than ashwagandha (withania somnifera) for nerve and immune support, healthy joints, reproductive health, anxiety relief, energy normalization, and as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. No wonder it is often called Indian Ginseng.

Olive leaf extract is a natural source of wellness. Research suggests that olive leaf compounds may enhance the body’s efforts to fight invading organisms via two different processes. Firstly, they appear to stimulate phagocytosis (the process in which immune system cells engulf and destroy invading organisms), and secondly by interfering with the ability of bacteria and viruses to replicate themselves and cause infection – gastroprotective (protects digestive system).

Lastly, even though I have a plan I am managing my own Expectations and understand that there will be bumps in the road.

What do you think of my plan? Share your thoughts below!