How to overcome the lockdown: #Stayhome & #Staystrong

How to overcome the lockdown? History repeats itself. The original article was posted in April 2020. One year and one month later, here in India, we are in another lockdown. I hope that this sharing will bring a bit of value, be it in India or any other corner of the world. Stay safe, please!

#Stayhome & #Staystrong are like mantras these days. Markedly, very few people are outside, and most of us are at home, homecation time. And we are trying to be as strong as possible, in body and mind. Our home is like a shelter these days, the one that should protect us during this challenging time. Unfamiliar with this scenario, we need to make sure we have enough energy to support not only people around us but especially – ourselves first.

Certainly, for many, it might be a roller-coaster of emotions that will be testing us each day. For others, it might be simply the situation, too overwhelming with what is happening outside and inside, at home. By all means, scenarios will be unlimited. And we will know our case best. The summary is: we are at home. But how to be strong? And how to stay healthy?

#STAYSTRONG = #stayhealthy

Stay strong and stay healthy! We all wish for it now for ourselves and our beloved ones. Our inner strength and stamina are critical during this journey. We all are part of it in a very unexpected way. No one even checked with us if we want to buy the tickets for this travel. Especially, as duration is unknown, we need to prepare our bodies and minds for it well.

Both remembering “grandmas’ advice” and also traveling the world, especially in Asia, gave me a completely new outlook about a healthy lifestyle. The one that focuses on natural remedies, on our daily care, and ongoing well-being practices. I try to live by it and also refer to it when unwell. It helped me also during my pregnancy. I was able to stay fit, something I have shared already with you in my previous post.

Take care of your body, it is your home.

Certainly, most of us know a lot of home remedies. From our grandparents or parents, the ones that we remember from our childhood or maybe newly acquired ones – especially now – from the ‘online world’. Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, traditional Korean or African medicine, among many. In fact, in some Asian and African countries, around 80% of the population uses traditional medicine for primary health issues.

We are at home these days. So why not benefit from this situation and take care of our body and mind a bit more? Doctor visits for any minor issues or regular checkups are not recommended these days in many places globally. Additionally, there are plenty of things we can do on our own, the natural way!

#STAYSTRONG THE NATURAL WAY

Traveling to India helped me discover a little about Ayurveda practices. Just a little, as this knowledge doesn’t come from books or workshops only. These are life lessons and experiences lived by people brought up in this culture. Indeed, India is the only country in the world that has a ministry, AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy – to promote Indian traditional medical practices and yoga. For instance, having yoga classes at school in India in the first grade is very common. It is part of the lifestyle’s DNA.

Surely, travels are the best school and life learnings. Many small yet important tips I learned as a part of my journeys. Did you know that mango increases body temperature? Therefore, one shouldn’t eat it during fever or nosebleed. Similarly, guavas should be avoided during cold, tomatoes during sore-throat, and ghee (clarified butter) during cough.

So much learning each day! The natural way!

WORLD’S PRACTICES

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, please be mindful of potential allergies you might have. Also, this time, this is only personal experiences and thought gathering. Life is about how we live it and how we approach it. The content provides only lifestyle suggestions.

Currently, we are all trying to stay strong. Therefore, boosting our immune systems as much as possible is a priority now. There are a lot of things that we can do or consume to increase it even further! Or, in case you see any potentially worrying symptoms – limit them significantly. There are many world practices to apply! And if you know anything else, share in the comments section below. It can help us all!

SORE-THROAT

1. Water + salt gargle; combine 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 100 to 200 ml of warm water & enjoy gargling! repeat regularly during the day
2. Propolis remedy; it is rich in antibiotics compounds and natural essences; chew a piece slowly as if you were chewing gum (up to 15 min); repeat two or three times a day
3. Thyme infusion with honey; thyme is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while honey is on the top of the list for soothing effect; bring a large cup of water to boil, add 1/2 tablespoon of dried thyme, leave to infuse for 5 min, then add a spoon of honey; drink trice a day
4. Phytolacca gargle; is a shrubby plant that is very common in homeopathy to relieve the pain in the throat; pour 30 drops into half a glass of warm water and mix, later use this liquid as a gargle; repeat at least three times a day

COUGH

1. Orange juice & water diet makes the secretion thinner and less viscid, helping loosening severe cough; drink juice of an orange diluted in warm water every two hours from 8 am to 8 pm, drink additional warm water freely; follow this by all-fruit diet for two or three more days
2. Ginger & honey tea has anti-inflammatory properties; it helps to remove toxins from the body and boosts blood circulation; add a good quantity of ginger to the water and boil it for 6 to 7 minutes; once the tea is ready and its temperature drops, add honey; enjoy it twice a day
3. Grapes tone up the lungs and act as an expectorant, helping in simple cold and cough in a couple of days; a combination of honey with grape juice is ideal for cough; enjoy grapes regularly
4. Almonds are good in dry cough; first soak them in water so that the brown skin can be removed, then grind them well to form a fine paste, adding a bit of water and butter to it; enjoy it twice a day: morning and evening
5. Onion is helpful in cough, also in removing phlegm; chop it finely and extract juice from it, then mix it with honey or sugar and keep for 4 to 5 hours so that syrup is ready, take it two or three times a day
6. Turmeric (root); this plant is helpful in dry cough; roast the root and then powder it (unless you are using ready powder), then mix it with honey (two tablespoons of honey for one tablespoon of turmeric powder); take it twice a day after food

PNEUMONIA

1. Raw fruits diet it should be combined with fruit or vegetable juices, diluted with warm water on a 50:50 basis, and taken every two hours, duration should be five to seven days (depending on the severity); recommended: oranges, apples, sweet lime, pineapples, grapes, tomatoes, and carrots.
2. Important to avoid: strong tea, coffee, fried foods, refined foods, white flour, white sugar, and their products, pickles, and condiments.
3. Fenugreek seeds tea helps the body to produce perspiration, remove toxins and shorten the duration of fever; take it up to four times a day; additionally, lemon can be added to enhance the taste
4. Garlic in sufficient quantities is a perfect remedy for pneumonia, add it as per your taste to your daily food; also, garlic juice can be applied externally on the chest
5. Sesame seeds infusion helps to clean bronchial tubes; mix seeds with a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of honey

READING RECOMMENDATION

Next to traveling, I like to emerge in books. There is just one challenge: I like to read multiple books at once. There are many titles on my books shelves, both in India and Poland. Three recommendations from last and this year’s reading.

Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

“The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed each morning. Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai.”

The book highlights the importance of meditation, a way to exercise our mental muscles. Additionally, it gives insight into longevity words of wisdom from the longest-living people in the world, as well as their diet. It also talks about antioxidants that can influence our health. And finally, it suggests a lifestyle full of movement (e.g., radio taiso exercises) and physical activity (e.g., yoga, tai chi, qigong), no matter the age.

Natural Painkillers – Relieve Pain with Natural Remedies and Exercises by Dr Yann Rougier & Marie Borrel

It is “your essential guide to fighting pain the natural way! From a mild headache to crippling arthritis, pain is part of everyday experience. This book is your guide to understanding pain and the natural, practical, and scientifically proven techniques that will make it go away.”

A great edition, a beautiful layout, and so easy to read! Very compact book, full of actual suggestions for specific medical conditions. From a pain-fighting diet, through deep breathing & relaxation, to practical advice for common ailments. Discover the benefits of infusions, essential oils, herbs, hot baths, compresses, body points to stimulate or massage, among many!

Naturopathy for Longevity by Dr H.K. Bakhru

“Can one keep fit and live longer? Nature cure is the only answer to this question. In this book, Dr. Bakhru, a renowned naturopath and a proponent of natural treatment dwells on various factors contributing to health, fitness, and vitality. This book also imparts knowledge about the right food to eat, effective ways of exercising, and methods for preserving the body’s natural energies.”

Are you concerned for your parents’ and grandparents’ health? By and large, this book can help a lot. The first part focuses on people of older age, while the second one is applicable for readers of any age. You can find here naturopathy advice for multiple types of health disorders. Among them: respiratory and nervous systems, cardiovascular or endocrine problems. A lot of content to read and apply when needed. 350+ pages of practical suggestions.

IKIGAI – 17 NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS from japan

Antioxidants are substances that slow down the oxidation process in cells. They fight the free radicals that cause damage to cells and accelerate aging. Hence, adding antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits to our daily diet strengthens our ability to overcome infection and disease.

“Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” mentions the following 17 superfoods that are considered key to our vitality. The list of benefits is long. Among them: strengthening our immune system, helping relieve stress, protecting against the flu (vitamin C) or certain bacterial infections. It seems that we should not skip these in our daily diet. After all, review Ikigai’s recommendation and see what is missing in your kitchen today. The choice is there!

1. White tea
2. Green tea
3. Jasmine tea
4. Tofu
5. Miso
6. Tuna
7. Carrots
8. Bitter melon
9. Sea kelp
10. Cabbage
11. Seaweed
12. Onion
13. Soy sprouts
14. Hechima (cucumber-like gourd)
15. Soybeans
16. Sweet potato
17. Peppers

Staying at home isn’t a waiting time. It is a great opportunity to drive a change, to be strong and fit. Together we can make it all happen. All for one, one for all! #Staystrong! #Bestrong!

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Moments that matter, no matter how strong.