Keeping Protected During the Coronavirus Pandemic

I debated on writing this article, especially since there are so many out there on the topic of the coronavirus.

No matter where you turn, you’re bombarded with updates, most of which are extremely alarming.

And while I’m not here to downplay any of this, especially because I feel the severity of it, I do think it’s important to focus on what you can control.

You’ve heard people say not to panic, and that’s true but the tips I’m about to share aren’t here to reiterate that point further.

Instead, I’m sharing what I’m doing to stay protected during this time to help give my body the best chance of keeping this away.

The strategies I’m about to discuss are not just your basic wash your hands for 20+ seconds tips either.

Covering your mouth, staying home — especially when you’re sick, not panicking, and washing your hands are definitely foundational pieces to keeping this away — I don’t disagree there.

I’m especially advocating that you stay home — this is really the best thing you can do right now.

But after writing a few coronavirus articles for my clients, I definitely think there are a few more easy ways you can keep yourself protected.

And that’s exactly what I’m about to share.

9 Easy But Effective Strategies to Keep Yourself Protected During the Coronavirus Pandemic

These are the strategies I’m practicing right now. 

Remember, I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist. 

I’m only sharing what I’m doing during this time in case any of these ideas may work for you.

#1: Focus on Getting Enough Nutrients

The goal is to boost your immune system and give it the best chance to ward off pathogens and a good way to do that is by strengthening it from the inside out.

That means getting enough nutrients from the food you eat.

On top of trying to avoid processed foods, which can disrupt your gut balance and may leave you susceptible to catching something, I’m trying to up my veggie and fruit intake even more.

These foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals in a form your body can use right away.

I’ve also started to pump in more homemade veggie based soups and smoothies to do just that.

On top of increasing my intake, I’m also taking a food-based multivitamin to fill in the gaps of anything I’ve missed.

Don’t wait until you feel something coming on to up your intake. You can do it now and keep yourself protected.

Now, to be clear, I’m not saying don’t eat processed foods right now. I certainly have weaved in more than I normally do.

But, if you can, don’t make it your entire meal. Maybe 90% whole-foods and 10% or as close to those figures as you can.

#2: Don’t Forget About Gut Health

Another way I like to strengthen my immune system is by taking a probiotic everyday and digestive enzymes as needed.

The probiotic is there to keep the gut bacteria in balance — an overgrowth of bacteria can leave you susceptible to a bad germ takeover.

As for the enzymes, I use these to help break down larger meals, especially ones with a bit more carbs or sugar in them.

These powerful little enzymes help break down the food I eat so that it’s not left sitting in the gut to ferment and upset the gut balance further.

#3: Get Allergies in Check

The coronavirus is a deadly respiratory infection that can be transmitted in the air from a cough or sneeze.

So what does this have to do with getting your allergies in check?

With allergies, your immune system is in a hyper attack type state, from what I’ve read.

It feels threatened by environmental and other allergens and, to defend the body, it goes on the attack.

This overdrive is what leaves you feeling the side effects of allergies.

What bothers me about this situation, aside from it being uncomfortable, is that your body is already using tons of energy to fight off allergies.

So if something like a flu or coronavirus makes its way over, it may be too taxing to fight both.

This is my non-doctor theory that may not hold merit but I personally believe it.

It’s enough for me to think that getting your allergies in check now can help keep yourself strong should any other germs come your way.

I’ve recently started a natural supplement — called MSM — to combat allergies since the OTC options my doctor recommended didn’t seem to help and actually added more symptoms.

This remedy has helped me tremendously and I’m so grateful I found it. I’m also working on reducing a histamine intolerance, which I can write about if you’re interested (if so, let me know in the comments below).

One of my favorite natural allergy relievers is:

#4: Use Your Neti Pot (or Get One if You Don’t Have One Yet)

On top of washing my hands, I’m also planning to up my neti pot usage.

If you’re not familiar with what this is, it’s a little tea pot looking thing you stick up your nose to flush salt water through it.

If you’ve never tried it, yes, it’s as weird as it sounds.

And if you have done a neti pot before, you’re probably cringing at the thought of having to use it more.

Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it’s not the most fun.

But it works. And for me, it worked really well at clearing out allergies.

Because of that, I plan to start using my neti pot on a more regular basis instead of as needed.

I’m hoping this clears out the tiny particles that I breathe in all day and flushes out what shouldn’t be there.

This is a really good idea after you visit a grocery store, after work, or any other times you’re coming into contact with more people than normal.

#5: Try Essential Oils

I don’t have any research to support the connection between essential oils and the coronavirus — and I can’t imagine it would be enough — but I am using mine more to help with breathing better.

I use a “breathing” essential oils set that I got on Amazon and also blast peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and others.

With all of this craziness, I also add in lavender to help calm and relax.

I find that the essential oils help me feel better mentally and physically — my breathing is always clearer afterwards.

#6: Meditate More

Telling people not to panic isn’t going to prevent them from doing just that.

A better approach is to meditate and journal more in addition to keeping yourself protected.

I set a timer for 10 minutes and meditate to help expel some of the nervous energy that comes up during times like these. It also keeps me focused and improves my mood.

I try to do this outside where no one is around so that I can get some fresh air and soak in some natural vitamin D. I also try to follow this up with a 5 minute stretch to hit that 15 minute vitamin D mark.

As for journaling, I don’t do it as consistently as I’d like and usually write about 10+ pages when I do sit down to do it.

I try not to start out with a prompt and usually just recap what I’m feeling in the moment. Then I let a stream of consciousness unload without interruption.

In both cases, these tools can help you get out the panic and breathe in calmness.

#7: Don’t Stop Exercising

I wrote this original article on March 14th and, as of that point, I was still going to the gym regularly.

By then, it had definitely thinned out and I was even more generous when it came to the antibacterial spray and wiping my machines down before and after.

But as of now, April 5th, I’ve obviously stopped doing this, for good reasons.

I’ve since switched to at-home workouts and ones I can do outdoors because I think now more than ever we need this movement.

I’ve gone on so many more walks and I’m clocking in around 10-15 miles per week.

It’s important to me to keep up with working out for my mental and physical health, but it’s also like taking a physical vitamin that gives you another natural boost to your immunity.

I wrote an article for a client on how exercise boosts your immune system so once that goes live, I’ll share it with you.

In that article, I also mention that I’m not trying to overdo it with exercise because that can run you down and leave your immune system susceptible to catching something.

A simple walk is enough to get the immune boost and some vitamin D if you can do it outdoors. 

At-home yoga and pilates are also great ideas for getting your body moving and stretching.

As long as you’re still getting in some movement, your body and your health will thank you.

Search for some freebie videos on YouTube and take advantage of the 30 day free trials a lot of these exercise streaming classes have right now. It’s a great time to test the water and find what you like for free.

It can also help you stay active.

#8: Prioritize Sleep

On top of moving each day, I think it’s super important to get enough high-quality sleep each night.

Again, this is going to make sure your immune system is as strong as possible which will keep you safe.

Sleeping also helps your body repair and recharge, two things you need during a time like this.

You’ve heard me talk about sleep before, and it’s just as important today.

Instead of staying up late hearing the same old news stories over and over again, get to bed earlier so your body can get the recharge it needs to stay strong and protected.

#9: Spring Clean Your House If You Haven’t Already

I also think now is a good time to give your house a deep-cleaning if you haven’t already.

A clean house is a great way to ensure your environment isn’t triggering your allergies or festering unwanted germs.

It’s also helpful for keeping a clear space, which can help give you a clearer mind.

I find that clutter only adds to stress levels which is the last thing you want here.

Keep Protected During the Coronavirus

If you’re here, you now have nine different ways to add another layer of protection during this awful coronavirus.

I pray that it starts to wind down instead of escalate and, in the meantime, I’ll keep working on fortifying my immune system and praying for everyone involved.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Are you doing anything else to keep yourself protected?

Tell me about it in the comments below.

And I hope we can all get through this unscathed.

To boosting immunity,

Devan