What does your immune system do?

Your immune system is an expansive, complicated network of organs, tissues, and cells that work together to fight harmful germs and other invasive antigens that can make you sick. 

It’s your immune system’s job to protect you, but it can only do so effectively when it’s healthy. There are plenty of ways to protect against viruses and strengthen immune responses, such as introducing probiotics and antiviral herbs to your diet. 

We can also cause damage and weaken the body’s defense if we expose our body to unhealthy life and eating habits. Being more mindful of how we treat our bodies can lead to less sickness and increased longevity. 

So what are you currently doing that interferes with normal immune system activity? Here are some of the more common reasons our immune system might be out of balance.

1. Excessive Amounts of Sugar

We’ll start with an easy one. If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard “sugar is bad for you!” hundreds of times in your life. People are quick to point out that it can lead to diabetes and obesity, but the truth is that it can also reduce your immune system’s defense.

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are the immune system cells that fight all kinds of foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. So it’s scary to think that your immune system could be ineffective for any amount of time–but that’s exactly what a study conducted by Loma Linda University found could happen. They found that with as little at 100 grams of sugar (roughly equivalent to a liter of soda) your immune system could be 10-50% less effective at fighting off invaders. For up to 5 hours after ingesting it! 

In that time it would be so much easier for a virus to slip by and get you sick. And to make matters worse, sugar competes with another vital component of your white blood cells–Vitamin C. 

Vitamin C in these cells are necessary for the destruction of bacteria and viruses. However, it shares a similar chemical structure with sugar, so they end up competing for space in your immune cells. More sugar means less Vitamin C, leading to a crippled immune system. 

2. Cigarettes & Marijuana

When your immune system isn’t working at its best, you’re more likely to get sick,  suffer more severe symptoms, and have longer-lasting illnesses

Smoking can throw your immune system out of balance. Along with all of the other health risks associated with smoking, nicotine is a known immunosuppressive. Just like sugar, it inhibits your body’s ability to fight off microscopic pests. It also reduces antioxidant levels in your blood.  

Marijuana alters immune cells found in your blood. The question around whether or not this change is beneficial or harmful is still being debated, but animal studies show marijuana suppresses inflammation and immune system function. If this is the same for humans, all of the issues surrounding poor immune health we discussed before could start to affect you. 

3. Caffeine

You may be surprised to find out that when consumed in moderation, caffeine helps to regulate the immune system. It also contains antioxidants that help prevent disease and cancers. 

But don’t go reaching for that guilt-free soda quite yet. 

If you drink caffeine in excess, it will have an opposite, harmful effect on your immune system. How do you know what qualifies as “too much”? According to the Mayo Clinic, 400 mg is around the safe average for healthy adults. If you need a visual to help compare, they equate it to 4 cups of coffee, two energy drinks, or 10 cans of soda. 

Straying from these levels can lead to major issues. High caffeine levels make your body release increased amounts of cortisol. This stress hormone is designed to give you physical energy to exert in times of high stress, so it dumps your body’s store of fat and sugar. Immune suppression, high blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, skin breakouts, and weight gain. 

Excessive caffeine can also cause anxiety, insomnia, stomachache, panic attacks, nervousness, and addiction. 

If you feel like you can’t let go of your 12 daily coffee refills start by moving to drinks that naturally have less caffeine or set limits on how much you’re consuming. Try an herbal tea or another healthy alternative. You can also meditate if you’re feeling off or imbalanced to strengthen spiritual, emotional, and physical health.  

4. Red Meat

As with several other items on this list, there is a nutritional benefit to eating moderate amounts of red meat. It provides a source of proteins, vitamins, and iron. The issue arises when you eat too much of it, and over a long period of time.

Red meat has been linked to increasing cancer growth for as long as most of us probably remember. The cause is thought to be a sugar molecule found in lamb, beef, and pork skin called Neu5Gc. It isn’t produced by your body naturally, but it’s found in cancerous tissues. Red meat has incredibly high levels of the molecule while poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables didn’t have any.  

Neu5Gc sparks a reaction from the immune system when consumed and it sends antibodies to get rid of the foreign invader. The inflammation that results from this response, if chronic, contributes to cancerous tumor growth. An animal study proved that the mice receiving Neu5Gc developed 5 times as many tumors.  

5. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking water flushes toxins and waste materials like sugar and salt. Otherwise the body has trouble eliminating the debris and it starts to compound, making you more susceptible to infection and sickness. 

Being dehydrated reduces energy levels too. Without energy you’re more likely to skip important exercise and experience a sluggish immune system. 

Drink more water! It’s easy to accomplish and you can set reminders throughout the day if you’re worried you’ll forget. Your body will thank you and you’ll feel so much better. 

6. Lack of Electrolytes

We routinely get all the electrolytes we need from the food and drink we consume. Which is great because these slightly charged particles play a key role in quite a few functions. They help maintain hydration levels and carry electrical impulses all around the body.

If your electrolytes get out of balance, you can experience a whole slew of nasty effects like:

• Weakened muscles
• Muscle spasms, cramps, or twitches
• Joint and bone disorders
• Insomnia or other sleep disorders
• Incorrect hydration levels
• Less effective immune system
• Anxiety
• Fatigue

An electrolyte imbalance could be a sign of underlying medical conditions, but we also need a boost after strenuous exercise or prolonged heat exposure. Our digestive systems slow as we age, which can make it more difficult for our bodies to maintain a proper balance. 

Maple, coconut, and birch water are naturally high in electrolytes, making them a healthy way to replace the missing molecules. Especially for long-term electrolyte replacement. Don’t rely too heavily on other common solutions like sports drinks because they usually contain a ton of unhealthy sugar.

7. Skipping the Workout

Regular exercise is a common health recommendation, tied to a wide range of benefits throughout the body. Heart health, lower blood pressure, weight loss, and immune system defense are just a few.  

A sedentary lifestyle interrupts this natural flow and hurts you as a result. Working out improves circulation so immune cells can travel faster and work more efficiently. If you’re sitting down for most of the day, every day, your circulation could suffer, resulting in blood having a more difficult time maneuvering around the body.

You don’t have to throw a bunch of money at a gym membership you’ll never use. Home workouts are easy to find online and include almost any topic you can think of, from yoga to dance routines. Take a stroll through a nearby park or even your neighborhood if you really don’t like exercising.  

8. Sleeping Too Little

Everyone requires different amounts of sleep to allow their body to fully recover from the day before, but 6 to 8 hours is typically recommended. Any less than this, especially over a long time, can cause negative reactions in your body. 

Sleeping too little increases the chances of getting sick and the risk of chronic diseases. It’s believed this is directly connected to the fact that not sleeping interrupts immune system functions. 

Short-term sleep deprivation makes you more likely to catch a cold or flu, increases your chance of infection, and can even slow the speed of healing. If it becomes a long-term problem, people can also find themselves at risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.

Despite what some people believe, your body can’t just “get used to” surviving on little to no sleep. In fact the continued inflammation caused from little sleep can create more issues for long-term health.

9. Skipping the Naps

Who put the idea in people’s minds that naps are only for kindergarten? So many adults find themselves fighting off the urge to nap during the day, even after a night of poor sleep. But it’s important to listen to the signals your body is sending–it needs that sleep to perform efficiently and keep you healthy. 

A short nap is a healthy way to make up for that crucial sleep you missed the night before. One study compared the levels of cytokines (inflammatory molecules) and norepinephrine (a stress hormone) between two groups. Both were limited to only two hours of sleep on the night of the study, but only one group was allowed to take 2 thirty minute naps the following day. 

Both levels are typically higher after a poor night’s sleep, but the nappers tested normal when the cytokines and norepinephrine levels as if they never lost that crucial sleep.

10. Vitamin Deficiency

Proper vitamin and nutrient levels are absolutely crucial for overall health and an efficient immune system. Nutrients like iron, folic acid, zinc, copper, selenium, and Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E are all vital to give your body a proper defense against infections and viruses. 

A single deficiency is enough to throw off your immune system and change its response. So the risk of viral, bacterial, and infections increases for those with a poor diet and no additional supplements. 

Fresh, quality food is the best way to ensure ongoing immune health. Frozen fruits and veggies are a great substitute if there’s no fresh produce near you or you’re tired of forgetting things in the back of the fridge until they’ve rotted. Companies freeze them at their peak ripeness so they retain nearly the same amount of nutrients.

Multivitamins and supplements shouldn’t be used as a full substitute for a healthy diet, but they’re great if you’re unable to frequently eat meals that contain the nutrients your body needs. It’s important to remember that taking a supplement once isn’t going to do anything to change your vitamin levels. It’s something you have to stick with for a while to see results, just like you need to maintain a healthy diet over a period of time to notice a difference. 

Stay away from megadose supplements. They contain far more than the recommended dietary allowances which can inhibit immune system efficiency and cause other harmful side effects. 

11. 5G Technology

Some scientists say that we need stronger exposure limits in place to protect us from the effects of radio frequency radiation (RFR). Over 500 studies have found negative biological and health effects caused by RFR exposure and  long-term radiation is also possibly linked to cancer.

5G technology will be combining the older technology of microwaves with the new tech, millimeter waves. The amount of cell antennas required to maintain the service will expose people to this new millimeter wave radiation for the first time. 

There is still research being done to find the extent of risk when it comes to 5G technology, but limiting exposure will help you protect yourself and your immune system from potential harm.

12. Drinking Ice Cold Water

It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but how we consume it can be just as important. 

Icy cold water may sound delicious, but it can slow your body’s digestion and hinder its ability to absorb nutrients. As your body tries to correct this imbalance, you can experience water loss that leads to dehydration. Chilled water too soon after finishing a meal can solidify fats from the food and make it difficult for you to break down the unwanted substances. This extra energy being exerted may have a negative impact on your immune system and make you more open to sickness.

Ancient Chinese medicine believes that mixing cold water with warm food creates an imbalance in our bodies. To combat this, room temperature water or hot beverages like tea often accompany meals.

If you’re feeling under the weather, warm drinks are also good at fighting congestion by making it easier to breathe. Cold water, on the other hand, has been found to thicken nasal mucous and makes the congestion feel worse.

You should also skip the cold water if you suffer from migraines or achalasia, as it can trigger or worsen symptoms you’re already suffering from.

Summary

These are just a few simple changes that can make a world of difference in your life. No one likes getting sick or feeling run down, and by avoiding bad habits and unhealthy substances you improve your ability to fight off viruses and bacteria.

It’s wonderful to work on your physical health, but make sure not to neglect other aspects of yourself like emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. Finding the perfect balance can be difficult at first, but over time you’ll find that as you start to feel better these things will come more naturally to you.

Good luck on your journey to a healthier, happier you!

Hundreds of scientists and doctors across the world have been warning us about the dangers and effects of 5G for several years. “Resolution 1815 of the Council of Europe,” says: 

5G will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) … and has been proven to be harmful to humans and the environment.

The key terms here are EMFs and EMRs: the electromagnetic and radioactive fields/frequencies that can damage our bodies. Many scientists claim that electromagnetic radiation can change our DNA and cause diseases like cancer. Apparently, the wireless industry isn’t just building a superhighway for movies, it’s building a massive microwave oven – with the door open!

What Can We Do To Protect Ourselves Against EMFs?

To reduce the effects that EMFs have on our minds and bodies, we can focus on our mental and emotional states, health, and diets. Eating a wide variety of superfoods can help improve your body’s vibration, including blueberries, spirulina, wheatgrass, apples, kale, spinach, and the like.

Meditation, chanting, mantras, sutras, gratitude, and other forms of prayer can also increase the powers of your life-force. Love, emotional vulnerability, positivity, forgiveness, and intimacy help as well. You might also consider moving away from cell towers and EMF-emitting stations. 

While 5G is moving across the US like a mad virus, fret not! There are many new and emerging technologies that can help you counteract the effects of 5G and another EMF-emitting tech. 

In addition to researching the products that feel most beneficial to you, check out this wonderful selection. While this list is just a sprinkling of what’s on offer, it might inspire your passion to explore a myriad of modalities in pursuit of protecting you and your family from EMRs.

#1: The AiresTech Guardian 

American Aires has been doing R&D for its EMF products technology for over 10 years. They claim to have scientifically-proven tech that reduces the harmful effects of non-ionizing, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by computing devices. The company’s products are sturdy and beautifully designed. They’ve even won a few awards.

Their flagship product is The Aires Guardian. It reduces the harmful effects of EMR as well as 5G in a 500 sq.ft. area. This device is built with nanotechnology and features patented tech that’s been independently tested and peer-reviewed by a variety of laboratories, institutes, and universities 

While all of their products appear to be impressive (protecting everything from your personal space to exposure from all your favorite devices), The Aires Guardian is a beast. It has three next-generation, silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of EMRs in your vehicle, home, or office. If you’re using a computer or wireless router, chances are, you’re exposed to harmful EMFs. Visit https://www.airestech.com to learn more.

2: The Somavedic Medic Green Ultra

Somavedic Technologies is the creator of EMF-mitigating devices. Their small plug-in unit, The Somavedic Medic Green Ultra, includes a crystal glass corpus and a “heart” composed of precious metals (gold, platinum, palladium, and silver), non-precious stones, and natural energetic amplifiers. This unique combination of elements helps reduce the negative effects that EMF radiation and 5G has on our bodies. 

Because of the controlled release of energy from the precious stones and metals, this technology creates a coherent “bubble” with a radius of 100 feet in all directions. The resulting field helps to harmonize our bodies and environment. The unit is also beautiful! Visit https://somavedic.com to learn more.  

3: The BlocWave Hoodie

When it’s time to pick your battles outside your castle, you might want to don EMF protective armor. The makers of the BlocWave EMF Protection Hoodie state that this comfortable jacket will help to protect your body against dangerous EMFs and 5G radiation exposure. This blocking-hoodie features a wide range (57-65 dB) of protection while retaining an attractive, contemporary style. 

BlocWave hoodies are made from 50% Silver Fibre, 45% Tencel & 5% Modal. You might consider wearing a cotton shirt underneath as the addition of silver in the fabric can feel a bit scratchy. Visit Emf-protection.com to learn more.

EarthInsoles.com – I love these shoes. I put them in my sandals! Absolutely an amazing feeling!

4: Mushroom Shoes

Imagine dancing below a canopy of redwood trees while releasing endorphins and neutralizing the negatively charged ions scurrying throughout your body. A wonderful, healing image, right? Enter – Caveri Insoles. Made with a unique formula of bonded-mushroom materials, these shoe-inserts help you feel deeply connected to the earth and reduce the effects of 5G. Your vibration will increase, your body will be at peace, and your spirit will soar – even in downtown NYC!

The company promises that these sturdy add-ons can enhance blood circulation, regulate blood sugar, and lower blood pressure. Apparently, they can also positively impact or prolong life by disabling malignant cells that cause disease. Quite a profound mission statement!

These lovely inserts are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. Simply insert them in your shoes and voila! Visit EarthInsoles.com to learn more.

5: Orgonite

Orgonite is a man-made, rock-like object that can be created by combining resin, metals, and quartz, developed by Austrian psychiatrist, Dr. Wilhelm Reich. Reich’s unique findings suggest that while organic materials attract and hold essential energies, non-organic metals simultaneously repel and attract the same energies. 

According to Reich, combining these ideas can have a powerful effect, especially against EMFs and 5G. Not only does Orgonite promise to improve your sleep, but it’s also purported to balance moods, enhance your immune system, and improve your connection to your inner-Self. They can often be found in the shape of pyramids.

Honorable Mentions

It seems we have lots of options, too. Companies like Earthcalm, Goldenwave, VortexBioShield, QuWave, DefenderShield, and QuanThor have products that either promise to block EMFs or neutralize and transform them into benign forms of energy. This can counteract the emissions coming from your laptop, tablet, desktop, computer, mobile phone, and vehicle, and drastically reduce the levels of EMFs that your body is absorbing. 

Most of these companies note that their products reduce headaches, improve sleep, and lower Free Radical levels. They all appear to be keenly focused on helping humanity counteract the effects of 5G. God bless them!

You might also consider picking-up an EMF frequency and radiation detector. These meters can help you assess your home, office, and vehicles like a pro. From there, you can hunt down the products that deliver the most benefits. 

Why do our governments approve technologies like 5G? 

If a product points to profit and leads to upticks in stock markets, it will always find favor in the sustainers and defenders of global monetary systems. If you’re feeling upset by the insanity related to the EMF-emitting stations being installed in your neighborhood, speak up! Even though many unconscious leaders and dictators are running around the world creating havoc and comprising our health and safety, we still have voices that matter. Stand up and be heard!

In the meantime, be healthy, focus on love, and improve your vibration every chance you get. May you be filled with light and positivity for all your days on Earth!

The Best Tech for Quarantine Life: Business and Personal

If you’ve been finding new life by reading books, making soup, cuddling, and meditating, while also watching lots of movies, you’re probably one of the millions of quarantined people living and thriving from home. If you’re looking to uplevel that hobby into a business or simply connect with friends and family not living with you, you might enjoy my take on today’s best tech. 

For any home business and home life to feel more connected to the outside world, it’s vital to be a bit gregarious, create successful workflows, and maintain hopefulness and a positive attitude. There are many apps and tech sites that can help you connect, stream, chat, organize, share, and increase productivity. Some of them are wonderful. Others, not so much. 

Best Tech for Quarantine Video/Virtual Conferencing

Here’s my magic list of decent tech, all built for living and working from home.

Join.me: A+

This super-simple video conferencing tool is owned by LogMeIn, which also owns GoToMeeting. It’s probably the easiest screen sharing & video conferencing solution for one-on-one classes, group instruction, personal connections, and business. It takes less than a minute to join, and you’re immediately given a personal link to start meetings. It’s great for team collaboration and lots more. It’s also the cutest interface of the bunch.’

Jitsi Meet: A

A fully encrypted video conferencing solution that lets you share desktop and presentations, invite users to conference via custom URL, edit documents together, trade messages and add colorful emojis. In some ways, Jitsi is the anti-corporate video conferencing app, one of the main reasons I love it.

GoToMeeting: A-

Also owned by LogMeIn, GoToMeeting is for power-users who need functionality like electronic hand-raising, HD audio, and on-demand webcasting. If you need training, they’re happy to provide in-person and live online sessions, or webinars, along with lots of documentation. GoToMeeting offers a helpful 14-day trial. 

Webex: A-

The go-to video conferencing tech tool that was popular 5 years ago is still a viable tool in the market. Its user interface is a bit clunky and outdated, but it’s a secure and multifaceted experience, with more features than GoToMeeting.

Of note: With similar pricing and features, when you’re choosing between WebEx and GoToMeeting, it will most likely come down to these two questions: 

1. Do you prefer an old-school design, but with all the latest bells and whistles (Webex), or do you want something a little slicker (GoToMeeting)?
2. Do you want to run your conferences from a window you can drag anywhere on your screens (GoToMeeting), or do you prefer a locked window (WebEx)? 
3. Do you prefer being able to share downloadable files during your meetings (Webex), or would you prefer a free trial run for a couple of weeks (GoToMeeting)?
4. Do you want seven simultaneous video feeds (Webex) or is six screens okay for you, but at a higher screen resolution (GoToMeeting)?

Zoom: C

Great tech, but security, Not so much. Zoom has been in the news lately because it failed to report that its privacy and security protection is akin to those of the Fourth Reich. With Zoom’s intense data absorption and residence on your computer’s hard drive, it feels a bit worse than the stealth data theft by Facebook and Google. Also, there are many reports of hackers breaking into live feeds. If you’re using live video for something private, sensitive, secret, or intimate, Zoom would not be the best choice. 

While the company has publicly stated that it’s working to improve its security and terms, that’s probably 3 years away. Drastic upgrades to code and architecture can take even longer. Zoom at your own risk.

Other Contenders

You might also check out Whereby, Starleaf, RemoteHQ, Talky, Highfive, BlueJeans, and 8X8.

Best Tech for Quarantine Chat & Teams

While some folks use Google Hangouts and Meet to drive communication in their pursuits, it has limits, the dashboard is messy, and it only allows for a few participants. It’s also a bit of a train wreck for Mac users. Here are some powerful alternatives that you, your co-workers, and your customers might enjoy more: 

Skype: A+

Purchased by the fat, clunky software maker Microsoft, Skype is simple to install and easy to use. It’s perfect for fast, desktop texting, small video chats, and screen sharing. You can build a team chat and share files all day long. Skype is a powerhouse and it never disappoints. It’s also far less complicated than all the other players in the game.

Slack: A

Slack is a comprehensive chat room, built to become your only method of communication, including file sharing. Launch a workspace and organize communications by channels. Enjoy group discussions and private messages. Some say that Slack is a replacement for email. It also integrates with a long list of extremely helpful apps and integrates with the popular Salesforce, unlike its rising competitor, Microsoft Teams. Slack is easy to use and built with an exceptional design.

Microsoft Teams: B

Taking advantage of the booming collaboration software market, Microsoft forced its Office 365 users to become adopters of Teams, shortly after bailing out of a potential purchase of Slack. This provoked many managers to declare Teams as the primary team communication tool within their companies. It’s a computer memory hog like all Microsoft products, but it integrates with its own OneDrive, allowing easy access and edit of all of your team’s docs, without ever having to leave the app. It’s best for small groups. 

Chanty: B-

This powerful little app is the least expensive of the bunch. Functionalities include private and public conversations, audio calls, voice messages, built-in tease management, team members and integrations, file storage, screen sharing.

Best Tech for Quarantine Organizing, Project Management, and Productivity

Asana and Basecamp provide complex, high-quality environments for you and your team to manage projects. They also require some training, or at least a few hours of trial, error, and frustration. If you want to get up-and-running faster, try Trello. It’s simpler, more visual, and potentially more enjoyable to use. 

For general productivity, writing emails, and creating documents, try Zoho, which has many similar features of Google docs. 

When it comes to managing your To-Do lists, I’m a big fan of Todoist. I was an early adopter and have continued with them for years. I’ve also used all of their competitors. Try it and I’ll bet you’ll love it. 

The Best Tech for Quarantine Peacefulness and Meditation

There are also a variety of peacefulness and meditation mobile apps, including Headspace, Happify, Smiling mind, The Mindfulness App, Calm, Colorfy, Mindfulness Daily, Biddhify, Omvana, and many others. Some of these apps are truly beautiful, with outstanding designs. I’ve been using Happily for a long time, and I love it.

You will also love our Blended Soul™ App.

Luscious, extravagant personality readings with a spiritual, actionable premise.

Visit this page to scroll to the links to the Google Play and iOS app stores.

If you love any of these apps, remember that connecting with nature, absorbing the rays of the sun, and doing aa little indoor and outdoor gardening can be incredibly nutritive, especially during periods where we might be less active than usual.  During times like these, you might also consider developing an operational plan for your life, hobby, and home business. When we move our plan forward, our minds and bodies often follow. 

Remember, too, that meditation, prayer, and healing herbs can help you improve your immune system and mindset. And a little forgiveness here and there goes a long way. Let it all go, sent firm boundaries, start fresh, eat healthfully, choose love, and remain focused on the present moment. Love, light, and blessings to everyone!

As we watch this disease coronavirus spread across the planet, we might feel alarmed, unsafe, or frightened, especially if you’re in a COVID quarantine. As the US government scrambles and ignores science, we might also feel worried about the health of our friends, families, and loved ones. As more challenges arise from political egos and our lack of preparedness, remember: This, too, shall pass. 

While moving into this next phase of reality, it’s becoming increasingly important to take responsibility for our states of mind and heart. As we witness the rise in coronavirus statistics, it’s important to realize that these jumps are the result of poor data collection and all the previously uncompiled data finally making its way into the current projections. Thanks to the hard work of doctors and scientists working outside the limited federal government, we are finally on a road to understanding how this virus is functioning and the rate at which we can expect its spread going forward. 

While we can never assume how our lives will unfold from day to day, we can each choose to live prayerfully, actively, and full of hope and faith. When there’s fear in our hearts, we might not realize just how beautiful and wonderful our lives are. We might even forget to love. 

Are you feeling disheartened during your COVID quarantine, bombarded with headlines noting every facet of the world’s pain? Consider these loving and healing suggestions, which I hope you’ll find useful! 

Keep An Active Mind During COVID Quarantine

Most of us live from our minds. These elusive, temporary constructs can be useful to us. They process information, inspire our creativity, and help us to establish our behavioral patterns. Minds can also be quite dangerous. They can generate our anxieties and feed our fears. They also tend to give rise to our dreamlife, which is not always pleasant or productive. Most of us are at least partial slaves to our minds. 

During tragedies and times where we are forced to isolate ourselves. we can uplift our minds, heal and release the past, forgive others, educate ourselves, and explore ways to improve our conditions. During times like these, and frankly, always, it’s our mind that needs direction, not the other way around. Here are a few ways to improve your mental condition and take control of an otherwise unruly dictator during your COVID quarantine. (Yes, I’m speaking about our minds.)

• Learn a new healing technique and share it with others. 
• Learn to cook, ferment, jar, and freeze the foods that feel best to you. 
• Learn how to create your own medicinals using raw herbs. Making salves, teas, and tinctures is fairly simple and quick. These home remedies will help you to elevate the health and immune systems of yourself and others. 
• Read books that help you to feel more loving and uplifted. Share them with others.
• Consider launching a home business and becoming more financially independent.
• Research what’s happening in your community and consider ways you can help. 
• Cook for the elderly. Deliver it to their doorstep with a sweet love note.
• Leave excess furniture and other useful items on the curb, with signs that say “FREE!”
• This is a great time to write that novel! (Or at least a cute, little blog.)
• Think positive thoughts and find ways to reawaken yourself when you move into negativity. 
• Consider chanting mantras to keep your mind active – and uplifted.

COVID Quarantine is a Time to Stay Physically Active And Eat Healthily

Currently, the data around how different age groups are affected by the virus is sketchy. It seems to change on a regular basis, so many of us have voluntarily chosen COVID quarantine despite the confusing projections and uncertain warnings. The best all of us can do is to focus on improving our physical bodies and our immune systems. Here are a few suggestions on how you can improve your health and diet:

• Focus on improving your immune system. While Tom Hanks can afford his personal $500,000 ventilator, the rest of us will need to rely on our local hospitals. 
• Improve your diet with these superfoods and supplements, including Spirulina, Elderberry, Wheatgrass, Zinc, Vit D, Vit E, multivitamins for your age-group (from Garden of Life and New Chapter), Resveratrol, Moringa, and liver cleansers like Milk Thistle, and other cleansers like Black Currant Seed Oil. You can read my other articles on this site about a variety of helpful, nutritive, and healing herbs, oils, and supplements. 
• Continuously improve your diet with whole foods and small portions. For some variety, explore the different food and grocery delivery options in your area. You might find that your favorite boutique grocer is delivering or offering curbside pick-up. Order in small bursts, rather than buying out the store.
• Consume a little less wheat, rice, and sugar, and more greens. 
• Consider intermittent fasting. 
• Add a comprehensive exercise plan to your routine. Even working out for 20 minutes, three days a week can help you reduce your chances of heart disease. 
• Learn Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, otherwise known as Harbhajan Singh Khalsa. 
• Steam and strengthen your lungs by adding a few drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and shoulders, and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. This will help you open your bronchial tubes and heal them. This is especially valuable for those of us who have respiratory challenges. 
• Withhold your ejaculate (go Tantra!) to give your body a higher vibration, increase your level of energy, and improve your immune system. Do yoga and pranic breathing to sublimate the increase in body heat and help your system continue moving your life energy upwards through your chakras. 
• Sign-up for weekly deliveries of fruits and vegetables from local farms. When your order is delivered, wear a mask and gloves when bringing it into the house. Before storing or consuming these items, wash them, and immediately soak them in a vinegar solution. Meanwhile, throw away all packing materials, including egg cartons. Store your eggs in Tupperware. Wash down all surfaces. Wash your hands. You might even consider stripping off your clothes and immediately washing them. 
• Buy herbs and learn how to make healing tinctures, salves, teas, and more

Be Friendly, Thoughtful, And Romantic

When we serve others, it’s similar to prayer. There’s no better circumstance than a COVID quarantine to practice this service, whether it’s with the people in our household or by reaching out to those we cannot currently visit. This increases our vibration and uplifts all of reality. Practice these sweet ideas in your home and with loved ones:

• Cuddle often. 
• Cook together. 
• Hold hands.
• Kiss each other’s foreheads ten times!
• Give each other massages. 
• Prepare a bath for a loved one. Add some lavender to the water and light some candles!
• Continually nurture each other in thought, word, and deed. 
• Meditate on the purity within your hearts. With vulnerable and loving hearts, you can achieve miracles. 
• Remember, too, that you are already a miracle. YES!
• Write little love notes, emails, and texts to the people you consider most important in your life.
• Reach out to old friends and tell them how much you love them.
• Build new business relationships and explore the possibilities. 
• Talk to your plants and animals. Remember that you are all ONE.

Immerse Yourself In Your Spirituality During COVID Quarantine

While all of the above suggestions can help you improve your conditions, lives, and bodies, it’s your spirituality that’s most effective in helping you evolve and expand. Just the mere thought of God during this COVID quarantine will help you improve your circumstances, bring you closer to knowing yourself, and help you advance toward your most fruitful and joyful potential. Keep God and Love in your mind and heart, always. 

Here are a few simple suggestions that will help you improve your vibration and keep you connected to the All-That-Is. Namaste! 

• Remember that you are a powerful spirit. With regular positive thoughts and actions, you can keep your vibration elevated and in the bosom of God’s light. Please continue to be hopeful, positive, and loving of yourself and others. 
• Add Meditation, Prayer, and Lots of Deep Breathing to your regimen. When we pray for others, the Universe prays for us.
• Sing to the Divine with an open heart. Be wild, bold, and loud! Enjoy this communion!
• Imagine that you are the embodiment of love, connected to all the realms and universes. 
• Om into your hands three times and then massage your body from head to toe. The vibration from your Oms will improve your peacefulness and illuminate your physical form. This will help you connect with spirit while improving your immune system.
• Remember that you are vibration more than you are a body.
• Donate (even a tiny bit of money) to the most disenfranchised health organizations. Selflessly serving others increases our vibration and connects us with God, Light, Love, The Eternal Vibration, and The Universe.
• Pray for our politicians and leaders so they may think clearly and be abundantly full of compassion and empathy in all of their interactions and decisions.
• Leave a Thank You note for your mail carrier and package delivery folks. Consider giving them a small bottle of hand sanitizer as a gift. 
• Use I LOVE YOU vs LOVE YOU. Personalizing your love in this way improves the connection and further expands all hearts involved.
• Chant mantras like, “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,” which means, “May all the beings, in all the Universes, in all the worlds, throughout all the realms, be happy!”

This COVID quarantine is a great time to reassess our lives and build stronger, more authentic, interdependent, operational plans for ourselves. You are an infinite, loving Being, and every particle within you is born from stardust. You are literally made of light and stars. This means that the universe is in your bones! As you move through this time, you can honor all of creation by becoming more lovely, thoughtful, and empathic. Rock this time in your life, burst out of prior conditioning, seek your evolution, move beyond your mind, and live in love – YOU GOT THIS!

Beautiful Herbs: A Shutterstock Licensed Photo

Preparing our lives for potential emergencies does not have to be stressful, based on fear, or a full-time job. Whether it’s a virus or another type of threat, there are remedies and many things we can do to improve our chances of remaining prepared, healthy, fed, safe, and peaceful. While we might not have the ability to eradicate every virus or challenge that comes our way, we can certainly bolster our immune systems, disinfect our homes, and prepare our bodies for potential infections and other types of quandaries.

Vaccines might take time to develop and distribute, or they might never materialize. For this article, we’ll focus on viruses, but much of this information can be helpful in a variety of scenarios.

How Do Viruses Work?

Viruses are 100 times smaller than bacteria, and they don’t directly respond to antibiotics. They’re fierce little demons that tend to put up a good fight, sometimes for long periods. Viruses don’t have all the characters of living cells, akin to zombies, and they can quickly bring our lives to a screeching halt.

Most often, viruses behave like intracellular parasites that live (Iike vampires) off of our primary, healthy cells. After releasing RNA, which invades cell nuclei, viruses use host cells to create more viral particles. When new viral particles are released, they can destroy or debilitate the host cell in the process. When our cells, bodies, and immune systems are in tip-top shape, we improve our chances of recovering sooner.

Antiviral Herbs
While there are many herbs for remedies that have viral properties, viruses like coronavirus might not be preventable through herbs. The verdict is still out on this idea. That said, there is ample evidence that a variety of herbs have prevented and cured viral infections.

Here’s a list of herbs that can reduce the chances of contracting and spreading many of today’s viral infections. These are powerful herbs and should be explored extensively before consumption.

Amazing Rock Stars

• Elderberries
• Quassia Amara/Amargo
• Sage
• Astragalus
• Echinacea
• Calendula
• Dandelion
• Oregano
• Colloidal Silver (colloid of silver particles, not ionic silver)

Powerful Allies

• Basil
• Garlic
• Fennel
• Lemon Balm
• Cat’s Claw
• Olive Leaf
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Licorice
• Gensing

Each of these herbs has unique properties, some of which produce adverse side effects. Be careful with dosages and combinations. If you’re on prescriptions for liver, kidney, and other medical conditions, consult your doctor for any contraindications (dangers related to the drugs, procedures, and surgeries occurring in your life).

Preparing Your Body To Fight

In addition to preventative supplements and herbs, we can prepare ourselves by making simple changes to our lifestyles and diets. Try a few of these ideas on for size:

• Drastically reduce sugar consumption (it competes with vitamin C)
• Refrain from smoking cigarettes and marijuana
• Limit caffeine
• Limit red meat consumption
• Stay hydrated
• Add electrolytes to your daily regimen
• Exercise for 20-30 minutes, three or four times per week
• Sleep 6-8 hours every night
• Take daily naps
• Take vitamin supplements, including lots of vitamin C, a B-complex, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin D
• Keep distance from 5G technologies as some scientists suggest that 5G can have an adverse effect on our health
• Drink warm or hot water (instead of cold water with ice)
• Explore Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and improve the health of your immune system. You might consider learning more about Ayurveda’s popular, potent herbs, including Ashwagandha, Amalaki, Guggulu, Triphala, and others.

Immune Boosters

Some viruses can be dangerous, even leading to death. In all cases, sleep, proper nutrition, and a robust immune system are your best allies and remedies. Here are some natural supplements and remedies that can help you boost your immune system:

• Moringa
• Wheatgrass, Chlorophyll, and Spirulina
• Milk Thistle
• Kudzu root (Chinese)
• Chicken Soup
• Probiotics

• Probiotic beverages like Kefir
• Fermented vegetables
• Green Tea
• Olive Leaf
• Pau D’arco
• St. John’s Wort

Homemade Remedies For Bodies, Hands, Feet, and Health

There are many things that we can do to protect ourselves and help us feel better. We can eat comfort foods, cleanse our livers and kidneys, soak our feet, clear our sinus passages, use herbs as our first lines of defense and first aid, and make our own disinfectants. Here are a few ideas you might enjoy:

Rice Water

Also known as “Jo” in China, this simple creation can reduce symptoms associated with stomach aches, headaches, and diarrhea. Taken correctly and near to the time of infection, Jo can also prevent the stomach flu. Here’s a simple Jo recipe:

• Clean 4 tablespoons of rice using warm water
• Gently dry the rice then boil it in 2 cups of water
• Cook until the rice is tender and soft (12-20 minutes)
• Pour into a bowl and sip while hot
• If you’re not getting enough protein and want to use your Jo as your primary meal, you can add nuts, including Brazils, pecans, pistachios, cashews, and more. If you’re on the mend, keep it light and simple, focusing on the warm water and rice.

Glutathione, Honey, And Vitamin C (with bioflavonoids)

This is a morning regimen to be used in the morning, 30-minutes before your first meal. Open up a 1000mg capsule of Glutathione and pour it under your tongue. Add a teaspoon of honey under your tongue and gently swish the two inside your mouth, keeping the substances under your tonight. After 5-10 minutes, swallow. The honey will make this a more enjoyable experience.

Immediately following this, take four capsules of 1000mg vitamin C (with bioflavonoids). Glutathione contains three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, which help combat free radicals. Free radicals are those little buggers that seek to damage your cells.

Additional attributes of Glutathione:

• Strong antioxidant
• Prevents cancer progression
• Reduces cell damage in liver disease
• Makes DNA, the builders of proteins and cells
• Support immune function throughout your body
• Form sperm cells
• Remove mercury from the brain
• Help to cleanse your liver and gallbladder and deal with fats

Vitamin C & Zinc

Sugar is vitamin C’s direct competitor within your immune system. If you increase your levels of vitamin C intake and reduce your consumption of sugar, you have a winning formula for maximizing your body’s ability to defend against infection. Add a little zinc, and it’s a home run.

Detox Teas

Make detoxifying teas with Ginger, Nettles, Dandelion, Cleavers, Hibiscus, and Lemon Peel. You can also add these herbs to shakes and salads.

Hand Sanitizer & Wipes

Washing your hands with soap and water can be useful and has been found effective against some viruses and bacteria, especially if you touch someone’s hand or an object that has them. In these cases, and more, washing your hands after personal interactions is highly recommended. But this is not a cure-all preventative method for safety during this time. The coronavirus, like many viruses, is airborne, at least for a period, and should be understood to be highly contagious, whether or not you wash you thoroughly wash your hands.

To those who suggest using white vinegar or vodka, consider this: White vinegar is a helpful agent for cleaning clothes and vegetables. Vodka, at 40% alcohol, is best consumed at parties to loosen the tongue and get you on the dance floor.

In the situations where washing your hands is helpful or preventative, but not available, try making a homemade hand sanitizer.

Here’s a basic recipe:

• 1 cup 91% isopropyl alcohol
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 20 drops of lavender oil
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• Find 2 oz to 16 oz pump jars online. Mix everything the following ingredients in a bowl then pour the concoction into the jars. Place a 2 oz or 4 oz jar in your purse, travel bag, or car. It’s that simple.

To make your own wipes, spray or squirt your sanitizer into a few paper towels. You can make 10-20 of these towels, roll them up, and store them in a large glass jar. These homemade wipes will be as powerful as anything you might purchase from the most popular soap and detergent companies.

Lavender FootBath

Footbaths can be miraculously healing for our immune systems. You can get a 15”x”12”x6” plastic bucket just about anywhere. Footbaths reduce our levels of stress and draw our bodies’ toxins out through the bottoms of our feet. Add a little lavender oil, and your feet and body will feel soothed and healed. Try to use water as hot as you can stand.

Vinegar And Tea Tree Oil Vapor

This modality is fantastic for your sinuses and lungs. Boil 32 oz of water and pour it into a large bowl. Drop-in one half-cup of apple cider vinegar and 20 drops of Tea Tree or Eucalyptus oil. Put your face above the bowl but not so close that the steam can burn you. Throw a large towel over your head and neck to create a sealed environment, then breathe in the steam as deeply as you can. This will stimulate the expansion of your bronchial tubes and sinuses, making those environments temporarily uninhabitable for bacteria and viruses. If something was living in there, this is a great way to get it out.

First Aid Remedies You Can Make At Home

Here are a few home remedy ideas for personal, non-emergency first aid:

• Heartburn: A few slices of ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Drink slowly over 15-20 minutes. You might also try Alka-Seltzer Gold, which does not contain aspirin.
• Sunburns, Kitchen Burns, Razor Burns, Dry Skin: Slice open a leaf from an Aloe Vera plant and gently rub it around the wound. You’ll find this to be incredibly comforting and healing.
• Cuts and Scrapes: Try a little honey on your wounds several times a day. Keep them covered with a light bandage or bandaid.
• Insect Bites and Blisters: Rub warm coconut oil on the bite or blister several times a day. Keep it covered with a light bandage.
• Bruises: Arnica is useful for reducing small to moderate bruises on your skin. You can create your own healing oil by adding 30 Arnica oil drops to 2 oz of a carrier oils like Brahmi, Olive, or Coconut.
• Digestive Problems: Activated charcoal can absorb toxins produced by bacteria and can help expel the same from your body. When you’re feeling gassy, bloated, or acidic, add a teaspoon of activated charcoal to a cup of warm water and drink it slowly over 5 minutes.
• Indigestion: Drink a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. You might consider adding one or two drops of peppermint oil, but no more than that. Peppermint oil is potent.

Bach Flower Remedies And Essential Oils

When we’re feeling confused, detached, or “a little off,” Bach’s Rescue Remedy can behave quite heroically in our systems. With a few drops under your tongue every hour, chances are, you’ll feel better in a short period. When we release, balance, or dissolve our emotions, we improve our vibrations and abilities to fight infection.

Bach’s Star of Bethlehem can be quite powerful on its own. These flower remedies are helpful for those of us who have experienced trauma in our lives. With a few drops under your tongue, you can feel more relaxed and aware of yourself, especially if you’re taking care of yourself in other ways, through diet, exercise, meditation, and prayer.

Click to read How Bach Flower Remedies Invite Healing And Transformation

Using Essential Oils remedies like Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Honeysuckle, and Rose can reduce your levels of stress and improve your awareness, all of which can boost your immune system. Add a few drops in a glass of water or massage a few drops into your wrists and temples. You’ll soon feel more awake, aware, and relaxed.

Food Prep And Storage

If you need to stay put for a while, buy a garage-ready freezer, set-up a small area in your basement for stored foods, and plan accordingly.

With a freezer, you can purchase meat and meat-alternative products (soy, mushroom, and veggie burgers) at bulk discounts, dealing directly with distributors. Separating them into individual portions and storing them in small zip bags will give you the most flexibility when planning meals.

In a protected basement area, you can store canned, jarred, pickled, and fermented vegetables. You might also consider pickling some eggs. This category of food is pre- and probiotic and excellent for your stomach and intestines. Probiotics can reduce depression, help stabilize your moods, and improve your self-esteem. All of these aspects can have a positive effect on your immune system.

As you prepare your body and home for greater safety, health, and self-sufficiency, remember to refrain from being overly emotional. Stay calm and endeavor to establish an intelligent plan. Don’t obsess or overbuy. Just be reasonable and enjoy the process of protecting yourself and those you love most.

Remember, too, that prayer, meditation, laughter, and cuddling can help to heal and restore us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I wish you lots of health and happiness!