Helping Yourself

Did you know?​​

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• On average there is no more risk of dying from coronavirus than of dying within a year from an illness you already have

• People who are well may still contract it but symptoms would only be mild or moderate

• The tips below will help your immune system and lung function now and keep you fitter in the long term too

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Move

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•  Make the most of walking or cycling

•  Check out YouTube for videos - Yoga, Tai Chi, qigong, Pilates - whatever you enjoy

• There are lots of qigong videos and docs on this site too. When I worked in a large hospital in Chengdu,  patients were even practising qigong in bed. If the chest and diaphragm move freely, symptoms can be greatly relieved. 

• Qigong also calms the mind and strengthens the immune system, so you've nothing to lose

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Eat well

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• Have a wide range of fresh food, in season and preferably grown nearby

• Cook your own food - it's healthier and usually much cheaper

• Keep the evening meal light and early if possible

• In Oriental Medicine, many of the Covid risk factors equate with the system becoming "clagged up".   It is aggravated by dairy products, fried and fatty food, cakes, biscuits and rich foods like peanut butter, ice cream and chocolate

• Overweight?  Consider the Fast Diet.   Intermittent fasting is recommended by many doctors because it can give dramatic, lasting improvement in weight along with a healthy diet, helps the body to resist infection and much more.  Obesity is a major factor in complications from Covid

• Stay away from chilled drinks, especially with meals, and avoid sugary food and even sweeteners

•  Eat and drink in moderation and read food labels. You may be surprised!

•  Take time to really enjoy your food at mealtimes, and you may find your appetite is changing for the better​

Breathe Properly

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•  Breathing can profoundly affect your mood, blood pressure, heart health and oxygen supply to tissues and brain

•  Get into the habit of nose breathing. Keep your mouth closed whenever you remember

•  Allow your breath to slow and focus on your abdomen rather than your chest

•  If you are anxious or stressed, breathe out slowly and sink your attention to your lower abdomen

Remember what you enjoy in life

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•  Make a list of your favourite films, music, animals, people, smells, places, then use some reminders

•  A photo at your desk, contacting friends, putting on some great music - all of these can help you remember the good things in life

• Notice how good you feel when you help somebody else.  Great, isn't it?

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