Are you feeling afraid, isolated, and desperate for connection? Try connecting with friends and family through online platforms like Zoom, Facetime, or Whatsapp. Although we have the limits of social distancing and the request to self-isolate, this gives us an opportunity to connect with our loved ones to a greater degree. Too often we get too busy with our lives that we do not spend the time so essential to building our closest relationships. Finding ways to rejuvenate your relationship with your loved ones is such an important aspect for self-care, and for loving connectedness that builds resilience in such uncertain times.
Community News
Sound Therapy for Relaxation
During difficult times, you can use sound and soothing music to help with relaxation. Try this simple exercise: sit quietly for a few moments and then think of a very loving experience. As you think of this loving experience, begin to sound a very gentle “ah” sound. Make this sound as a long, extended sound: “Aaaaaahhhhh” and think about love, peace and calm. Feel your heart chakra resonate with this sound. Feel your heart center opening, balancing and aligning with this energy. The “ah” sound is excellent for working with the energy of the heart center and triggering relaxation.
Brain Injury – Plan for Recovery
Recovery from a brain injury takes positive reinforcement. Celebrate the small successes. Make recovery a social activity. Your success can be fostered with the help of others, even if they do not have a brain injury or stroke. Look for intensity of experience during recovery. The intensity of the experience will help ingrain what is being learned. Fall in love with the process of recovery. Have a recovery plan that includes measurable goals. Success should be measured. Make recovery efforts a part of your everyday schedule. Don’t do the recovery journey by yourself. Let Cowichan Brain Injury help you on this journey.
Self Care in Trying Times
Today, with changes in our activities and interrupted routines, building self-care into our day to reduce stress becomes even more essential. Some self-care ideas include •Exercise •Practicing deep breathing •Taking a bath •Taking a break from the digital world. Please stay at home as much as possible and practise physical distancing when you go out. At Medicine Shoppe, we take safety very seriously. To allow for extra cleaning, our hours have been temporarily reduced to Mon-Fri 10 – 5 and Sat 10 – 4. We limit customers to two at a time. We also offer free delivery or curbside pick-up.
Support for Your Immune System
Today, more than ever, it is important to take steps to support your immune system. Eat a whole foods diet to support gut health and intestinal cleansing, making sure to include extra fruit and vegetables. Exercise and spending time outdoors can help minimize stress which in turn helps keep your immune system strong. Make sure to get adequate sleep. Herbal supplements can be helpful when needed; Filling in missing gaps with necessary vitamins and superfoods can be essential. Valuable supplements include: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, probiotics, elderberry, quercetin, oregano oil and colloidal silver. Take extra good care and be safe!
Coronavirus & Your Mental Health
What should you do if your mental health is suffering during self-isolation? Here are some tips: 1. Maintain routine. It helps to manage anxiety and will help you to adapt more quickly to this current reality. 2. Engage with Nature. Make the most of any private outdoor space you have. Getting sunshine is imperative for a healthy mind. 3. Try something new. Now is a great time to learn how to sew or tackle a DIY project. 4. Limit your news intake. A near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel distressed. 5. Stay connected. Download a video chat app and have fun chatting with friends and family.
Make Your Home Safer
Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.
Product Review: WELLNESS TINCTURE
ACTIVE RELEAF aims to encourage active wellness through the use of nature’s most powerful ingredients. Offering a collection of plant-based wellness products, ACTIVE RELEAF’s WELLNESS TINCTURE is their strongest remedy. Used as a natural plant-based alternative for people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and other ailments. The WELLNESS TINCTURE is formulated with a high concentration of broad spectrum cannabinoid-rich hemp plant extract, paired with coconut MCT oil to help deliver cannabinoids and increase bioavailability. Taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into your favourite beverage. With three different concentration options (400mg, 1000mg & 2000mg) and measured droppers, dosing is accurate and flexible for your needs.
Product Review: WELLNESS TINCTURE
ACTIVE RELEAF aims to encourage active wellness through the use of nature’s most powerful ingredients. Offering a collection of plant-based wellness products, ACTIVE RELEAF’s WELLNESS TINCTURE is their strongest remedy. Used as a natural plant-based alternative for people experiencing anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and other ailments. The WELLNESS TINCTURE is formulated with a high concentration of broad spectrum cannabinoid-rich hemp plant extract, paired with coconut MCT oil to help deliver cannabinoids and increase bioavailability. Taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into your favourite beverage. With three different concentration options (400mg, 1000mg & 2000mg) and measured droppers, dosing is accurate and flexible for your needs.
Home Alone? Who is Checking on You?
This is a challenging time for many as our lifestyles are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Isolation, especially among seniors, is a growing problem and is associated with a number of health risks. Technology can help us stay connected through social media platforms but not everyone has access or ability to use them. The Nanaimo Lifeline Check-In Service offers a daily phone call to those who might not be connected. We provide a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. When so many people are obliged to stay at home, this could be the ideal time to sign up.
Skin Protection for Frequent Hand Washing
Covid-19 has brought to the forefront the importance of proper handwashing. One of the effects of frequent washing is dry hands. Unlike most soap bars and liquid soaps, Feisty Ferdy Silky Soap with organic beeswax and essential oils is gentle and will not strip the natural oils from your skin. Restore balance by rubbing nourishing Farmer’s Friend Hand Balm into your hands after washing. Organic beeswax is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It provides a protective barrier, promotes healing, soothes and moisturizes, leaving your hands smooth and soft. It also helps heal split fingertips, dry cuticles, cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters and more.
