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HOW AND WHY PROTECT OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM THROUGH OUR THOUGHTS?

As a result of the Covid-19 crisis and the strategies put in place by governments for the sake of their control, the population is pushed to live a situation until a few days before. The novelty of this context can lead us to feel emotions that have not been experienced until now or at least not with such intensity, which are only the result of how we are thinking and interpreting everything we are experiencing: the information we hear every day; the idea of ​​touching something that could contaminate us; think about the subsequent contagion to third parties (family and friends); the anticipations we make about the impact on our work or the symptoms that we can notice in our body, etc.

Summer is the time to stop and disconnect from our routines, to take time to do what we want and reconnect with the people we love. For me it is also a time of reflection, of seeking inspiration in books, films, trips; to recharge batteries and get back on track with everything that is important. During the frantic pace of the work year it is easy to lose sight of our values and purposes. If you are also going to live abroad to study or work now is a good moment to think about how you are going to take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

This year with the purpose of being more present with myself, without distractions, I walked the Way of St James during my holidays. In my opinion, preparing and starting the Way looks like the steps you have to take to live abroad. Before leaving it is good to pause and think what personal sense this time has for you. Then, while you are trying to adjust, identify what feelings you have and finally, take care of yourself emotionally according to what you are feeling: are you mentally exhausted? Do you feel alone? 

First pause, take your time to think and disconnect from the routine. Traveling, and just by changing the environment can give you the ideal scenario to reflect: How have I felt this year? Have I carried out projects connected to my values and purposes? How do I feel about the changes I will experience in my life soon: moving out of the country, studying abroad, etc.? How am I preparing for my move to a new country?

As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I help clients establish nourishing habits in the kitchen and their broader lifestyle. A key step in this process is adopting a new mindset about food and body. Whether my clients are incorporating new breakfast options, meal prepping for the week, or prioritizing time to exercise, I encourage them to make these choices out of a desire for health and quality rather than a concern for weight and calories. Science shows this mindset shift is key to long-term health because it establishes a positive, sustainable relationship to food and body; one where the focus is on adding in good things to feel nourished and satisfied rather than avoiding the “bad” things.

A New Study: Quality Trumps Quantity