20 Ways to Naturally Prepare for COVID-19 Re-Opening

It is starting to look like the United States is going to begin re-opening from the COVID-19 lockdown. Some states have already implemented ‘phase 1’ of the transition which is the first of three phases to get life on track and back to “normal”. 

It is important to follow each phase accordingly, however it may be even more important to adhere to these 20 ways to naturally prepare for the COVID-19 re-opening. This is because the coronavirus will not magically go away but rather linger in the wings waiting to re-emerge in a possible second wave this fall. 

If conventional medicine cannot come up with a vaccine or anti-viral you will need to take some steps on your own to keep your immune system and overall mindset strong for re-entering society. 

Three Phases

According to the CDC and government guidelines, ABC News reports on the three phases of the COVID-19 lockdown transition:

Phase I – Vulnerable groups remain sheltered in place while social distancing of ten or more people will continue. Masks will still be recommended. Travel will still be restricted to non-essential people. If infected and mortality numbers continue to decline with no rebound reports, the second phase can be implemented. 

Phase II – Vulnerable groups remain sheltered in place and social distancing of fifty or more people will be recommended. Restaurants, bars, etc. will be asked to limit crowding. Schools will re-open. Travel for non-essentials will resume with restrictions. Masks will be recommended at each person’s discretion particularly if living with or caring for vulnerable people. 

Phase III – Life begins to look normal with less social distancing and full business re-opening plans. Senior care centers will re-open as well. Full travel will re-open. Masks can be worn as a personal choice. 

As these phases will hopefully be put into place it is important to follow some personal ways to natural prepare your body and mind to withstand pathogens such as the coronavirus and others. 

Start Your Immune Boost 

If you have been quarantined, chances are you may be eating and drinking too much while experiencing little, if any, physical movement or exercise. These are all ways your immune system can be compromised so now that these phases are being prepared, you should be phasing your body into preparedness as well. Your first order of business is to start stoking your immune system into a roaring fire of health. 

Harvard Health offers this checklist for getting your immune system up and running on all cylinders:

• Don’t smoke
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Get adequate sleep
• Try to minimize stress
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

These are some pro-active recommendations to help your immune system jump into gear. 

• Botanicals – There are many immune boosting herbs that you can begin using. Some of the most potent anti-virals include: black elderberry, echinacea, olive leaf extract, and oregano oil. 

• Vitamins – You may be taking a multi-vitamin and feel that this is just fine. It is not. Most multi-vitamins have so much packed into them the potency is minimal. The Cleveland Clinic recommends these 8 vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system. Taking each of these separately rather than in a multi assures the utmost potency and effectiveness: vitamin C, E, A, D3, folate/folic acid, iron, selenium, and zinc. Note: Your iron supplement should be a ferrous gluconate formula and taken with food to avoid constipation. Zinc must be taken with food to avoid upset stomach. 

• Exercise – Although you may be traveling to an office and sitting at a desk, your body could still be weak from minimal movement during the COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, any exercise regiment you can now implement will help you hit-the-ground-running and avoid muscle aches, fatigue, and most importantly immune system compromise. You can check YouTube for yoga and other in-home exercise videos that resonate with your personal taste. Other in-home exercise regiments include: push-ups, chin-ups, running in place, jump roping, and stretching. 

• Sleep – One of the most essential immune boosters is sleep. If you haven’t already gotten into a regular sleep schedule, now is the time to start going to bed early and waking up early to prepare for that grueling work or other schedule soon to come. 

Keep Your Head Straight

After such a surreal and elongated time being locked in, you may have a different lens when re-entering society. Take some time to determine your mental state and then follow some steps to get on track. This list, recommended by Nature (with some alterations), may help you assess the best course of mental health re-booting:

• Manage your expectations – Take your time and don’t get overwhelmed. 

• Know your red flags – When stress, anxiety, or depression arises, stop and talk to someone, meditate, or reach out for professional help.

• Stick to a routine – Get back into a routine to prepare for entering society. 

• Proactively manage your stress threshold – Stop stress in its tracks by sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine. 

• Be compassionate with yourself and with others – Everyone is in the same boat so try to understand that all those around you are struggling with anxiety, stress, and in some cases terrible loss.

• Maintain connections – Stay in touch with friends and family. Do not just go back to your routine with little connection because you’re ‘too busy’. Social interaction will be what you need to get through this transition.

• Manage uncertainty by staying in the present – Buddhists say, “Wherever you go, there you are.” By remaining in the present you give yourself the gift of focus and connection leaving your ego, for, and panic at the wayside. 

• Meditate – Mediation allows the mind to calm the body. Try some easy, inexpensive (sometimes free) apps to get started. 

These 20 ways to naturally prepare for the COVID-19 re-opening will hopefully help you prepare to enter society without fear. These are easy tips that you can continue well after we all get back to a healthy outlook.