People are panicking. They’re stressed and hoarding and panic buying. Get on social media, and everyone and their plumber is going on and on about the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the coronavirus is a serious matter and is cause for concern, it’s still no excuse to get sucked into the current whirlwind of fake news, panic and stress that is sweeping the world.

• The truth is that…

No one has any answers and the facts keep changing daily. You can’t trust the media because they’ll make any situation seem worse than it already is.

People are making things harder than it needs to be by clearing the store shelves and hoarding. You could try explaining to them that their actions are unnecessary because supply chains are still strong… and there are no shortages other than the ones people are creating through panic.

But most won’t listen and you’ll just get aggravated by the stupidity of your fellow man. So, how do you stay calm when so many are worried?

1. Stop following the news and/or hysteria on social media

The best way to strengthen your mind is to stop feeding it garbage.

Governments lie. You really do NOT know if the situation in China has gotten better or if that’s just another lie from the Chinese government.

Most people are clueless. Just a few months ago, they were jumping out of their cars to do the Kiki dance challenge, and suddenly now they’re virologists speculating about why deaths are increasing in Italy.

Engaging in pointless dialectic with them is unnecessary. The situation is what it is and the healthcare professionals and authorities will do the needful to manage the problem.

You worrying unnecessarily is not going to help you. In fact, you’re doing a disservice to yourself because stress lowers your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to disease.

1. Exercise daily

Nervous energy, fear, and other unhealthy emotions tend to ‘snowball’ within you. There MUST be an outlet for this negative energy and nothing beats physical exercise as a form of release.

When you work out, you help to expend all that pent up energy within you and your body also releases endorphins that will make you feel better. This is a win-win.

Ideally, you should engage in exercises that occupy both your mind and body. For example, following a home workout on video will help you focus on the training rather than drifting into your own thoughts.

If you were to run on a treadmill which is an exercise you can do on ‘autopilot’, you’ll end up thinking of other worrying scenarios rather than focusing on your training.

Your body needs movement and your mind needs a mental break. Engage in activities like kickboxing, bodyweight training, juggling, etc. to engage both your mind and body.

• Stay busy

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. As long as you’re in pursuit of a worthy goal and busy with what needs to be done to get there, you’ll not have time to worry about what’s the worst that could happen.

Any fears and worries you have about COVID-19 are all in your mind. You’re a prisoner to your imagination. Put your mind to work on something else and you’ll be less stressed.

• Prayer

Over the past few years, religion has been mocked and it has almost become uncool to believe in God. Atheists and other groups make it seem like belief in God is pointless and not based on science.

The truth of the matter is that there is immense power in prayer. Praying and surrendering your worries to a higher power removes stress from your life because you’re now living by faith, not sight.

Come what may, you’re in the palm of His hand and there’s no point in worrying over what’s beyond your control.

• Be safe

Take all the necessary health precautions to protect yourself and your family. You do not want to deal with the guilt of having a lackadaisical attitude which raises the risks of getting the disease.

• Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Life goes on. Despite the food shortages due to hoarding, or the lockdown, or possible unemployment and recession… decide that you will be resilient and adapt to the situation.

The kite rises against the wind, not with it. You will rise and overcome this situation.

To conclude, just know that all you can do is your best… and that’s enough. If you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to minimize your risks, you’ve done enough.

Don’t give in to panic or fear. Neither is real. You have what it takes to overcome anything. Have faith in yourself.

“You can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow.” – Janis Joplin

The current food shortages in the UK are not due to a broken supply chain or production issues. The empty store shelves are a result of people panic buying more than they need and hoarding supplies.

Some folks are buying in bulk so that they can price gouge these products and sell them at a mark up to desperate people. Never encourage price gouging by buying from people hoping to make a quick buck. Things are not that desperate yet.

The empty shelves are just a temporary inconvenience. In fact, trucks are still transporting supplies and store shelves are being stocked even as you read this.

Quotas are being enforced to limit how many essential items every customer can buy. So, there’s no need to panic that you’ll die of starvation unless you kill and eat your neighbour.

In the meantime, here’s what you can do to ensure that you don’t end up with nutrient deficiencies…

1. Get supplements

We need food for nutrients. It’s as basic as that. If there’s insufficient food, supplements will help to take up the slack. In fact, even with food, supplements are crucial because our foods are low in nutrients due to intensive farming on nutrient-depleted soils.

So, pick up a multivitamin, a greens supplement, some fish oil pills, garlic oil, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, curcumin, coconut oil, etc.

Since many places are on lockdown and self-isolation is required, vitamin D is especially important if you don’t get enough sunlight.

Bodybuilding supplements like whey protein, egg protein, BCAAs, etc. are all useful. Most people do not look to these as a source of food… and yet, they can be used to replace meals too.

1. Protein beats carbs

Your body can survive without carbs, but you need protein and fats. So, if there’s canned food like sardines, beans, etc. get those.

Your goal should be to buy foods that are high in protein. You can get your fats from coconut oil or olive oil. Carbs should be an afterthought. Buy foods based on nutrition and not taste.

Very often, people try to stock up on pasta, rice, bread, instant noodles, etc. These are unnecessary carbs that lead to obesity. We’re in a pandemic now. It’s time to wean yourself off your carbs and get lean.

The silver lining to this COVID-19 cloud is that you finally have all the necessary conditions to accelerate weight loss.

1. Intermittent fasting

Here’s the truth – if the shelves are empty and it’s going to be a few days before the food arrives, you can’t eat like you’re accustomed to.

Aim for just one meal a day. Don’t worry. You won’t perish. In fact, your body will begin a process of self-cleansing and you’ll actually feel better.

Even if all you did was go on a water fast for 5 days, you’d be fine. You’ll experience increased mental clarity, more energy and a feeling of ‘lightness’. You’ll feel great. All hunger pangs usually disappear after the 3^rd day.

1. Ration your foods

Take stock of the food you have and make a weekly plan as to how you’ll ration it among your family members. Eating blindly without concern will put you in a situation where you may not have enough.

1. Shop when you can

Even if it means waking up at 6 am to join a supermarket queue, do it. Family members can take turns daily to do some shopping unless they are at risk. While you shouldn’t be hoarding, you should at least have enough food to last you and your family for 3 days.

Just by buying a little extra each time, you’ll be able to meet your requirements. Most importantly, you must have a plan. Don’t end up having a pantry that only has chocolate cookies and canned fruit.

1. Order your groceries online

There may be some hiccups and your orders may get cancelled or the inventory may have sold out. Nevertheless, be persistent. Things are getting better now and you should be able to get an order through sooner or later.

Shopping online is easier and you’ll have food stores to tide you over any shortages at the brick and mortar supermarkets.

The COVID-19 pandemic is NOT a World War 3. There’s no destruction of supply lines or amenities.

Everything is still functioning, just at a slower rate because of the lockdowns and other measures. Hoarding and panic buying will not help you or anyone else during this situation.

Keep a level mind and buy what you need and just a little bit extra to last for 3 days. That should more than suffice.

Eat one meal a day and look at this period as an opportunity to lose weight and achieve the body you’ve always wanted. Now is as good a time as any.

Many countries are already on a nationwide lockdown with only essential services in operation. Several have recommended self-isolation as a precautionary measure to halt the spread of COVID-19.

While one can’t deny the efficacy of self-isolation, in some cases, you may have no choice but to go out even if you don’t want to.

One good example would be health workers and first responders who still need to go to work to manage the crisis. In almost all cases, these are medical professionals who will know what to do to stay safe.

The problem arises when other people have to go to work because the companies, they’re employed at are not shutting down. This group of people generally are not aware of the risks and necessary precautions they should take.

At times like these, you will need to proactively reduce your risks. During a pandemic like COVID-19, it’s almost impossible to eliminate the risks. All you can do is reduce them. Let’s see how you can go about it.

1. Avoid public transport, if you can help it.

If you have your own vehicle, use it. Now is not the time to be environmentally conscious. If you don’t have your own vehicle, either use a bicycle or walk, if the place you need to go to is not too far.

Alternatively, you may choose to carpool with a few people you trust. Everyone needs to be onboard when it comes to staying cautious.

Mathematically speaking, carpooling is safer than taking a ride on a public bus or subway where the risks increase exponentially just because of the sheer numbers of people on it.

1. Wipe down your workstation

Use a disinfectant spray to wipe your workstation at the start of every workday. Use a mask if it makes you feel safe.

Avoid touching your face and wash your hands regularly. This is NOT paranoia. It’s a necessary measure. Office spaces are usually air-conditioned and not too big. It’s easy for the virus to spread if just one person has it.

1. Keep to yourself

Avoid hanging out in groups with co-workers. You’re not being unfriendly. You’re just being cautious.

Self-isolate at work as best as you can. Avoid eating with others and it’s best to eat at your own desk. Ideally, you should have brought food from home because you want to avoid going out too much.

The goal is to avoid crowds and people whenever possible. COVID-19 has been proven to be contagious and the only way to arrest the spread is to minimize contact between people.

1. Ask your boss to let you work from home

If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. Speak to your boss and see if it’s possible to work from home or come into the office twice or three times a week.

You can still get the job done while maintaining some form of isolation. It’s in everyone’s best interest to do so. While this is not possible for those in the service industry, regular office workers should have no problems here.

It’s usually the management that needs to shift its mindset.

• Shop online

If you do not need to go to work, you may probably only need to go out to get groceries. If possible, purchase most of your groceries online.

Sometimes, you may see that items are sold out or the website may ‘hang’ or cancel your order. Do try again at intervals.

Often, the inventory is replenished your order will go through. It’s just a matter of being persistent.

Stores have implemented quotas so that customers can’t hoard. So, while you can purchase the items you need, you’ll need to keep going back for more. Shopping online will allow you to avoid breaking self-isolation and keep things relatively hassle free.

• Monitor your health

Last but not least, monitor your health and strive to improve it.

Eat wisely. Exercise indoors daily. Boost your immune system with vitamin C, zinc and probiotics. Try to lose weight and eliminate unhealthy habits like smoking.

Now is the time to prioritize your health and orientate yourself towards a better lifestyle. This COVID-19 pandemic will pass, but the positive habits you form now will serve you well all your life.

There has been a lot of conflicting news going around about COVID-19. However, the general understanding is that this respiratory illness tends to cause deaths in people with a weaker immune system or in those who have other existing illnesses.

So, it’s no wonder that millions of people have suddenly taken an interest in their health and wish to boost their body’s immune systems. The good news is that you can shore up your body’s defences in a relatively short time if you adopt the necessary measures.

Here are 9 that will give you an edge during this pandemic.

1. Vitamin C

We all know that this is the most commonly recommended vitamin for fighting colds and preventing the flu. Unfortunately, the body does not have the ability to store vitamin C.

So, you’ll need to consume a vitamin C supplement daily. It could be a chewable or in effervescent form that dissolves in water.

During these dangerous times, you’re better off getting your daily dosage through a supplement, rather than trying to meet your daily needs by guzzling orange juice or gnawing on broccoli.

1. Zinc

An often neglected mineral, zinc has a multitude of benefits. Your body cannot produce it. So, you’ll need to proactively consume it.

You can easily purchase zinc supplements from a health store online or offline. Only a small amount daily is required to help promote optimal health.

Zinc will help to boost your immune system, decrease inflammation, accelerate healing and reduce the risks of age-related disease. This is especially important now because older people are more susceptible to COVID-19.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics will improve your gut health and as a result, your immunity will get stronger. It aids in the production of antibodies and also mitigates most respiratory illnesses. You definitely want to be consuming probiotics.

Yoghurt, miso, tempeh, kimchi and kombucha are excellent probiotics to include in your diet.

1. Garlic oil supplements

Garlic is an immunity booster, and the allicin it contains has medicinal properties. This is one of nature’s most powerful foods and it works wonders at preventing diseases and improving general health.

You can get some from a health store and consume a capsule or two daily. While eating garlic is good, a supplement is easier and better because you’ll need to consume a lot of garlic to get the same amount of allicin that you get from a capsule.

You’re trying to ward off COVID-19, not Dracula. So, an easy to swallow capsule will do.

1. Exercise

Self-isolation does not mean hibernation. Exercise will boost your immunity by getting your blood circulation going and improving your strength and stamina.

Even if you’re stuck at home, there are tons of home workouts that you can do to get your daily exercise. Go ahead and try home workout programs like P90X or Insanity Max. You’ll be amazed at how challenging these workouts are.

Do note that excessive exercise can lower your immunity. So, exercise daily but don’t overdo it. With the coronavirus going around, you do not want a weaker immune system.

Exercise to break a sweat and get your heart pumping, but don’t work yourself daily to a point of exhaustion and tax your central nervous system unnecessarily.

1. Sleep

Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. A well-rested body is a healthier and stronger body.

1. Weight loss

Your health will improve when you shed your excess pounds. With all the food shortages in the supermarkets, now is as good a time as any to adopt an intermittent fasting protocol and lose weight.

Your immune system will get a boost and your health will improve tremendously as you make your way towards your ideal weight.

1. Breaking addictions

Quit smoking. Reduce your consumption of alcohol. Cut down your sugar intake and strive to give up any unhealthy habits you may have.

It’ll be tough… but that’s to be expected. Embrace the challenge and overcome it. Once these detrimental habits are eliminated, you will look and feel like a brand new you.

1. Personal hygiene

Basic hygiene such as washing your hands regularly, not touching your face when you’re outside and showering the moment you get home are all simple but crucial habits that will boost your immune system.

DO NOT sit on the couch or bed when you get home from outside. You don’t know what bacteria are on your clothes… and you don’t want them transferred on to the items in your house.

Put your clothes for washing immediately and wear new ones after your shower.

By adopting these 9 measures, you’ll boost your body’s immunity and give yourself a fighting chance against COVID-19 or any other disease that tries to take root in your body. Get started today.

CORONAVIRUS PLANNING – FREE GCSE & A LEVEL PODCASTS FOR SCHOOLS

UK audio education service, Audiopi, is offering schools free access to their GCSE & A Level podcast tutorial service for 2 months to help mitigate the possible impact of Coronavirus.

Created by subject experts, and used by schools around the world, Audiopi’s podcasts cover a wide range of GCSE and A-Level subjects, providing a perfect distance learning solution. Produced to exam board specifications, the podcasts can be easily accessed at home or on the move via the Audiopi website or app.www.audiopi.co.uk

David Piggins, CEO and Founder of Audiopi said:
‘This is a crucial time for students in the UK with exams just around the corner. If schools do need to close it is very important that students have an effective way to continue with their studies and revision programmes. We are giving schools access to our podcast tutorial service for free to ensure that this can happen. Hopefully this will be unnecessary but, quite rightly, schools are putting in place their contingency plans now. If the worst does come to the worst, we suspect things will happen quickly.”

Any school wanting to access Audiopi’s service can secure instant access by contacting Audiopi here: https://www.audiopi.co.uk/contact or via email at info@audiopi.co.uk

Should parents find it necessary to provide direct and additional support to their children Audiopi also offers its service directly to students and parents on a monthly subscription basis.