2020 was a crazy year, and the insanity is waning very slowly. Sure, we do not get pandemics more than every 100 years, but the problems we are experiencing in climate change, mental and physical illness, violence and political unrest, inequity and economic problems, and government taking away our freedom of speech are unprecedented.

What should we do with that stress?

For one thing, we need to stop watching the news. While it is impressive that we can find out what is happening from moment to moment, all over the world, we cannot handle it. So shut off the TV, and turn off notifications on your smartphone.

Next, spend more time cooking healthy meals. Start with a pot of brown rice, which is naturally gluten-free, cheaper than pasta, and can be made 1000 ways, and leftovers easily repurposed. Add some beans or tofu/tempeh, a cooked vegetable (winter squash, carrots, onions, turnip and broccoli come to mind), and maybe add a nice salad (careful on the dressing, not to overload on salt and sugar and oil).

In addition to eating well, every day, we all need to go outside into nature daily. A morning walk in the woods can get us in the right frame of mind, give us vitamin D (helps to avoid Covid!), and of course stimulates our appetite and our lymph flushing out toxins. Having more plants in our homes is good insurance for a busy or a cold day!

Finally, bodycare is really important. I do stretching, affirmations, body rubs, shower, situps and pushups, and self massage EVERY DAY. I also do a nasal irrigation, and take vitamin B12, vitamins A, C and E, and Zyflamend, just to name a few.

I still get stingers and aches if I do the wrong thing (like drive ten hours to and from New Jersey on consecutive days, then lift golf clubs at the airport), but I know how to handle these moments. With CBD, Arnica, Turmeric and other great products. And by resting at night!