By Richmond Natural Medicine

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July 28, 2020

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We are halfway through 2020, and it has already been quite a full year. There has been an unusual amount of happenings in the world affecting all of us collectively. Many of our lives and routines were unexpectedly turned upside down, and new stressors arise every month. In 2020, we all need to take a little extra time to tend to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Remember, even taking just one step, or working on one practice to support your health is a positive practice. Don’t feel like you need to accomplish all of these health tips. Each serves a unique purpose, and each can support you no matter what.

10 Naturopathic Health Tips for 2020

1. Tend to your mental health. This can look like taking 5-minute breaks every hour to breathe deeply, sit quietly, and calm your nervous system. Taking a walk in the woods a few times a week. Seeking a counselor or therapist to help you process new stress. Calling a friend or loved one to check in on each other. This can look different for everyone, and it’s OK to seek external or professional help if you need extra support.
2. Devote time and intention into your sleeping space (and aim for 7+ hours per night). Is there something within your control that is impacting your quality and quantity of sleep? If so, take the necessary and available steps to enhance your sleeping space to support optimal sleep.
3. Eat well, and seasonally. When possible, consume 5 different colors of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables every day to make sure you’re getting in the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants your body needs. As Michael Pollan says, “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants”. Summer is an especially good time to incorporate more colorful produce into your meals! If you need help with this, consider seeking support from our nutrition expert.
4. Foster human relationships in your life. As much as possible, maintain those friendships and kindred relationships with those around you and at a distance. Maintaining our social connections is so positive for our mental health and for feeling supported ourselves.
5. Practice gratitude and compassion. The attitude of gratitude really does enhance our health. When we can shift our internal focus to the things we are grateful for, our narrative shifts to a positive and uplifting inner dialogue. Think of the power of your own words on yourself and how you can make yourself feel when we are in a foul mood, or angry. We have such effects on our own health by just the emotions we carry, and much of this is within our control to change.
6. Write down your stories. We have a lot to process this year, and many of us are experiencing things and learning things we never have before. Writing down a bit of your daily story each night can help you process what’s coming up for you, and chronicle what you’ve been learning.
7. Grow something in your own home. Whether it’s a large scale backyard garden or a single potted plant on your porch, this is a grounding practice of connecting with the environment immediately around you. So much of our sensory intake is expansive into screens, the worldwide news, and worry about things far away. A small plant ally you can tend to is a remarkable centering companion and a tender place to focus your energy.
8. Do something that brings you joy every day. Stop and ask yourself – what brings me joy on a daily basis? If nothing comes up for you, really sit with that, and consider what you could reasonably incorporate into your day that is a joyful activity or moment. Perhaps waking up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy that morning cup of tea or coffee. Taking your lunch outside. Reading a new book before bed instead of scrolling through social media. Writing and receiving letters from friends. Making crafts. It doesn’t have to take a long time, but it should be something that makes your heart and soul happy, each day.
9. Drink plenty of water. Aim for about half of your body weight (in ounces) daily, not to exceed 100oz. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, that’s approximately 70 ounces of water per day. Herbal tea counts towards this too! Consider making chilled holy basil or turmeric teas, mint teas, or nettle!
10. Continue supporting your health with naturopathic care. Every few weeks during this year, it may be helpful to have a check-in with your naturopathic doctor to assess any changes, support you in areas you’re struggling, and to recommend additional lifestyle habits to get you through stressful times. Beyond these health tips, our ND’s are here to support you through any life stage and answer your questions. Request your appointment here.