Travel, health, and hygiene
Hi everyone!
We all face a lot on a daily basis. If you’ve been watching the news, you already know.
Health is a really big factor when it comes to music. I do not allow myself to ever teach a lesson if I am not feeling well or if I felt like I wouldn’t be giving my best presence. I do not expect my students to either.
From now until the end of April 2020, I will be suspending my cancellation policy in lieu of the current flu epidemic. If you feel sick at all, even if it’s an hour before your lesson, please just let me know. I would not want you to risk feeling even more sick or risk other people getting sick.
Here are a few tips and reminders from one survivor to the next:
1. The best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands. All the time. No matter who you are. No matter what you do. Before you eat. When you get home. Before brushing your teeth. Just wash your hands. Please.
2. The only way to take care of others better is to take better care of yourself. Check yourself. Are you getting enough sleep? Water? Rest (rest is different from sleep)? Mental exercise (like reading, games, painting, drawing, etc.)? Nutrition (like real organic, nutrient dense foods)? Exercise (cardio for your cardiovascular system plus natural immune boosting hormones)? Emotional support and love (have you opened up to a loved one lately)?
3. There’s no quick way to a perfect immune system, but with practice and awareness, you can start learning more about your body’s natural response to its environment. Try to pay attention to certain patterns or cycles that are becoming evident in your life physically, emotionally, or mentally.
4. Consider practicing fist bumps, elbow bumps, foot bumps, high fives or hugging instead of shaking hands to cut down on the spread of germs.
5. Be Kind. We are all survivors doing the best we can. Let’s choose to generate joy as much as possible.
Between managing our own stress levels, taking care of our own physical and emotional needs, and caring for our loved ones, it can leave us feeling exhausted or depleted at the end of the day. If we’re not getting enough sleep and rest, drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious food, plus maintaining our social, financial, and creative needs, the immune system could be compromised much more easily.
Everyone gets sick at one point or another. It’s no one’s fault and feeling guilt or shame or assigning blame won’t help you feel much better. Communicating and asking for help when you need it, though, is a great way to help you feel better and normalize more acceptance for making health a high priority in your life.
As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below and I hope you all stay healthy and safe out there!
Sincerely,
Jenny Thomas
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor do I claim to give medical advice. Every person and their needs are different so please consult your health practitioner before making any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle.