Tag: pandemic

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A TASTE OF HONEY HELPS YOU SLEEP

Doctors have coined a new phrase called Covid-Somnia.  Many folks aren’t sleeping as well as they did before the pandemic.  They have a hard  time falling  to sleep, and they’re waking up more in the middle of the night.  Worries keep them awake.  Will I get the virus?  When will the lockdown end? What will I do when the money runs out?  And now,  election 2020  has added to the  anxiety.  Was the election stolen?  Will my vote mean anything in the future?  Consequently, there’s an increased demand for sleeping pills, but they really don’t help long term. You might try some alternative remedies.  As an example, it’s been found that a taste of honey helps you sleep.

According to doctors, Here’s how honey helps you sleep:

1. It provides  fuel for your brain throughout the night by restocking your liver’s glycogen. Low levels of glycogen tell your brain that you need to eat . This “hunger” can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and sleep less soundly.

2.  Honey helps your brain release melatonin, the hormone that your body uses to restore itself during sleep. This happens through a series of transformations in your brain: honey’s sugars spike your insulin levels, releasing tryptophan, which becomes serotonin, which becomes melatonin.

A tasste of honey helps you sleep because it has serotonin
A taste of honey helps you sleep. It feeds your brain with relaxing serotonin.

Yes, honey increases the brain’s natural sedative,  serotonin– a hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well being, and happiness.  Honey is inexpensive, compared to sleeping pills.  It’s not habit forming, and it doesn’t lead to a typical “drug hangover,” that leaves you feeling sluggish. However , honey has calories—about 20 per teaspoon.  So you don’t want to go overboard.

Honey has been a game changer for me. I started by by taking  one teaspoon of honey in my afternoon tea.  Then , right before bedtime,   another teaspoon. After a couple of nights, I realized I was sleeping later in the morning than usual.  And if I did wake  in the middle of the night, I could easily get back to sleep.

Honey can also help you sleep if you have a cough.   The Mayo Clinic says it works just as well as a cough suppressant.

Why not try a taste of honey?  It may help you sleep.

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IS STOCKPILING SELFISH OR SMART?

Hoarding is definitely a bad word nowadays.  It conjures up images of deranged people living amongst piles of things they’ve accumulated for years, unable to part with a even single rubber band.  But there’s another type of hoarder who is now in the spotlight.  It’s the person who has a closet full of toilet paper, or a trunk full of bottled picante sauce.  Yes, I’ve witnessed this type of hoarding during this pandemic.  But there’s a euphemism for the term, “hoarding,”  and its called stockpiling.  You might even think of it as saving, or stocking up for the uncertainty ahead.  Is stockpiling selfish or smart?

Stockpiling is generally frowned upon by the media.  We’re told that it’s a selfish act, depriving others of access to much needed goods.  But to my mind, it’s kind of a natural act of self preservation.  Everyone has their own wants and needs.  For my husband, it’s canned soup.  Being a diabetic, he is careful to avoid high carbohydrate foods.  Most soup is nutritious without being high in calories.  Beside that, it warms the tummy on cold wintry days.  It’s also one of the first things that started disappearing from the grocery store shelves in March..

And so, starting last spring, we would buy a few extra cans of his favorite soups whenever we shopped.  No, we didn’t walk out with a cartful of soup, but we did buy more than we could use in a week.  Consequently, we have two pantry shelves full of canned soup.  It’s at least a  month’s supply. I don’t see this as a stupid expense or a selfish act.  The money isn’t wasted.  Canned foods are good for years. And we really didn’t deprive anyone else of a can of soup in the long run. And at our age, there could be weeks when the weather is so bad we can’t leave the house.  Or one of us could get sick.

Is stockpiling selfish or smart. Stockpiling canned goods is a good idea when facing uncertainty
Is stockpiling selfish or smart? Everyone stockpiled canned goods in the olden days.

When I was a child, everyone stockpiled food .  Women canned.  We had a basement full of canned peaches, pears, tomatoes and green beans.  My husband lived on a farm, and they even canned the meat which they had raised.  Was that selfish or stupid?  No, it was called planning for the long winter months ahead.

This is a time of uncertainty.  A change in government, a new president of the United States.  A Covid-19 epidemic predicted to spiral out of control. Many economists are predicting a worldwide stagflation.  So Is stockpiling stupid, selfish,  or smart?  I’ll vote for smart.

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BLESSING BOX FULL OF BEANS

Blessing boxes are springing up all over the country, and are certainly a blessing for the homeless and other impoverished Americans.  When you see men and women trying on clothing in the street next to a box, you know that there are many people who lack the basics.  We have several boxes in our city, but I just saw my first one up close, in the local mall.  However, its contents were disappointing, because that Blessing Box was full of beans.

The last time I walked in the mall was late March, before the pandemic began to spiral out of control. But since then,  they’ve lost a major retailer. The hallways are practically deserted, especially at the far end, next to the depressingly empty store.   Therefore, it seems like a relatively safe place to walk on the cold windy days ahead.   All the walkers you see are wearing masks, and they keep their distance.  Many are elderly.  Anyway, sometime over the summer or fall, they’ve added a Blessing Box.

The problem could be that few people are aware that the mall has a box.  But for those who do, they seem to think that black beans, especially, would be a good filler.  Now, I’m all for black beans.  They’re a great source of protein.  They’re especially appealing to vegans and Hispanics.  But if 80% of the offerings are either red beans or black beans,   it seems rather bleak. I’m envisioning some hungry little kids staring at a bowl of black beans.   Most ordinary Hoosier’s aren’t too fond of them.

Blessing box full of beans doesn't offer much. Try adding some canned meat.
Try to add some variety. Don’t just leave a blessing box full of beans.

There are many items that are good for food banks. Today, I ‘m going to stock up on some canned meat, tuna,  and peanut butter. Maybe some evaporated milk.   I’ll bring in a small bag, and add to the collections a few cans at a time.  Maybe that will inspire others to do the same.   If an un needy person takes the good stuff, that’s their moral issue,  not mine.

Blessing boxes were started a few years ago, in the low country.  While they’re a great idea, it’s sad to think there are so many people who rely on them for food and clothing.  But let’s  leave some good stuff in the boxes, not assume that needy people.  have no taste for anything but beans.

 

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MAXING OUT AT THE DOLLAR STORE

Dollar Stores are everywhere—out in the country, and all over town. During this pandemic  they’ve become a good place to shop for basics while getting in and out quickly.  Some are classier than others, although none of them really fit that description.  I’m most apt to stop at the one near the public library on my way home. Compared to other Dollar Stores,  It’s pretty much down to the nitty gritty.   Because of  shoplifting,  many products are either locked up or in short supply.  They have a steady stream of customers in this low income neighborhood.  Yesterday, I noticed more people maxing out at the Dollar Store.

It didn’t seem very crowded at first.  But after I’d picked up my vitamins, I noticed the checkout line was backed up, and moving slower than usual.  The bottle neck was a woman  who couldn’t seem to get her credit card to work.  She made several attempts to key in various numbers, with no luck. The clerk was kindly, trying to help.  I contemplated offering to pay her bill, until I noticed her cart was filled with soda pop and salty snacks.  The dietitian in me just couldn’t deal with that.  If you’re almost broke, shouldn’t you buy something healthy?  Not for me to judge. She finally found a card that worked, so that ended my moral dilemma.

It’s not unusual to see someone on the edge at that Dollar Store.  But it didn’t used to happen very often.  However, the next person in line had a similar problem.  Since her credit card seemed to be maxed out, her companion pulled some coins and  a few wrinkled bills  from his pocket, and they made it through.  I looked at the customers lined up behind me.  They seemed tired and worried.  One woman took some items from her cart and put them back on the shelf. The parking lot was full of dented cars and rusty trucks.

Maxing Out at the Dollar Store is a sign of the times.
More folks are maxing out at the Dollar Store, which is a bad sign for the economy.

As I drove out of the parking lot, I felt something  coming on;  restless as a hurricane.  Is this  a portent of things to come?   I would guess that many of the customers in that store are unskilled folks who work in restaurants or other places where  more educated  people don’t want to work..  Because of the covid’19 pandemic,  their  low paying jobs have dried up.  They went through their unemployment pay and stimulus money in July.  What will happen next?  Are we headed for a deeper recession?

When people are maxing out at the dollar store, you have to worry.

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THESE PLACES MAY GIVE YOU FEVER

What do bars and churches have in common?  In our city this week,  they’ve been hotbeds for spread of the coronavirus.   I think I reported a similar situation some time back, when  the Department of Health issued an alert about those who went to a particular gentlemen’s club on the same weekend  others went to a certain church.  Saints and sinners alert!   These places may give you fever.

Why do people go to church?  Most importantly, because they feel closer to God.  But that’s not the only reason.  They love the sense of community, singing,   finding comfort in troubled times, and relieving stress.

Few people who go to bars are alcoholics.  They’re going to meet,  see  people, relax,  wind down, and break the monotony of life.  Due to the relaxed atmosphere, they’re  more apt  to share ideas and talk about their problems.

These places may give you fiver
Whether you’re singing in a bar or a church, these places can give you fever.

In  both venues, they’re  doing what humans like to do.  Getting close to people,  finding comfort, sharing ideas, talking, singing, maybe even dancing.

Now, look at how long we’ve been in lockdown due to the pandemic. Almost nine months.  It’s no wonder people decide to attend  church and go to bars.   Covid-19 cases are spiking  because of coronavirus fatigue.  You get to the point where you just can’t take it anymore.

As seniors, we’re feeling that same fatigue.   We’re lucky enough to have sons nearby,  but they’re afraid to stay very long for fear of infecting us. We really can’t afford to take any greater risks than going to the grocery store..   At least there, we have a little interaction with another human being at the check out counter.

We’ve even started missing the pizza delivery man..  They now have a no-contact policy.  You order online, pay with a credit card, and include a tip.  They guy runs on your porch, and leaves a pizza on the swing.   It would be nice to at least exchange a few pleasantries, and hand him a cash tip.

I don’t know how long this can go on.  Eventually,  people will go to  places that may give them fever.

 

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9 THINGS TO DO IF HOME ALONE

With winter coming on, a recent retiree asked my husband, “what do you do all day?” He felt exasperated because he’s an outdoor person.  The Covid-19 lockdown didn’t bother him much until now, because he could hike, play golf, and easily find things to do while socially distancing.   But now, he’s wondering  how to make it through the next few months while stuck inside.   Here are 9 things to do if you’re  home alone during the pandemic.

1. Make Your Bed.  Why bother, if no one but you can see it?  Because making your bed gives you a sense of accomplishment and normalcy.  Anyway , who wants to climb back into a tangled mess at night.

2. Exercise.  Maybe you have some home equipment, like an exercise bike.  But you really don’t need it. There are tons of stretching exercises you can do, plus ones using weights.  Make it a habit,  fifteen minutes, first thing in the morning.

3. Jigsaw puzzles are good for your  brain because they exercise both side of your brain.    If you have a computer, you can do them online at places like jigzone.com.  and listen to  the pieces fall into place. It’s fun, and free!

9 things to do when home alone. Do a puzzle at jigsaw.com
9 things to do if home alone. Try a jigsaw puzzle at jigzone.com. It’s free!

4. Prepare nourishing foods.  It’s tempting to live on cheese and crackers or cereal.  But that’s boring and unhealthy. Make fresh fruit smoothies. Try a new recipe–something fancy and unusual.  Dream about the day when you can have a  dinner party with a dazzling new dish.

5. Do something creative. Learn woodworking online or with a book from Menards..  Paint pictures, knit, sew, crochet. Write your memoirs, start a scrapbook, make a collage with favorite photos—the list is endless

6. Get out of the house.  Unless its pouring down rain, sleet, or snow, bundle up and get a breath a fresh air. Fill your lungs with oxygen and take a short walk. The change of scene will lift your spirits.

7. Read books. If you’re bored with “formula” novels and Chicklit, go back and read the classics.  How could anyone tire of Tolstoy?

8. Start an indoor garden.  I began one last year with pots of amaryllis.  They don’t start growing until you water them, so they can be staggered to bloom all winter.  I had gorgeous fresh flowers  from December through March.   Spider plants, ivy, and philodendron  provide fresh greenery on dull winter days–and they’re good for the air.

9. Redecorate.  Paint your bedroom pink.  Order some new curtains on Amazon or buy them at Walmart.  Refinish some furniture.

One of these days, we’ll have a vaccine, and new medicines to fight the virus.  In the meantime, there are nine good things to do if you’re home alone this winter

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HAVING A COVID-19 MELTDOWN?

Here’s what a covid-19 meltdown feels like:  Hours after you’ve done something a bit risky, you start feeling apprehensive, and the worry begins to build .  Were you too close to someone at the grocery store?  Did that guy without a mask at the pharmacy breathe virus on you?     What about that small family dinner? You don’t go inside restaurants except for pickup, but did one of the workers have covid-19?  Now, you’re feeling lightheaded. Before you know it, your thoughts are spiraling out of control.   Are you having a covid-19 meltdown?

A covid-19 meltdown may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.   During this time, you’re constantly checking the list of symptoms.  Can you still smell?  You go around sniffing coffee and lavender and a bar of soap.  Yes, you can still smell.  But now, your nose is dripping, and your eye looks bloodshot.   Is it your spring/fall allergies acting up?  Or,  the virus? .  You have an upset stomach.  Was it that Mexican food you ate last night, or covid-19.   You feel tired.  Was it that long hike you took yesterday, or something more serious?

My first covid-19 meltdown happened in late March.  This was when our city had less that one tenth of one percent covid-19 cases. The CDC was telling people not to wear masks.  It wouldn’t protect  you at all.  Apparently, they were really were just afraid they were going to run out of masks for essential workers.  When it turned out that people really should wear masks, we’d been running around for weeks without them.

Having a Covid-19 Meltdown? Try mindful breathing or a walk through the woods
Having a Covid-19 meltdown? A walk through the woods, or mindful breathing may help.

Around that time,  we hosted a small family gathering ,  including someone from another town.  That was when I first  began to feel anxious about contracting covid-19.  During the next four days, I symptom checked on and off every few hours.  At the end of that time period , I relaxed, and put aside my worries.

Now, our city has become a hot spot, with 11% positivity rates.  The fear is spreading. Over the past few months, I’ve had a couple more  meltdowns.   Since I suffer from both spring and fall allergies, any dizziness, fatigue, or dripping nose is alarming.   My worries escalate.  My husband is diabetic and close to 90. What would he do if I got sick?  Where would I go to isolate?  Mentally, I began to make plans.

Coping mechanisms that work best for me:

  1) A walk along the river or through the woods.
  2) Meditation and mindful breathing.

Here’s the thing– in the coming year, it’s probably not going to get any better.  No matter who is elected president, the virus will continue to spread.  I’ve resigned myself to the ever present danger.   We’ll either get the virus, or we won’t.  And until the plague has ended, I’ll probably have a few more covid-19 meltdowns.