Hi Byte Fam! Hope you’re well. I’m doing better.

I’ve got a question for you…when is the last time your commitment to self-care or self-love was tested? How did you rise to the occasion?

Some of you have already heard, but with COVID-19 surging all over the country, I’ve been hit! I got the RONA, and it has not been fun.

I’m grateful for vaccines and boosters because I can only imagine how much worse I’d feel if I hadn’t given my immune system that COVID cheat code. I’m grateful that I was able to recover at home and that my family (some of whom are high-risk) have remained safe. This illness was a two-fold reminder for me to: 1) don’t slip on COVID precautions and 2) sit down and rest!

Now Is Not The Time to Drop Your COVID-19 Precautions

Despite mask mandates being lifted, experts agree that we should keep wearing masks and practicing other precautions like hand-washing and distancing.

Here’s a quick reminder about COVID-19 Precautions: Visit the CDC for updated COVID-19 guidance and rates in your area

• Masking is still an important part of reducing COVID transmission (even for vaccinated people).

• Consider taking a COVID test before big gatherings (especially when high-risk people will be in attendance). Did you know you can get free at-home COVID-tests sent to you here by the CDC here?

• Now that it’s warmer, choose outdoor activities when possible. Our risk of transmission lowers (at least slightly) if we meet outside and keep our distance.

Why Do I Need A COVID-19 Vaccine? Isn’t My Immune System Built to Fight Viruses?

Vaccines, are an immune system cheat code. Remember that your immune system is like an army protecting its country (your body) against an invading enemy (COVID-19). Vaccines and boosters give your immune system the enemy’s strategy long before it actually invades our bodies. They give our army time to prepare for COVID-19. Once we get vaccinated, our bodies build targeted missiles (antibodies) and special forces (killer T cells) that are set up to attack COVID-19 the moment it invades. That’s a much quicker and more effective response than the days it would take to mount a strong response if we had never been vaccinated.

But, a cheat code isn’t enough to ensure victory. We still have to keep the army healthy…make sure they’re strong enough to actually put that cheat code to use. How do we do that? We practice immune-supporting habits like getting high-quality sleep, regular exercise and powerful nutrients from our food. If you’re looking for more info on what immune-supporting habits look like, take the 14-day Lower The Load Challenge to learn 14 ways our everyday habits can support our immune systems so they can take advantage of vaccine/booster cheat codes.

Meanwhile, this was a real test of my commitment to wellness and self-love. I had a tough decision to make.

CHOICE A:

Knowing that I had push a 101.7F-degree fever and couldn’t stand up comfortably for more than a few minutes, would I push through my illness to lead our #ByteWellnessWednesdays virtual workshop? (I mean, the last thing I wanted to do was let you all down. But wouldn’t it be the height of hypocrisy for me to cheer you on in your self-love journey while I prioritize productivity over my wellbeing?).

CHOICE B:

Or would I gift my body the rest it needed? That meant admitting to weakness and frailty. That meant, potentially, letting a lot of important people down.

After wrestling with the decision, I finally chose to rest and postponed the workshop. And, guess what? Our community completely supported my choice.
Unlike some of the environments we’ve participated in (work, perhaps?) this Byte Wellness community reminded me that people who truly appreciate you and your contribution want to see you be well, and strong and happy. If rest is what you need…they understand.

So, thank you for your well wishes and your warmth. Thank you for supporting me in taking care of me. I hope you’ll show yourself the same grace when (or ideally before) your body tells you to sit down and rest.

Discussion Question:

• What is the most important lesson your mother taught you about wellness?

This one blew up on the text thread ;)

Let me know what you think. Stay well!

Happy Healthy Living,

Dr. Wuse