My eyes are stinging, my breathing isn’t super easy, and I’m wondering if you’re having the same issues?
As I stood on the deck of a home in Calwell last night celebrating the end of 2019 and watched the smoke roll in, we were quick to get inside to protect our bodies, including our lunges and liver.
The air quality in Canberra is ridiculously hazardous today, the rating was 4,250 mid-morning at the Monash air quality station. Anything above 200 is considered hazardous and in Delhi, India, they vary from 100 to 500 across the year. In 2016, Delhi was reported #6 in the world for worst air quality.
Anything that our body absorbs has to be process, so I’m a massive advocate for only bringing in the good stuff – but on a day like today that’s going to be challenging. And for those that have limited access to water and food, community is going to be your best friend – so lean into those around you and support each other.
What you do now, will set you up for the coming weeks, if you can do everything in your power now to look after yourself. I’m also a massive advocate to performing at your best – as often as we can 🙂 Your smile is worth more than anything, so use that as your barometer.
To support myself and my family, we’ve been doing a few things consistently over the last month when the smoke has been bad and I’d love to hear from you what you’re doing that’s working for you, so we can build a collective pool of ideas to improve everyone’s health.
Here are our top tips for clearing the air and looking after you:
- Staying indoors, either at home or going to the mall – and the movies if Teddy’s keen
- Closing up the house, and doing our best not to let the smoke in – with the following caveat:
- We’ve found having our evaporative cooling on has really helped keep the air cleaner. Yes the air is coming in from outside and we have to leave some windows open to make it effective. The system also filters what’s coming in. So last night when we came home to a smokey home, we were able to clear the smoke with the evaporative and get a good nights sleep. I’m currently wrapped in a blanket to stay warm, but I’d prefer that to being smoke filled.
- I’m leaning on essential oil that support my respiratory system. These are the ways we’re using it:
- Showering, by putting a few drops around the edge of my shower and breathing it in
- Applying it to my chests with a carrier oil
- Diffusing with other oils to help eat the smokey odour.
- Applying essential oils to my feet, to boost my immune system
- Resting, we’re not doing anything that’s exerting lots of energy. I’m choosing yoga over a bike ride, we’re reading, writing, creating and watching TV
- Drink water. Water is a cleanser for our bodies and at times like this its better to up the water consumption and stay way from the alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Eat well. Ensuring we eat regularly, or when I feel hungry, and doing my best to make sure it nutritious.
If you’re struggling with breathing or have lunge issues please seek help. If you know someone who struggles with asthma or any lung issues, please check on them and make sure they’re ok.
These events also take a toll on our bodies emotionally and physically. Remember that your body holds onto the memories and it’s important to process the emotions that sit around them. Talking to family and friends, sharing your stories with strangers who have also gone through what you’ve been through, will help your body process what’s happened. In addition, I always recommend seeking professional support, because they can give you tools to move through what’s happened to you with clarity and gratitude. We never forget and these things can make us stronger.
I truly hope your family and your loved ones are safe and remain that way xo
