Kell 's Blog

2020. Holy smokes, what a long, strange trip it has been!

Mind:

I’m sure I don’t need to tell any of you how completely this virus upended life as we knew it, so I won’t. Some of you have lost jobs, and sadly, perhaps even close relationships and friendships as political divide and conflicting narratives have pushed many of us to opposite ends of the spectrum based on our personal beliefs. Even sadder still, many of us have lost loved ones to the ravages of the illness. This topic is one I’ve shied away from getting too deep into as I too have my own beliefs, and as a coach, I feel I have a responsibility to hold space for the many opinions on the subject while also respecting the processes we must all go through. But something I am versed in and able to speak to is anxiety.

You may not suffer with it personally, but chances are, you know someone who does. And maybe, like many, you did not experience it until this year! But for those afflicted, we know the tell-tale signs all too well: your throat gets tight, your skin gets tight and tingly like tiny bugs crawling over you, and your stomach clenches, just to name a few. Candidly, it feels like something has taken over your body. What we do to move through this is as varied as the sensations one can experience. Here are a few tips and strategies for managing this when the shitake is hitting the fan.

Movement
As an empath and highly sensitive person, I feel other people’s emotions very intensely at times. I have learned to ask myself, “is this my energy, or someone else’s?” Did I engage with someone less than pleasant? Have I read something toxic, negative or fear-based from someone with a motive for creating chaos? If that’s the case, I immediately get into action- as in physical action.  I’m lucky enough to work near the river and there is a beautiful, paved path that stretches along a lot of green space. Provided I don’t have a client, I get out in nature which optimizes my mood and gives me a dose of vitamin D (more on this later). Even a 10-minute walk will change your state! If I’m home or perhaps the weather is bad, I’ll jump on my mini-trampoline. This dispels stale, low vibe energy the same way our four-legged friends do when they shake vigorously after something disturbing. And as if you needed one more reason to get up and get moving, it’ll help you trim off those Covid-15 (lbs) you put on!

Meditate
Did I just hear a groan? Come on now, I’m not suggesting you drop into a pose and “om” until your sit bones turn blue, but even a 5-minute reset will do you a host of good! While I admit that most of the world has had to slow down this year, our minds didn’t necessarily get the memo. We have about 60,000 thoughts a day and most of those are negative, not to mention the same thoughts as the day before. So, while you may think you are no good at meditating, I call BS. It’s as simple as closing your eyes and observing your thoughts. Or you can choose to focus on your breathing for 5 minutes. I promise you it will impact any anxiety you are experiencing and over time, you can build up to a longer session in 5-minute increments.  Embrace the OM!

Read
Nothing gets you out of your head and out of your body like a good read. I spend so much time reading and studying for my work so when I’m anxious, my go-to is fiction, and bonus points if it’s a juicy read. Pretty straightforward!

Talk
This year is one like no other we’ve ever experienced, and suicide, depression, anxiety, and abuse are on the rise as a result. It cannot be overstated how important it is to talk to someone BEFORE things spiral. I have long been an advocate of therapy and would encourage anyone to find someone they trust to help them through these unprecedented times.

Body:

This year has brought a lot of attention to illness and death. We’ve been told to wash our hands, stay 6 ft apart, wear a mask, and stay away from our grandparents. And while I’ve certainly read a tremendous amount of literature on how to fortify my immune system, I’ve heard very little advice on the topic in the mainstream media. I’m not here to elaborate on why I think that is but believe me, I have a few theories. In light of this lack of information, there are a few things that bear out nicely in terms of strengthening our immune systems against ANY illness- Covid or otherwise, because flu & colds have yet to disappear either. Those are vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, and quercetin. Vitamin D deficiency was proven in over 80% of moderate to severe cases of infection when the data was studied. Zinc & vitamin C have long been known to be super-fighters against viruses, but with Zinc especially, it is difficult for the body to absorb. This is where Quercetin comes in. It is thought to act similarly to hydroxychloroquine in that it opens the cell to allow the zinc to be utilized to stop viral replication. There are various other supplements I’ve read will boost immune function, but these are my go-to’s.

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, I don’t play one on tv, this information is not meant to diagnose or treat disease or any such illness, and this is a very brief overview of how I understand these supplements to work. As for amounts, please speak with your medical team and do your own research! At the end of the day, you are your own best advocate for your health, and we MUST take responsibility back into our own hands for longevity and wellness. But my philosophy is what starts our right, ends up right. And as I once heard said, we do not start brushing our teeth only after we’ve gotten a cavity!

Spirit:

Now for the good stuff!
Exciting announcement # 1!
I have expanded my business offerings to include small business, start-up coaching! This year, I developed a framework called the SLEEK Advantage; a system for helping entrepreneurs (primarily women) start, grow, or streamline processes for their new business using a unique approach that focuses on strategy, brand positioning, emotional IQ, leadership, and an ongoing process for improvement. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, please reach out!

Exciting announcement # 2:
After lots of planning and dreaming of this day, I have finally launched my podcast called, Now She Prospers! This is a platform to elevate, teach, and inspire women to prosper into abundance: spiritually, financially, physically, and emotionally; ESPECIALLY, after trauma, challenges, or setbacks. It is a mixed-format show meaning there will be solo episodes with yours truly, guest interviews of women with amazing stories of triumph, and expert interviews with leaders in the field of wellness, women’s health, money, relationships, and entrepreneurship. My spirit comes alive when I’m helping others and coaching is just one way I’m able to do that. With my new platform, I can reach women all over the world, thereby fulfilling my unique mission for coming to the planet.
You can find my podcast on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google. You can also catch the episodes right from either of my websites: www.kellbrazil.com or www.nowsheprospers.com.

I hope you’ll listen, rate and review, and of course, subscribe!