I’ve been grappling with how to write about wellness when we are facing challenges we could never have foreseen. A simple hot bath won’t cure this one. Netflix, ZOOMing yoga live and social media keeps us connected, but we all need to disconnect at some point, so here are my two favourite, and simple ways of creating a little wellness in my daily quarantine life.
Smoothies!
In our household, we have been juicing a lot. The beauty of juicing during quarantine is you have the time to prep. You can also benefit from breaking any bad eating habits (stress=sugar consumption in my world) and it offers amazing skin-benefits as your body can purge the toxins out and since you’re in quarantine-mode and your skin breaks out — who cares!
My favourite drink to make right now is from A First Mess. This alkaline-rich drink is a lovely way to start your day. I’ve adjusted it a little according to what I have (and prefer) and I encourage you to do the same.
Alkaline-rich & protein packed ingredients
Go Green!
Ginger, C & Green Drink
Makes one serving
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup cold water
squeeze of a slice of lemon juice
3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 teaspoon Vega protein powder (my fave is Vanilla Chai)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons of maple syrup
pinch of salt
dash of cayenne (I like it spicy so I often ad 3 dashes)
1/2 cup spinach
1/4 cup fresh mint
1 frozen banana
Using a blender, or hand mixer, add all ingredients and blend until smooth.
TIP: The ease of getting groceries and fresh produce isn’t what it used to be so I have been buying bananas and freezing them. Peel, chop and freeze for when you need. Same with spinach.
Don’t like bananas? Try an avocado. Don’t have any orange juice? Use coconut water, maple water or just plain water. It’s a good recipe to play with because it’s fairly simple. Fruit + Liquid + Ginger + Spices + Sweetener + Protein
Ginger is the star in this drink. Fresh ginger is good for our digestion, strengthens our immune system, is good for respiratory health, gets our blood flowing which is great for skin and it’s full of antioxidants. And I just love the taste of ginger!
My second favourite trouble-free wellness drink is…
Tea!
I like my coffee in the morning, but when we are juicing, tea is so much kinder to my stomach lining. And there are so many variations of tea, and so many health benefits, it’s the perfect time to explore the ceremonious aspects of tea!
Green tea is probably your best bet, as it is rich in antioxidants and it is a great way to get enough fluids into your body to maintain hydration. I am a big fan of David’s Tea brand teas but in these dire times, there might be other things you can use to make your own herbal and detoxing teas.
Make your own….
Flowers & Fruit :
Fresh or dried fruit and/or flowers lying around? Toss them in! (Ok, maybe not the drying flowers in that vase from Valentine’s Day!)
Flavor:
Black tea, green tea.… I have an old tin of jasmine tea that is perfect for times like these.
Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom. fennel. Whatever flavours you like, you can combine to make your own signature tea.
No nut allergies? Add some walnuts, almonds or pecans. Seeds work too!
Here are a few combinations to inspire you!
No end to the botanical blends!
At Ease Herbal Tea
1/2 tablespoon dried mint
1 teaspoon dried fennel
A few slices of fresh ginger
Berry Botanical Detoxing Tea
Handful of dried cranberries
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon juniper berries
1/2 teaspoon goji berries
2 teaspoons of green tea (or whichever tea you have on hand)
And for the ladies of Luna
DIY Chai
1 teaspoon cinnamon (cinnamon sticks would be perfect!)
1/2 tablespoon cardamon seeds (or cardamom powder)
1 teaspoon ginger (fresh or powdered)
1 teaspoon clove buds (or dried clove will do)
1/2 tablespoon coconut flakes
You can sweeten any of the above to your liking. I’m partial to maple syrup myself, but you can use raw sugar, agave, honey (for the non-Vs) or just regular table sugar.
The additional benefit of tea is it’s the perfect ritual to share, if you do need to connect. There’s something so civilized about sitting down to a cuppa and catching up with the people in our lives. Create a Tea Ceremony with friends over Zoom or a simple ‘FaceTime, Tea & Me’ with friends and family. This quarantine time can be looked at as a gift to those of us who are healthy and housebound. It’s a reboot and a chance to clean our spaces, our bodies and our minds. There’s no doubt it’s a scary time, but we will persevere and when the fog lifts, we have the chance to start with a clean slate.
Shannon Cleary is the creator of Audre, a clean + green skincare company, based in Montreal. Find Audre and her whole face care line in the Luna Boutique.