As we put 2020 behind us, it’s time to look to a better 2021.  I typically will come up with a new year’s resolution list, something to focus on to make ‘A Better Me’.  But this year, I want to give it a positive spin.  I want to reflect on what I liked from last year and continue it into 2021.

  • Sleep Early and Sleep-In whenever possible: Numerous studies have shown more sleep equates to better mood, mental clarity, and performance. To help with a more relaxed and deeper sleep, I will typically take some magnesium right before bed.  Best to get one that is bisglycinate form for better bioavailability and bowel tolerance.  For even higher availability is to use Ionic Magnesium, very salty though but just make sure to dilute it in lots of water.  What a great way to get hydrated!
  • Outdoor Family Time: Before Covid, it took no effort what so ever to go to one birthday party to the next or go out with friends for some great food. But when SIP hit, we became homebound.  Without anywhere to seek entertainment except via our technologies, everyone is glued to either their phones or tablets.  Too much screen time equates to sluggishness, over indulgence,  and even some misbehaviors from my kids, not a pleasant scene and definitely a sign of necessity to get out of the house to expend some energy, get some fresh air, and absorb some vitamin D from the sunshine.  A quick and easy way to get some vitamin D is through supplementation.  One such vitamin D is formulated for my practice and for my kids’ usage is called Vita Ultra D3.  Depending how you dose, it can last from 6 months up to a year!

The few best moments of last year was when we took some family outings.   We took at short hike to Mt. Davidson where we saw the giant cross.  Other days, we hiked around our neighborhood trails and even saw huge bee hive.  Just last weekend, my daughter suggested to go to the beach to collect some seashells.  While it was extremely cold, it was a great way to get some fresh air and even a great workout building a sand castle.  My favorite part is watching my kids running from the waves.  We enjoyed so much that we returned to Half Moon Bay Francis Beach the following weekend.  Next, I’m going to start booking some camping sites so we will be ready to a camping trip when the weather gets warmer.

Dr. Melody is founder of Abundant Vitamins (online supplement website) and medical director of Bay Area Natural Medicine Center.  She’s been in practice for 20 years specializing in IBD (colitis & crohn’s), anxiety/depression, and women’s health.   Refer to www.banmc.com and www.abundantvitamins.com  for more info.

References:

The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean MD, NDT

The Vitamin D Solution by Michael Holick, PhD

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD