You made it through summer!! Now what?
Throughout the summer, we have enjoyed social distanced visits, getting fresh air and natural vitamin D – but as October progresses, are you ready for the next wave of pandemic life? How will you get through the winter being at home, with or without kids, keeping healthy? Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself mentally and physically:
Be Prepared
Get a flu shot!
Stock up on your favorite immunity support items where you can. Here are some ideas to consider: zinc lozenges (not the pills), immunity tea blends, Vitamin C (at least 1000 mg per day) and D and B complex.
Prepare/organize your work space for winter months- have the supplies you need on hand. Put up some nice summer pictures to remind you that winter will end! 
Check the suggested preparation ideas in the links below and begin to stock up on/organize things for easy access during power outages- candles, electric lights, blankets, foods that keep and are easy to eat without cooking (jerky, nuts, dried fruit, etc). If you are a backpacker/camper, have your camp stove ready (only use it OUTSIDE!) filled with fuel, and some extra. Always have a few extra bags of Vigos redbeans and rice on hand ($2.oo at most grocery stores), powdered milk and mac and cheese. (Cans of salmon or tuna are good ways to add protein to that mac and cheese!). Make a grocery list of items you can eat when the power is out, and shop for them now. Store them in a bin where they can’t be invaded by rodents. Don’t forget the chocolate!
In case you do get sick
Now is a good time to stock up on items needed in case of illness (they will be in high demand as the season progresses!).
-Mucinex
-Powdered electrolytes for re-hydration (gatorade, recharge, etc)
-Vitamin C
-Vitamin D
-Zinc lozenges if you can find them
-Masks (there are many available in hardware stores, specialty stores, and online right now)
-Throat lozenges
-Tissues
-Tea
Keep up on your Social Life
Winterize an outdoor space if you have one so you can see friends outside! Make sure you have warm clothes (also for if power goes out), lights, and blankets for outside visits! My son bought a portable canopy since he doesn’t have a covered deck. Overstock.com has one for $60!
Remember to breathe, and laugh whenever you can…this too shall pass!
SOME RESOURCES FOR YOU
Find Masks online:
https://accumed.com/n95-mask-for-sale-respirator-safety-face-mask-z1.html
Further reading about the coming winter: