Every year new coughs, colds and viruses spread through the office, school, family or group of friends. It is an inevitable part of life that we experience over and over but rarely foresee and prepare for.
This year, I’d like to help you change that, and prepare your body in the best possible way to combat the local ‘lurgy’ to keep your immune system strong and prevent a possible sick day (or week).
When we are run down in general, our bodies aren’t as strong as they could be. Therefore, we have a lower chance of fighting off illness and becomes less resilient. This means that if we do what is possible to maintain energy, strength and high spirits throughout the autumn and winter months, we’re more likely to battle through unscathed.
How do we do this?
Well… slowing down, nourishing the body, resting and recuperating whenever possible is a good start.
This may mean socialising fewer nights per week to get more zzz hours or cooking a meal of whole, seasonal foods rather than ordering take-out. (Both of these things will also help you spend less too, which is always helpful).
Incorporating a daily meditation, stretch session or bath with Epsom salts could be the ticket that helps you de-stress and find calm, so choosing your one thing and doing it consistently could also be on your list of ‘flu-fighting’ habits.
Increasing your intake of well-known vitamins that help boost the immune system such as Vitamin C could be a good idea and keeping levels of Vitamin D high during the cold, dark months will contribute to better mood among other necessary benefits like bone health.
Other vitamins include Zinc for improved cellular function, Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory and Fish oil for mental health, skin and eyes.
70% of your immune system is housed in your gut too, so if you don't take a pro-biotic and do not get enough probiotic rich foods in your diet you could think about introducing one.
Taking a page from the Scandinavians and their Hygge way of life is something I try to do each winter, too. These people are used to incredibly harsh winters and seem to have found the ticket to enjoying (and thriving) during the cold months. Their focus on community, sense of belonging, enjoying the simple things and being mindful about a home environment are all conscious actions that are said to reduce stress and therefore keep defences a little higher.
If and when the cold does get the better of you, rest and hydration are vital. Home made soups and stews will nourish you from the inside out and leafy greens will give your body a boost it needs. Hot water with lemon, honey and ginger help a sore throat, and eucalyptus flakes in a steamy bowl of hot water help to decongest the nose and chest. By catching a cold early on and taking care of yourself from the start, hopefully you'll get through without feeling too wiped out!
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