Keeping The Cold and Flu Away – Part 2

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In part one, we went over the importance of what you put into your body and how arming yourself with the right nutrients is essential to keeping bugs away. In part two I want to take a look at some other key factors that, when neglected, can contribute to a whole lot of runny noses and sick days.

Say you’re not at home—to stress, that is. When stress comes knocking at your door, spouting off about your work demands, shopping list, and that tiff you had with cousin Ashley three years ago on Christmas Eve, don’t answer the door. You are not at home to Mr. Stress. I want you to take a moment and think back to a time where the magic of the holidays just happened naturally. Enjoying the holidays is something you fall into, much like falling asleep; it’s not something you can force, so why try? Christmas is more than gifts, and Thanksgiving is more than baking for 3 days straight trying to out-do you’re mother-in-law’s coveted turkey. Finding ways to relax is essential to not over-burdening your immune system. Make a list of all the things you love about the season, and all the things you want to do to celebrate it, and actually do them!

Remember your manners and say “no, thank you.” If you’re in the corporate or retail world, the holidays mean over time and lots of it. Stores are open much later, your boss and coworkers are all going to want at least a week off work, and you are the ONLY ONE who could ever possibly cover their shift. Couple that with the demands of baking, in-laws, finances, and the pressure to have fun, and you have a nice recipe for a suppressed immune system. After being in the retail game for years, I’ve learned the importance of saying “no” often, early, and consistently. You know as well as I do that if you so much as agree to working one Sunday, you’ll never make it to church again. Say it with me: “Your lack of planning is not my emergency.” Unless someone has died, or is about to, I made it a point not to cover another person’s last minute “crisis.” Guess what? I wasn’t fired, people still liked me, and I had time to enjoy the season. You have to take your health and personal happiness into account when it comes to extra work. I don’t care what your boss says, always saying “yes” isn’t being a team player; it’s being a doormat.

Surrender. This is the root of not being at home to stress. We cannot control most things in our lives, be it family, friends, work, or weather; we are not piloting the plane of life. Surrendering means taking the responsibility off of yourself, and putting it in the hands of your Creator. Accepting that although you try your best, ultimately everything is up to God and He desires to give you good gifts and bless your life, allows you to let go. Good things, bad things, and everything in between, God works all things for the good of those who love Him. Trusting to the point of surrender will unburden your shoulders and bring you to a state of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Sleepy time. I can’t stress enough the importance of sleep. Sleep is the only time when you get out of the way and the body can do what it needs to do to repair, cleanse, and heal. 6 hours a night is not enough. Try reaching for 8 – 9 hours, and more if you’re under the weather. This isn’t laziness, it’s being responsible. If you don’t take the time you need to rest, then your body will eventually demand it from you in the form of a bug. So by giving yourself an extra hour (or 4) a night now, you’re saving yourself a week of complete misery later. Relaxing is just as important. Yoga, Skilled Relaxation, reading, writing, listening to music, smoking a bowl, watching a movie, whatever relaxes your body and allows your mind to go to a state of peace and contentment. This is essential for not only enjoying the holidays, but keeping yourself healthy throughout them.

Walk it off. The leaves are changing and it’s beautiful outside! It’s so important to clear your head and get in touch with mother nature. Taking a brisk, 20 minute walk 3 – 5 times a week keeps your immune system strong, and your endorphins flowing. It’s widely understood that moderate exercise works better than antidepressant drugs for uplifting the mood and boosting your energy levels. Walks don’t have to be daunting or boring—go walking for a purpose. Collect pinecones in the forest or seashells on the beach, anything that makes you happy to be outside. A bout of fresh air will bring happy sleep and a sense of connection with the world. Just remember to bundle up!

These are just a few of the ways to protect yourself from the colds, flus, and unnecessary stress that the changing weather can bring. Listening to and honoring your body is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. Take charge of your health and holidays, and make this year the best one yet!

 

 

Kristin Bishop
Kristin lives in a little town in Washington with her husband (Kyle), and dog (Nimbus). Her passion is to bring her readers the art of clean-living, self-acceptance, and the natural path to longevity in a basic, attainable manner. You can learn more about her at www.KristinBish.com