Do This to Stay Healthy this Cold and Flu Season?

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It’s that time of year again, the dreaded cold and flu season. Everyone is coughing and sneezing and sharing germs no matter how hard you try to stay away. This year, I’ve got you covered. Here are some simple ways to stay well this year, no matter the circumstances.

Incorporate Thieves Essential Oil Into your Wellness Package

First and foremost, my best secret weapon against cold and flu season is Thieves essential oil. HANDS DOWN!! It contains clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary. ALL THE THINGS to keep you well this season. I use this oil two ways. First, I always add 1-2 drops of Thieves essential oil to my diffuser at night. I do this each year when the weather starts to change. It’s usually around September or October where I live. I do this every night, all through the winter season…just to play it safe. Second, if I know I’ve been exposed to someone sick, or have been outside in extreme temps or if I feel like I’m coming down with something, I IMMEDIATELY place a drop of Thieves essential oil down the back of my throat. Yes, internally. Open your mouth and stick out your tongue and place a drop on the back of your tongue. Use a mirror if you need to. This can be intense! Keep some water close! The key to success is to do this EARLY (as soon as you know you’ve been exposed, or the sign of your first symptom) and OFTEN…repeat this process every few hours, until you know you are in the clear. For this reason, I recommend keeping a bottle in your purse or close by…just in case. I can’t stress this enough…early and often!! Trust me on this one!! This oil is GOLD in my book!

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Let me give you a hint…eating your fruits and veggies is the key to good health in general…not just during cold and flu season. Keep your immune system strong by adding vitamin C-rich foods to your diet such as green veggies like broccoli and spinach or citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. I also add a zinc supplement this time of year for an added boost.

Add Some Sunshine to Your Day

Dozens of studies have shown that adding more vitamin D to your life can reduce your chances of getting the flu and decrease your recovery time if you do happen to become ill. One of the easiest ways to get more vitamin D in your life is to get in the sunlight. 10-15 mins a few times per week should do the trick. You can also incorporate a meal of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna. To do this, my husband and I usually eat at our favorite sushi place 2-3 times a month. It’s a simple and delicious way to make sure we are getting those essential fatty acids.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is also part of a regular healthy routine. However, it’s especially important during cold and flu season to stay hydrated and keep those cold and flu fighting white blood cells healthy. Drinking liquids like water, clear broth, lemon water and tea make it easy to stay hydrated. Check out one of my favorite ways to hydrate. Hint: It combines Vitamin C and Zinc as well!!

Wash Your Hands Regularly

This is just a reminder, not only to wash your hands anytime you go to the restroom, but also anytime you touch high traffic areas. Things like door knobs, telephones, pens, grocery carts, gym equipment and magazines can spread germs quickly when multiple people touch them daily. When you do touch these areas, keep your hands away from your face until you are able to wash or use hand sanitizer.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

While getting more sleep may not prevent you from becoming ill, skimping out on ample sleep may leave your immune systems susceptible to attack. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, a protein that targets infection. Without sufficient sleep, your body produces fewer cytokines. If by chance you do become under the weather, your body will bounce back much faster if you are well rested. Check out this article for the best sleep of your life.