I Yield!

I repeat I yield!  My once a year head cold has really taken me out today and I finally yield to it!

germs

No matter how healthy you are and how many good choices you make, germs are tricky little suckers and will outsmart you from time to time.  No need to worry though!  A healthy diet, getting your body moving and having a positive outlook will help you bounce back fast!

In the mean time it’s important to listen to your body and know when to take a day off and rest.  It’s hard to step away from work, without feeling like you let others down, or decreasing your workout may feel like your cheating yourself.

I’ll let you in on a secret…..It’s OK!  It’s ok to take the time you need to bounce back and be better than before.  You aren’t helping yourself or being a productive part of any team if you try to power through illness and not give your body what it needs.  When you happen to find yourself tricked buy some nasty cold germs make sure to take the time to heal and rest.  Here a are a few of my favorite ways to kick a cold.

Tea

tea

 

A warm soothing cup of tea feels fantastic on a sore throat.  Hold the warm cup on your face where your sinuses are located and you get a soothing relief from sinus pressure.  The problem I run into is I have yet to find a decaffeinated tea that I truly love.  I’m still exploring, but I have always been a fan of just warm water with lemon.  This may seem boring so I have spiced it up!

Warm Orange-Ginger and Honey Water

The spicy ginger works as an expectorant, helping loosen and expel mucous from the lungs. It can also stop the tickle at the back of throat.  The sweet orange essential oil has such a pleasant citrus smell.  It tends to wake me up in the morning so experiment with oils that mellow you out and wake you up so you know which ones to used in the morning and at night.

What you need:

  • Ginger – 1/2-1 inch piece of ginger, peel and grate
  • Sweet Orange essential oil – 1-2 drops
  • Natural Honey – 1 TBS
  • Hot water

In your favorite mug add all ingredients and mix.  No need to strain the ginger out, you can drink it down.  There isn’t an caffeine with this beverage but it still tends to perk me up in the morning.

 

Veggies Veggies!

veggies

Even though you may not feel your best, getting in your veggies will keep your body healthy and help you kick your illness. Crunchy veggies may not sound that appealing with a sore throat, but there are ways!

On top of being yummy, vegetables and fruits with deep, dark colors (reds, oranges, blues, purples and greens) have carotenoids and bioflavonoids, which boost your immune system. WIN!

Cucumbers and Poppies

The coolness of the cucumbers feel great on a sore throat and when you peel them they are not rough and are easy to swallow.  I usually leave the skin on, but take it off to be easy on a sore throat.

What you need:

  • 1 cucumber peeled and diced
  • 1-2 TBS of your favorite dressing I use a homemade Poppy seed dressing

Sleep

We all know that good quality sleep is crucial to feeling better when sick.  According to the National Sleep Foundation the temperature of your bedroom is important.  The optimal temperature for a bedroom, backed by research, is 65 degrees.  You body temperature rises and falls throughout the night.  If you room is too warm is may  interfere with a restful sleep.  So open the window, turn on the AC or turn off the heat, put on some cozy PJs and snuggle into bed.

 

Take care of yourself and rest up!

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