Do you have a friend constantly dying due to some type of ailment? Always taking headache medication, sneezing, or hacking up a lung?
I used to be "that friend."
From a young age, I was notorious for missing all the cool school trips due to fevers and stomach bugs. I was quite the cranky child with all of my double ear infections. My staples during the winter were tissues, cough syrup, headache relievers, decongestant, and Nyquil. Upon walking into work with another snotty nose, my fellow employees would groan in exaggeration, "again?" or "oh no, Ms. Sicky is back!"
In more recent months, I have become a firm believer in "you are what you eat." It's one of the oldest clichés in the book, but rings completely true. My variation of the phrase is "if you eat like crap, you feel like crap."
To my relief (and the relief of my co-workers)the start of clean eating back in September started the glorious healing of my immune system. And once I added in daily physical activity, I felt unstoppable. I made it through this fall and winter without getting sick (besides indulging in cheese during the holidays and being held prisoner by the bathroom...don't judge me). The first day of spring rolled around and I thought I was in the clear. I was Super Woman!
Unfortunately, life doesn't work the way we plan. I failed to take into account that "the first day of spring" in Ohio doesn't mean anything. In fact the weather seemed to get worse through March and April. On top of the drastically fluctuating weather I am a busy human with high amounts of stress during this time. There are nasty viruses being passed around, I've been training harder than I ever have in the gym, and I don't know how to slow down.
Thus earlier this week, it happened: a fever snuck in and knocked me flat on my feet.
It's been a full week since it kicked in, and the only leftover symptoms are an extremely runny nose and a gross cough. So much phlegm, guys.
So I thought I'd share my sick routine with the world! There are quite a few natural remedies that I swear by, both physical and mental. Please keep in mind that if you're truly ill, do not hesitate to see a doctor. These are just my helpful tips for when you're feeling run-down during flu season and need to recover, because we are busy individuals with no time for this bullshit!
Drinks
Water: Super obvious but I have to add it in. Drink water like it's your job. Drink it until your pee is clear and you're making multiple trips to the restroom per hour.
Hot tea: I'm obsessed with peppermint tea. It's beneficial for digestion, which may not seem helpful when battling a fever and aches, but I just love the taste. An insanely beneficial option would be green tea, but I just don't prefer the flavor. However, green tea will help with antioxidants and boosting your immune system. Throw some organic honey in to soothe your raw throat.
Hot milk: This is more of a comfort drink and definitely a personal preference. It helps me feel as if I'm back home being babied by my mom on the couch. I can't have dairy so I opt for almond milk heated over the stove. I typically add cinnamon for it's anti-inflammatory properties and amazing flavor.
Bone broth: Jump on the broth bandwagon because it's life changing. If you're too weak to cook and in need of some nutrients, you can simply dump the contents into a bowl or mug and heat in the microwave. Add some turmeric to really take it to the next level. Check out the articles I've listed at the end to read about just some of the benefits of bone broth and turmeric for your immunity, as well as their other amazing properties!
Bath Time
I believe that any time is perfect for a bath, but being sick is an especially great excuse. I am one of those people that is always cold; when I've caught a bug on top of that, I get taken over with the chills. My muscles will develop a deep soreness due to being so tense from shivering. So a hot bath is crucial. Why not add in some extra benefits that will help chase away your other symptoms?
Water temperature: First of all, in order to get the perfect bath cocktail started, make the water as hot as you can possibly stand it. You want it to make you sweat and open every pore in your body. It's time to flush all that crap out! Also have a glass of water with you so you're replenishing the fluid that you'll be sweating out.
Epsom salt: You are probably familiar with the benefits of soaking in Epsom salt. This will be your BFF when it comes to muscle aches, trust me.
Baking soda: Stick with me here, because I promise you will love what this does for you in a bath. It will help neutralize chemicals and aid in mineral absorption.
Ground ginger: Are you confused? Don't worry, I was too until I tried it. Now it's a staple in my bath when I feel like shit. It's another anti-inflammatory property and helps with blood circulation. This will also kick up the sweating process a few notches.
Essential oils: Pick your favorite! For me, it's peppermint oil of course. I feel rejuvenated after adding 8-10 drops into my bath.
Get out of the bath slowly so you don't feel dizzy from the steam and sweating. If you chug water throughout the process, you'll have less of a chance of feeling light-headed after.
Chill out
It's time to get cozy and relax!
Heating pad: This is a necessity if you get those horrible chills like I do. I'll wrap up in a blanket burrito and put the heat underneath my shoulder blades (or wherever feels the most tense). I enjoy forcing myself to work up a sweat again to continue flushing out all my gross germs.
Diffuser: I put peppermint oil (surprised?) in my diffuser to soothe my headaches. Lavender oil could also help you to relax.
Steaming: If you're suffering with extreme congestion like me, this will save you. I simply fill a bowl with boiling hot water, hover my face above it, and cover my head with a towel to trap the steam. It's going to make so much crap loosen up. Your sinuses will hopefully open and allow you to actually blow your nose, as well as clear out the mucus. It will be pretty gross but so worth it.
Slowing down
This is the most important section, in my opinion. This week gave an intense reality check: I suck at resting. I found myself multiple times becoming antsy in bed, reaching for my laptop, checking my planner, and adding to my to-do list. I kept wanting to vacuum and run laundry and do dishes and go to the gym. I am so accustomed to being busy and efficient that I truly struggled simply sitting still!
To be honest, I convinced myself that I felt better on Wednesday and went to Cleveland for a fun daytime trip with my friend. While it felt great to get out of the house, I was much worse the next day.
Remind yourself that you are allowed to pause when you're sick or stressed or just feeling worn out. You'll only prolong the healing process by trying to "power through it." I understand we are all humans with agendas and deadlines and people waiting for answers. But please make it your mission to SLOW THE HECK DOWN. Your body is physically crying out for a break! Listen to what it needs and you'll heal much quicker. It's not the end of the world to rest...I'm still teaching myself this lesson.
Today is Sunday and I've changed my upload day simply because I love Sundays! And I was way too ill on Friday to think about posting, which is perfectly ok!
But today I have been blessed with a day off and beautiful weather. So I will take my own advice by drinking lots of water on my balcony while soaking up some vitamin D. My body needs to rest, which means everything else can wait.
"Sleep and social time are not luxuries; they are necessities to survive." -Kara, my lovely co-worker.
Articles used as reference:
lilbit.michelevenlee.com/beauty/cold-home-remedy-detox-bath/
https://wellnessmama.com/23777/bone-broth-benefits/
http://fitlife.tv/10-health-benefits-of-turmeric/