Cough. Sore throat. Low-grade fever. Should you go to work?
Let’s face it. Nearly everyone gets sick here and there and needs to take a sick day from their job (or allow themselves a low-key day if they run a business from home.)
But there are things you can do to boost your immune system to reduce the need for sick time in the first place. Here are a few tips, many of which have been working for me. (Please note…I am not a medical professional so please always consider your unique makeup, advice from your health care provider, etc. before adopting a regimen.)
Sleep and rest. Find out what you need in terms of hours per night and block off that time more nights than not. Take a day off each week from your regular routine of “rush rush get things done” and take a nap if you can. The world will survive.
Consider using essential oils. No, I don’t sell any. We get most of our oils from non MLM manufacturers. I diffuse some in the bedroom at night and we also apply topically, usually diluted. We NEVER ingest them. Used safely, they can be helpful. There is lots of information on this…research for yourself.
Eat an 80/20 diet (as in 80% whole foods and 20% processed, not 80% fast food and 20% dessert.) Unless you are ultra-disciplined, you probably can’t avoid processed foods altogether. Over time my diet has become more whole food based. I also am currently following a more intuitive eating approach that I learned from AudreyChristie.com. Basically, it’s eat when I’m hungry (not based on the calendar or clock so much), stop when I’m satisfied (before full) and enjoy any type of food I want in moderation, emphasizing healthier foods.
Drink a lot of water. Start carrying water everywhere you go and sip throughout the day. My son gave me a fantastic Hydroflask one year for my birthday. This is the BEST flask I’ve ever carried. It amazes me how the water stays cold all day even if it’s been sitting in a hot vehicle. It’s my go-to flask to keep by my bed at night so I have refreshing water to drink when I first get up, and to leave in the car to sip on throughout the day.
Consider taking supplements. I’m becoming more of a believer in getting vitamins from food, but I’ve also taken some sort of supplements for years as well. Find what works for you…it may take some experimenting, but it can cooperate with a healthy eating plan.
Get probiotics in. I take a probiotic supplement every day. Studies have shown the value of good “gut bacteria.”
Exercise. I do some basic exercise most mornings, and use a FitBit Hr to track steps, heart rate, activity time, etc. Exercise has lots of benefits, including boosting your mood and immune system.
Develop a thankful and generous spirit. Sometimes I’m around people who have an “Eeyore” mentality and don’t even realize it. Their words, body language, and expressions give off a spirit of frustration, sadness, etc. I’m not discounting emotional issues that need to be dealt with. But in general, if we realize how very much we have, instead of what we feel entitled to, we can become happier, and possibly healthier. You have to be intentional about it sometimes, but it’s a healthy habit.
Feed your spiritual life. Spend time to build your faith and realize life is much bigger than just about you. A widened perspective can energize us to diminish focus on not feeling so well.
Get help–and take that sick day–when you need it. Whether it be medical, emotional, or educational help or coaching to help you go forward positively–realize when it may be time to bring in a professional. For example, I’ve served on the board for Life In Abundance that offers biblical-based counseling and coaching. I also provide services as a virtual assistant/consultant to help you stay on track with projects and business plans and alleviate some of your stress! One of my colleagues is a holistic wellness practitioner who uses a unique combination of approaches and has been helpful to me. Perhaps one of these resources will be helpful to you. And, if you feel sick, take a sick day!
A few healthy habits can help toward building your immune system and perhaps reduce the number of sick days you need to take.
*Disclaimer: sharing about a product or resource may not indicate a full endorsement of all related products, services, or approaches available at the site at which it appears, nor should this be considered medical advice.
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