I’m still fighting off the tail end of a bad cold and thought I’d share what I take to boost my immune system, how I make use of that time of rest and how to pick up your spirits after being out for the count. I don’t really get sick with colds, but I know I was feeling run down and when there’s too much going on in my life — there it is! Itchy throat, a persistent cough, weak bones and it’s no fun. We’re also in the middle of winter and there are all sorts of viruses going around, so I thought what better time than now to share a post like this to help you out…

Boost Your Immune System

  1. Make a honey-lemon-ginger tea (it coats your throat so nicely and has anti-bacterial properties) – I actually chew on the ginger as well. It burns everything in my throat and is a great anti-inflammatory. Recipe on my blog here!
  2. Turmeric Milk Cough Soother (I combine oat milk, a teaspoon of turmeric and heat it up on the stove until it gets frothy then pour it over a cup of honey and sip). Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory as well and helps break up that mucus and cough.
  3. Try this Apple Tea drink I found on Poosh (it was delicious and comforting while I was sick this week)!
  4. Elderberry Syrup (you can take the gummies daily with zinc + vitamin C just to keep your immune system strong) but this syrup is great when you have a cold to soothe your cough naturally!
  5. Bone Broth! I love drinking this even when I’m not sick (I shared my healthy snack grocery haul in this video here) but it is amazing when you are because it’s packed with nutrients. I shared more immune boosting tips in this post here!
  6. Oil of Oregano (whenever I feel a cold coming on I put three drops of this exact tincture under my tongue as it has anti-fungal properties).
  7. Healthy Diet (this is a given, but really making sure you’re getting the right nutrition makes all the difference in how you’ll keep yourself from getting sick or fighting off a cold). Add lots of Vitamin C, like lemons in your water, chop orange slices to have for breakfast, make celery juice every morning.

*Before you take any natural supplements, vitamins or syrups be sure to consult with your healthcare professional!

Self-Care

  1. Read those books on your nightstand you’ve been putting off because you’ve been too busy! Check out this post I wrote with three books I’ve read lately I’d highly recommend.
  2. Do an at-home facial (I love this facial steamer I found on Amazon and it would be good to clear your sinuses while also treating your skin). I use this detox mask from Tula (I have a discount code that never expires for 15% off: STEPHJOLLY) and it’s a clean beauty brand I love! It’s so important to know what you’re putting on your skin as it goes into our blood stream! You can read more about their clean and effective approach here.
  3. Take a bubble bath with epsom salts to detoxify and relax your tired muscles.
  4. Use essential oils in your shower to steam, in a bowl of water to breathe in, diffuse or apply to your body. I love the Saje Wellness Pocket Farmacy kit!
  5. Do less. This is a hard one for me, because even if I’m having a sick day, somehow I’ll be trying to do laundry or lay in bed and brainstorm something for work, and that’s not allowing me to actually fully rest. Sleep as much as you can or binge watch a show. I rarely watch tv/movies but it was nice to just chill out this week and do just that! I got hooked on Virgin River on Netflix after your suggestions via IG stories (so, thanks loves).

Recover

After I was sick all week I was kind of glad I had pre-paid for a yoga class on Sunday with my best friend. The best part is it was puppy yoga!! Just doing light stretches, moving my body, seeing a friend, getting some sunshine and puppy kisses really boosted my mood. It’s important to not just get bummed out while you’re sick but really listening to what your body needs. It may come at the worst of times when you really feel like you can’t slow down because theres too much to do or someone is depending on you (trust me, I get it) — but it is your body’s way of saying, “no, you have to.” Take a light walk outside, get some fresh air and lift your spirits up! You’ll get better soon and all the things you need to do will be right there waiting for you. That’s how we honour our bodies and health!

Get well soon, loves! xoxo