Girl, wash your hands (and other tips for staying healthy this season)
Just when we thought we survived the deep freeze of January and February, a new and nasty virus popped-up making taking the fear of our fellow transit commuters’ sneezes to a whole new level of global panic.
With the threat of the new and deadly Coronavirus, keeping your immune system in tip-top shape has never been more important.
First, get your dang flu shot. Stop hating science. The shot isn’t just for you, it is for the people who are vulnerable (like my daughter with an egg allergy and a weak immune system). Allowing your body to mount defences against actual influenza (which kills waaaaay more people this year than COVID-19 has) will give your body a leg-up should you find yourself in contact with this new virus.
Ok, good, just because you got your flu shot doesn’t mean that you can let your immune system slide.
1. WASH YOUR HANDS!
Obviously, WASH YOUR DANG HANDS. All of the time. Ok, now do it again.
If you need a refresher on how to properly wash your hands, click here (plus, it is funny).
Make this pleasant. This is my all-time favourite handsoap. It is good for you, good for the environment and smells amazing without nasty chemicals. This is literally the only hand soap I buy. Plus, the smell reminds me of gingerbread.
While we are on the topic of washing our hands, let’s talk about DRYING them. Hand towels can be nasty breeding grounds for germs and viruses so buy a few packs of baby washcloths so you everyone using your handwashing station doesn’t need to share.
2) Immune Maintenance: Elderberry Syrup
Native Americans and European herbalists have long used elderberries for their supposed range of health benefits. These include boosting the immune system to help the body fight off colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Studies show that elderberry prevents the flu virus from replicating. Furthermore, it has a bunch of antioxidants that help support the immune system.
But not all elderberry products are created equally.
This is our favourite brand AND it tastes delicious. If you are looking to get creative, mix a serving of this elderberry syrup into some mineral water and have a healthy and delicious spritzer.
3. Meditation: IT’S FREE
Meditation and mindfulness have a host of benefits for all sorts of your bodily systems. To learn a bit more about it, click here.
For an easy and FREE 5 minute guided meditation designed specifically to boost your immune system click here.
What are your favourite tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season?
Giving your immune system a boost is a great way to keep you functioning during the dark winter days but that is only one part to keep your whole self healthy. Click here to gets some tips on avoiding burn out.
Above all, remember, Girl, WASH YOUR HANDS!
