“Being sick is just your body’s way of saying you’re way too awesome and you need to slow down so everyone else can catch up.” ~ Unknown
Getting sick happens, although hopefully very rarely. To be sure…it’s NO fun!
More important than any sickness or physical imbalance we may have though is HOW we treat ourselves when we don’t feel well.
Do we judge ourselves for being sick, blame the coughing woman who was in line behind us at the grocery store a few days ago, or push ourselves to keep on working or moving through being sick?
Keep in mind that when sick, the body is detoxifying and purging itself of something that doesn’t support health.
Here are some ways to support yourself or your loved one through the process.
- Be in acceptance. Resistance = stress. It’s important to reduce all forms of stress as it lowers immunity and interferes with or lengthens recovery time.
- Upon awakening, ask your body, “What do you need today?” Then respond accordingly. If it needs rest, then make sure you rest. If it needs fresh air, step outside. It it needs water, don’t go drink a pot of coffee to push through the day. Give your body what it’s wisely asking for.
- Begin each day by squeezing 1/2 lemon in a glass of water. It’s naturally detoxifying and adds a boost of vitamin C. Increase overall water consumption as it continually flushes the body of toxins.
- Completely eliminate all refined sugar, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, processed foods and red meats. These foods are harder for the body to process and in some cases will feed viruses. Red meats slow down digestion, elimination and detoxification.
- Sip healing broth throughout the day which strengthens the immune system and provides high quality nourishment when digestion may be weaker and you don’t feel like cooking or have much of an appetite. I recommend keeping some in your freezer for those unexpected times you may need it.
- Use a Neti pot each morning and evening to flush the nasal passages and reduce congestion. It can be intimidating, but is simple to do. Be sure to use a clean pot, distilled warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Sip healing teas to keep up fluid intake and support healing. Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea is excellent for boosting immunity. It can be found at at a natural foods market or Whole Foods.
- Soak in an Epsom salt bath each night to encourage detoxification. Add 2 cups per tubful of water and a favorite essential oil. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure or are diabetic, don’t add the salts. Simply enjoy a nurturing bath.
- Rest more. Clear your schedule if possible, head to bed earlier, take naps or spend time relaxing in the sunshine. When it comes to exercise, the rule of thumb is to avoid strenuous activities if fever, flu-like symptoms or congestion in the lungs are present. If you have a head cold, it’s fine to continue exercise. Listen to the body, take walks and do gentle movement to keep the lymphatic system draining if feeling up to it.
- Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and let others help you. We all need TLC…be willing to ask for and receive the support of others. 🙂
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