I don’t know about you, but almost everyone I know lately has gotten sick one way or another. And with it spreading, normally I start feeling like it’s only a matter of time before I have it too. But not this time! This time I am determined beyond all else to not let this cold/head flu/stomach flu bout get the best of me!

It’s a lot easier said than done though. In all reality there is only so much I can do to prevent myself from getting sick. But there are some things I can do to try! And if I do end up getting sick, it’s not the end of the world. There are also some things I can do to shorten my sickness too!

So if you’re in the same boat as me, I’ve got a couple tricks that I use to help me fight off sickness that might be able to help you too! I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ve made it this far and I’m not giving up yet! And if I do end up getting sick, which cant be 100% prevented, I’ve also got a couple tricks to start feeling better quickly.

Perform Some Body ‘Maintenance’

This one might sound weird, but there are certain things I can do to ‘maintain’ my body’s health. For example, I try not to run off of too little sleep. When I’m not sleeping enough, my immune system is not performing at its highest. This makes me more susceptible to any germs that are around me which can get me sick a lot easier. So, do yourself a favor and get some sleep!

Another thing I can do to ‘maintain’ my body’s health is to make sure it has what it needs to function properly. Eating healthy is probably one of the best things you can do for your body. As I’ve said before though, I’m unfortunately a very picky eater. So I find other ways. I’ll drink a freshly squeezed juice filled with apples, carrots, celery, spinach, ginger, you name it! Even just 10 ounces every now and then can really give my body some of the things it’s lacking!

So Fresh And So Clean

This one might be controversial for some, and I totally understand why. As a kid, I drank from the hose. I played in dirt. Heck, I probably ate some things off the ground and even things from the ground. I’m still here, aren’t I? I really do get it. But times have also changed for me. Hygiene is very important now.

These days I wash my hands multiple times a day. And that’s when I’m not working at a job surrounded by people of all sorts who might have who knows what type of sickness. When I’m there, I wash my hands so many times a day my knuckles start to crack! I don’t go to the extent of being a hypochondriac, (although some may call me it) but there is definitely a middle ground.

Give Yourself A Break

So far, I’ve talked about ways that I help prevent myself from getting sick. But we all know that actually getting sick is sometimes inevitable. The good news is there are some things that I do to help speed along the process. One is to know what I’m dealing with and actually deal with it. Some people (myself included) sometimes push their bodies beyond what is healthy.

When I’m sick, I can continue to push myself when I’m mentally and physically exhausted, or I can try to remind myself that maybe it’s better to wait until I have the energy needed to tackle things. This way, my full attention and energy can go where it needs to go to instead of half-assing two things.

Grammy’s Good Old Recipe

I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world who has a family member with a ‘sure-fire’ way to get rid of sickness fast, right? Whether it’s a bowl of Grandma’s famous ‘Flu Shot Soup’ or Aunt Jenny’s essential oils mixed into a bottle and dubbed an ‘elixir of health’. And the best part is it somehow just works. Who’s with me on this one?

Look, I know this can basically be called the placebo effect, and maybe it even is in some ways. But what if your mom swore by Alka Seltzer every time she got sick and it just started working for you too? No matter what it is, (or the realness behind it) as long as it works why question it, right? Almost like ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’!

Work With What You Got

As I said, there is only so much we can do to prevent ourselves from getting sick. But there are things we can do to try! And if we do get sick, (because we all will) find what ways work best for you to combat it! Don’t worry about how silly or weird they might look or seem to someone else. It is your life!

And if you do have any good old family secrets that help you feel better faster, maybe consider sharing them in the comments! I know it won’t be secret anymore, but you could be the one who helps change someone’s life! And for other tips on staying healthy, check out ETM’s blog here.

Thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community of Mommas! We encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth to Momma