‘Tis the season for coughing, congestion, and the ick! January and February are notorious for the onset of cold and flu season. The irony is that often germs are killed outside in the cold. Inside our homes, work places, and schools is where the germs live! Often times air quality is not as clean as the heater starts running constantly, kicking up dust and taking any humidity out of the air. Mold can also be an issue in the Hampton Roads area. Exposure can be increased when we’re all closed up and avoiding the cold.
It’s important that we do everything we can to keep our airways open and our bodies hydrated. This prevents germs from settling and creating infection. Here are a couple of quick tips to do just that!
Drink Water- People commonly drink less water in the colder months. A nice glass of ice of water just isn’t as appetizing when it’s cold outside. However, our need for water doesn’t change in the winter months! Keeping hydrating helps maintain healthy blood circulation, improves our lymphatic system that fights the germs, and thins any mucous production. How much water should you drink? It’s easy! Divide your body weight by 2 and drink the answer in ounces. For example: a 150 lb person should drink a minimum of 75 oz of water per day!
Sleep with a cool mist humidifier- Increasing the humidity in the air has many benefits, especially in the winter months. Keeping your nasal passages and airways well lubricated can alleviate asthma and allergies and improve sinus health in general. Sleeping in dry air can increase the likelihood of coughing, sneezing, and snoring. Everyone in the room can benefit by adding a humidifier!
doTERRA’s Breathe- Every day, the average adult takes between 18,000 and 30,000 breaths… that’s a lot! The ingredient combination is specifically designed to support feelings of clear airways and minimize seasonal threats. It has a minty, fresh, and airy aroma. Eucaplyptus and Peppermint in particular have high menthol concentration, which is known to relieve respiratory discomfort. doTERRA’s Breathe can be diffused or applied topically.
Get outside- Fresh air does the body good! As mentioned above, germs don’t typically survive outside in the winter. Breathing in fresh air can actually strengthen your immune system. Taking in some sunshine and increasing our Vitamin D levels also improves our immune system. Plus, it’s good for your mental health to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors!
Rest- Before the power of electricity came to be in every house, people often followed the guidance of the sun to determine their wake and asleep hours. In today’s society, we’re on the go before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down! Our bodies need rest to recover and rejuvenate. Take a few extra minutes to rest this winter and you’ll find your immune system is able to stay stronger longer!