So you think you might be catching a cold. We all know what it is when we start to feel it. Itchy, sore throat and nose. Dry cough. Sneezing. And a sense of overall tiredness. You feel worn down and worn out! Not to worry though. There are some precautions you can take that can actually prevent that winter cold (or at least make the cold weaker and last a shorter amount of time). These are easy, no-brainer ways to ward off a cold.
Drink Fluids
One way to help clear up that sinus congestion and keep you hydrated is to drink lots of fluids. Be sure to have a hot beverage (like tea) or water nearby since you’ll need more than usual.
And add a bit of honey to your tea! Not only does it taste good, but it really does help strengthen your immune system as well.
Get Rid of Your Toothbrush
Not for good; you still need to brush your teeth! But you will want to replace your current toothbrush to help prevent coming into contact with all of those germs. Replace it after you fight the cold off, and if you lose the battle and catch a cold anyways, definitely replace it after you get rid of it.
Get Some Vitamin D
Take a walk; the sun will give it to you! The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, and you need it when you are getting sick. Without it, your immune system has a more difficult time keeping you healthy.
No sun to be found or no time to catch some rays? You can pick up some over-the-counter vitamin D tablets and they’ll do the job too.
Take A Hot Shower
Whenever I feel sick, I long to take a nice, long, hot shower. And now I know why! The hot steam helps relieve sinus pressure and makes it easier to breathe. The hot water will also help make you feel less achy.
Take A Nap
Don’t you wish someone would tell you to do that everyday?! I sure do! If you feel like you are getting sick, one of the best things you can do is rest, and get lots of it. Your immune system needs all the energy it can get to fight off that cold.
Wash Your Hands
You knew I was going to say that, right?! Well, we hear it all the time because it’s true, and it works. Wash your hands both before and after meals. Wash them each time that you finish blowing your nose. Wash them again after you make any contact with people (like shaking hands). Yep, you have to wash them a lot. They’ll get very dry, so make sure to keep lotion around, too!
How long should you wash them? A tip I learned long ago from my doctor is to wash them as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song.
Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, desk and car for those times you can’t wash your hands.
How do you fight off a cold?
Photo Source: Jeremy Noble
