Three Simple Thoughts on Staying Well

It's cold and flu season where I live.  Through the magic of social media I've watched this particularly nasty strain of flu makes its way west.  I've been dreading it.  Illness is practically an occupational hazard working with 300 elementary students in addition to all my private lesson students not to mention regular everyday encounters with humanity.  So far (knock wood!) I've managed to avoid anything major.  The slightly superstitious part of me was terrified to write that!  Read on for my routine.

Rest I wanted to write "sleep," but that's not always as doable.  By "rest" I mean, if you are exhausted- stop.  Stop talking, stop doing, stop.  Just be still.  That might mean the laundry stays unfolded (again.)  That might mean that you change plans with friends.  Listen to your body- it might just need some rest.  

Hydrate Do this thing.  Do it again.  Repeat.  Our bodies need fluids to function optimally.  Don't get me started on how dehydrated most humans are, just start drinking.  Sorry coffee drinkers, this one won't be your favorite.  The caffeine in coffee and other caffeinated drinks acts as a diuretic.  It's stripping the moisture out of your system.  It will take double the amount you just consumed to get you back to where you started before the first sip hit your lips.  My favorite drinks, in lieu of plain-jane water, are herbal teas, and honey/lemon/ginger tea.  To make this, just cut up some lemons (sometimes I use limes) in a jar, add some thinly sliced ginger, and pour honey over the top.  Let that sit overnight then just put a couple spoonfuls into a cup of hot water.  The honey is antibacterial, the lemon is packed with vitamin C, and the ginger is an added boost to the immune system.  Bonus points if you use local honey.

Do something that makes you happy If I told you that you had the next two days off as paid leave, what would you do with that time?  Meet up with a friend?  Go outside?  Only you can answer that question.  Think for a minute.  . . .  Got it?  Great, now, try to do that thing more regularly.  

I raise my cup of herbal tea to you and toast your good health and happiness.  Cheers!

Nope, I’m not a doctor or any kind of health care professional.  I’m just writing what works for me.  Try it at your own risk.