Along with lower temperatures and shorter days, it sometimes feels like winter brings with it all the nagging illnesses that can leave you in a funk. The common cold comes for us all with stuffy noses, scratchy throats and endless sneezing. This true pest of winter creeps up quickly and knocks us down. However, there are plenty of simple, everyday healthy habits you can develop to lower your chances of catching a cold and ways to kick it if it comes to your door.
Just because colds are a part of life doesn’t mean they have to take over your life. Practical habits that keep you feeling strong and a few comforting remedies can help you recover when you’re under the weather. These are beneficial practices you can add to your winter and even year-round toolkit to keep your family healthy.
PREVENTING COLDS: BRACE FOR THE BRR
Getting a jump on prevention is much easier than trying to combat symptoms when they come. Let’s dive into what you can do to get ahead of the cold season.
- Wash your hands often. We all know this, but we don’t always do it. Hand-washing routines can help kill viruses that live on everyday surfaces and stop the spread.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep your immune system humming and your nasal passages moist, which is your body’s first line of defense. Cold and dry air can dry out your sinuses quickly.
- Get quality sleep. Quality sleep is vital for keeping your body and mind strong. Seven to nine hours is the recommended nightly average.
- Keep moving. Walking, exercising and moving your body helps to keep your circulation strong and immunity up.
- Manage stress. Stress lowers your immune response and that leaves you more vulnerable. Find a way to relax that works for you and practice it often.
- Tidy up shared spaces. Clean every surface. From phone screens to light switches, it is important to wipe down surfaces to stop the spread of viruses.
HOW TO STOP A COLD WHEN IT HITS
You’ve used your prevention measures and you still ended up catching the dreaded cold. What can you do now?
- Rest. Pushing through a cold keeps it around. Your body needs proper rest to fight off the virus.
- Keep hydrated. Water, tea and broth should be your go-tos. Herbal teas with honey or lemon soothe a sore throat and specialty teas for every ailment are available.
- Get steamy. A hot shower can loosen congestion and make breathing easier.
- Gargle saltwater. It may taste terrible, but it will help to soothe a sore throat.
- Eat some comfort food. Chicken soup is comforting and keeps you hydrated while filling you up.
- Honey, honey. A spoonful of honey makes the cold easier to bear. Let it help soothe your sinuses and coat your throat.
- Use medicine when you need it. Over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines or pain relievers can help you get through the worst of the symptoms. Follow the directions given on the box or ask the pharmacist
Listen to your body and trust your gut. If you have a high fever, symptoms that last more than 10 days or anything that feels off, don’t push it aside. Go see a health care provider and lean on them.
Let’s think of winter as a season where you can take extra care of yourself and develop habits to build your immune system. Small choices in everyday life can help or hinder your health and should be considered more intently when winter arrives. Self-care paired with healthy choices can make all the difference in the season of ick. If you catch a cold, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources available to you and you will be better prepared physically and mentally by getting started today.
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of endless sniffles. With the right mix of prevention habits and comforting remedies, colds won’t get you down this season.
By Cari Lawson
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