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Ten Ways to Feel Better, Naturally!

10 January 2020
woman drinking tea

By: Susan Hickey

If it hasn’t found you yet, it probably will soon. That is, the inevitable winter illness. Whether you have simply the common cold or something more complicated like the flu, we all share one thing in common – wanting to feel better quickly. Many of us would rather avoid extra medications in our system, because they unfortunately have side effects. Here are some ideas for feeling better, naturally.

  1.  Try a hot or cold pack around your sinuses.  Either will work.  Simply use a bag of frozen peas or corn that will mold itself to the shape of your face.  Or, try heating up a wet washcloth in the microwave or on the stove (be sure to test the temperature before applying). 
  2. Drink hot liquids like herbal tea.  They help you stay hydrated, as well as calm an irritated nose and throat.  You could also try mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey in a large mug of warm water.  Honey has been shown to help relieve a cough.
  3. If you haven’t tried it before, now might be a good time to try some yoga.  There are several different videos out there on YouTube that are specific routines for when you are feeling sick.  Here’s an example:  https://yogawithadriene.com/yoga-sick/
  4. Mix up a gargle for a sore throat.  Several recipes are available online.  One commonly used mixture includes ½ tsp of cayenne pepper (known for antibacterial properties) in one cup of warm water.  Several others involve lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and salt in various amounts.
  5. Use a humidifier in your room at night (either warm or cool mist).
  6. Eat chicken noodle soup.  Not only is it a warm liquid that helps as noted above, but also according to some research it might even contain anti-inflammatory substances.
  7. Rest.  That includes sleeping (try an extra pillow to decrease congestion) as well as just resting your voice if your throat is sore.  Put that smartphone to good use by texting instead of talking!
  8. Try a steam bath.  Fill a large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil, like peppermint or eucalyptus.  Cover your head with a towel and lean towards the bowl to inhale the steam.  This could help clear stuffiness and congestion in the nose.
  9. Consider massaging diluted peppermint oil into your temples to relieve headache pain.  The menthol in the oil can help the muscles relax.
  10. Wrap yourself up to stay warm.  Did you know that when your body is cold, your immune system is less effective?  Get those warm blankets out and snuggle up on the couch with a good movie or book.

Of course, if you try these remedies and the cold persists or gets worse, seek medical assistance because some illnesses simply won’t get better without antibiotics.

Hopefully, if you find yourself under the weather this winter, these tips will help get you feeling better quickly so you can get back to your active exercise routine.  When you do make it back to the Y, don’t forget to wipe down the equipment with the supplied cleaning solution to help kill germs and keep everyone healthy!

https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-headaches

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1#1-2

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321598.php

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-to-treat-a-cold-without-drugs-2122568.html