So, you may have noticed that it’s been a little quiet around here the last week or two. Well, that’s because I’ve been kind of sick. Started in my head, then my throat joined the party, and finally my lungs were feeling left out so they decided to show up, too.
It’s not a good sign when you cough hard enough that your kiddo covers their ears and complains about the noise.
I’m starting to feel a little better now, thankfully. I’d like to avoid a repeat of the past few weeks, though, so I’m adding a few things to my routine in an effort to stay well. Here are a few tips that might help you, too.
5 Tips To Stay Healthy
Wash Those Hands
My husband teases me a little bit about how thoroughly I wash my hands when I get home from the store or running errands. And maybe I overdo it a little – I wash all the way up to my forearms – but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Be sure to make it count; it’s recommended that you scrub for 20 seconds, about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” through twice.
Exercise
I know that in a perfect world, we’d all be exercising regularly week after week, month after month. But, yeah. That doesn’t always happen. This time of year, though, it’s really important to keep your health and immune system in tip-top shape. Do your best to get in the general recommendation of 30 minutes a day.
Supplements
Vitamins and other supplements help us give our body a little extra bump when we don’t get all we need from what we’re eating. My Mom has always sworn by Vitamin C and this time of year I make sure to take it daily, too.
Sleep
Another block in the ‘good health’ pyramid has to be sleep. This is probably where I fail most often, as when something has to ‘give’, sleep is where it tends to happen. But sleep is when your body repairs itself, so you really need to give it the time it needs to filter out the ick and keep your system running at an optimal level.
De-Germ
You don’t need to move your family into a bubble (though sometimes it does seem like that would be a great way to avoid getting sick). But it’s a good idea to wipe down high-contact areas at least a couple times per day, and especially after being touched by someone who is or could be sick. Think doorknobs, light switches, your cell phone, and other surfaces.
What are you tips to stay healthy this time of year?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.