Let's Negate the "Flu Season"

For as long as I can remember, these late Fall and Winter months have been referred to as “flu season.” I distinctly remember the first time I had the flu - we were traveling to Lake Tahoe when I was about 7 years old. I had never been so sick in my short little life - and I was not a fan.

As a mom of two young kiddos, I have mountains and valleys of keeping our home healthy; eating healthy, exercising consistently, keeping our space clean and circulated with fresh air, and many other to-do factors that I consider important for the health of our little family. These tasks can seem out of reach after a long day of work and after-school activities. But truly, it’s these cold, blistery months and shorter days of sunlight that are the true criminals in the invasion of sickness. While we want to just cuddle up inside and drink all of the hot cocoa, we have to be intentional about consuming all of the things that maintain our immune system!

This “flu season” can become a season of health and growth if we can keep these few things in check:

Seasonal stress: let’s be more intentional about enjoying these special moments! It’s perfectly okay if you don’t have the Martha Stewart holiday (and she even admitted this in her recent documentary on Netflix!)

Vitamin D: it’s simply the truth - we soak in less sunshine. There’s fewer hours that provide the opportunity, and the cold is unbearable for so many individuals. Push through, make the time. Go for a walk on your lunch. Your body, mind and soul will thank you!

Increased alcohol intake: skip the holiday cocktail and craft something delicious with your favorite tea and a hint of pomegranate juice! Add a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a true treat for you and your guests!

Lack of boundaries: the struggle is real. You want to do ALL the fun things. FOMO gets the best of us this season. But it is OKAY to say “no thanks, not tonight.” Your friends and family are special, but your quiet time and rest is important. I find myself over-scheduling and over-committing because I want my kiddos to have the most special Christmas memories. Guess what? The best moments they recall are the sugar cookies that we made together in our pajamas.

Less physical activity: goes hand-in-hand with the chilly days. It’s HARD to get up early and head to the gym, but that doesn’t need to erase any chance of getting some cardio in during your day! Have a dance party by yourself - your body will feel amazing, warm, and it will lift your spirits if you’re feeling down!

Staying indoors: be sure to run a humidifier, change your HVAC filters, and open a window in the morning to get some fresh air! These simple steps will help your circulatory system stay happy and healthy.

Sugar consumption: holiday treats have become a staple for enjoying the festivities - swap out your cookie tray for a fruit platter with a delicious whipped cream dip, or even a meat and cheese platter with some of your favorite crackers! It’s all about balance. Food groups, for the win!

Wishing you all a healthy and happy Winter!

XOXO,
Megan