Love, love, love fall and chilly weather. Winter and extremely cold weather – not so much. We know with the change in weather comes the sniffles and sometimes a nasty cold or even the flu. If you’re like me, I try to doctor on myself, the natural way first. Popping pills is not one of my favorite things. So try the tips below if you’d like to prevent a cold from progressing or keep these tips as reminders for yourself the next time you catch a bug.
No. 1: Blow Your Nose Often — and the Right Way
It’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
No. 2: Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.
No. 3: Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily.
No. 4: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
No. 5: Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you’re dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.
No. 6: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.
Great tips! I’m going to use them the next time I get sick. I’m really bad at blowing my nose. It’s either hard or nothing at all. I better stop that habit asap!
I’m going to try to rest more myself when I feel poorly. And thanks.