Guess what?
My body is telling me exactly that. Our last day of vacation I woke up with a horrible sore throat. Over the past few days it's turned to a scratchy dry throat. The type of scratch that doesn't allow you to sleep comfortably at night. The type of scratch that keeps you tossing and turning and SWALLOWING excessively, which only leads to burping all night because you've swallowed so much air.
Too much? Well, I know I'm not the only one - so I think it's fair game.
Do you ever notice when people are sick all they do is talk about how they don't have time to be sick? I actually don't mind it. I mean, it's annoying to have to get up a few times each night and down another tablespoon of raw honey, blow your nose and then try to fall back asleep, but it's also my clue that I need a breather (literally and figuratively).
My body shutting down is (sadly) the only thing that will slow me down. I don't listen to my brain, my husband, family or friends - so it's really up to my body to get the job done. I don't get sick often, but when I do I welcome the break.
Admittedly, I don't *stop* - I still work from home where I can be gross and not spread any germs, I'll cozy up with a homemade hot tottie, watch a movie, get some extra sleep, and catch up on some reading and other things I may save for a lazy day. But the laundry still needs to get done, there are always dishes in the sink - and if I had kids - well, I won't even go there because I know you mamas work doubletime when you're sick. We still need to take the signs from our bodies and slow down.
Since I'm not a huge fan of popping pills, here are some of my tips for how to help yourself get over a common cold or sore throat bug in no time:
Get some rest. Take a nap, go to bed early - but allow yourself to sleep. Sleeping is when our bodies recover best.
Drink extra fluids. Broth, water, and homemade tea (add a splash of apple cider vinegar, a drizzle of honey, a squeeze of lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water). Staying hydrated is important - liquids are more important than solids when you're sick.
If you have a sore throat or cough, swallow a tablespoon of raw organic honey every 4-6 hours (not recommended for very small children). Not only is honey a natural immune booster, but it can help to ward off bad bacteria that cause infection while soothing the throat at the same time.
Eat your greens. When you're sick, you're not always in the mood to eat, so make a green smoothie or add greens to your broth. Greens strengthen the immune system, help rid the body of toxic intruders and can help clear congestion, especially in the lungs, by reducing mucus. On the flip side, stay away from dairy as that will create more mucus.
Try garlic ear oil. Garlic ear oil is a practice of Ayurvedic medicine that helps to keep your lymphatic system healthy. Many people use it on a daily basis, and it's great for kids who are prone to ear infections. I tend to use it when I feel a cold coming on, or when I've been traveling or around others that are sick, to help ward off germs.
If you have to pop some pills, you can always reach for the Vitamin C or Zinc - although, depending on which study you read, the verdict is still out on whether or not they actually help after you've gotten sick.
When all is said and done, take it easy as you recover. Don't overdo it because you are feeling better. Listen to your body and give it some love - afterall, it's probably the only thing in life we take for granted day after day after day.
Here's to what is *hopefully* the last of the winter bugs! On to Spring!
Stay healthy,
Nicole
*If symptoms persist or you are currently being treated for a chronic or acute illness, seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner*