Caring for a sick kiddo is part of motherhood. Especially during flu and cold season. And while it’s not always desirable, the thought of mom falling ill is even more daunting. But did you know that you can easily integrate feel-good solutions into your day to boost your immune system? Here’s 10 tips for how to avoid getting sick this season.
![Mother kisses daughter on forehead as she wraps her in blanket](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Avoid_Getting_Sick_one-1024x683.jpg)
Flu + Cold Season
You know the feeling– it’s like playing dominoes. One kid gets sick and in rhythm, the whole family goes down….
One.
By one.
By one.
With a snot covered shirt and your littles showering you with their cough, it’s easy to panic and reach for the white flag.
You’re certain that you will succumb to the germs.
But did you know that it’s possible to stay healthy?
In order to understand how, we first have to understand the impact our lifestyles have on our immune system.
Are you more susceptible?
As moms, we could be more susceptible to illness.
Why?
We tend to take care of everyone and everything before ourselves.
Then we get to flu and cold season where we pair that extra exhaustion with other seasonal risk factors such as:
- Less Sunlight
- Stress of the holiday season
- An uptick in sugar and sweet consumption
The result?
Our immune systems tank and we go down… just like the other dominoes.
Why do I tell you this?
Because now that you’re aware of a big WHY behind falling ill, you can implement easy solutions into your everyday routine to stay well.
Even when your household is not.
![exhausted mom holding child while computer is out in front of her](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avoid_getting_sick_two-1024x683.jpg)
10 Ways to Not Get Sick: Feel Good Strategies for Moms
Whether you’re wanting to know how you can prevent the flu naturally or you’re trying to prevent getting a cold after being exposed, these tips work to keep you healthy and strong.
1. Pray and Meditate
Keep doing what you normally do— that quiet time with scripture and cultivating a grateful heart forms the foundation to our health, including immune boosting benefits.
You see many common things weaken our immunity such as:
- worries
- fears
- stress
However, meditating on God’s Word and promises replaces that. And you can easily implement it into parts of your day, such as your morning routine.
Along with an immune boost, you’ll experience strength to persevere through this season. Remember, gratitude gives you freedom to experience the hardships (like the never-ending sickness in your home) and a mindset to power you though.
2. Drink Water
Just like hydration is the number one goal for a sick child, it’s also top priority for a healthy immune system.
Water is one of the easiest ways to balance the body. You hear it all the time, but it’s not just advice. It does awesome things like:
- Flushes out waste (including those nasty foreign invaders!)
- dissolves minerals and nutrients
- carries those dissolved nutrients to our cells to use
Need an easy way to remember how much to drink?
The 8 x 8 Rule
Eight servings of eight ounces of water.
Of course, if you’re breastfeeding, super active, or a devout coffee lover, you’ll likely need more!
![woman holding glass of water up to mouth about to drink](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avoid_getting_sick_three-1024x683.jpg)
3. Movement
Here’s another example of how a quick workout at home is one of the best solutions for mamas.
Movement is going to boosts your immune system and a quick, light workout leaves you energized without taking time away from your family and their needs.
Remember, quick doesn’t always mean moving as fast as you can. This can be as simple as a walk or stretching for 10 minutes.
4. Vitamin D
This time of year can predispose us to illness because of the lack of vitamin D. The days are shorter (and colder!) as if you’re a stay-at-home mom, you may go several days without leaving the house.
Replace it by getting outside, even for 10- 15 minutes each day.
If that’s still not possible, or you’re looking for another way to supplement, head to your kitchen.
Foods rich in Vitamin D can also help. Some quick options that you can easily grab are:
- Eggs
- canned salmon
- canned tuna
You can also pick up a daily Vit D supplement during your next Target run.
5. Get Sleep
Sleep. It’s just essential.
I know personally this is one area that can be really challenging as a mom. But it’s vital. Our immune systems depend on it. And especially after being exposed to a virus, such as your child’s cold.
Go to bed early, take a nap, or just rest even when the kids do.
And when the kids are sick, let something go.
Yes, the dishes may stack up, but when you get sleep, those good infection fighting antibodies and cells in your body will also increase and work in your favor.
Personally, I’d rather have to catch up on chores than have a cold catch up with me.
For optimal sleep, read these better sleep tips (from a nurse and mom!)
![mom lying in bed while holding toddler](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avoid_getting_sick_four-1024x683.jpg)
6. Limit Sugars and Alcohol
Ironically, we seem to have more sweets around the house during flu and cold season (Halloween, holidays, etc.) and it’s so tempting to reach for that pack of cookies as reward for all the hard work that you’re doing to keep everyone well.
However, sugar can suppress your immune system.
Limit refined sugars like cookies and ice cream and reach for fruits instead.
Related to excessive sugar, alcohol also affects the body’s ability to fight germs.
Pour a mocktail or a sparkling flavored water with fruit to relax and unwind at night.
7. Reduce Stress
Stress weakens our immune system, and this time of year adds additional stress– sick kids, overwhelming tasks of holidays, etc.
We have to lessen the load!
But how does a busy mom reduce stress?
- Set boundaries
- Say no or take something off your plate of things to do
- Connect with others
- Find pockets of joy– listen to music, blog, bake, read. etc.
Oh, and order take out 😉
8. Eat in color
Eat the rainbow–one of my favorite everyday natural defenses. It’s a fail proof way to remember to eat fruits and veggies and reap the benefits.
Colors are packed with vitamins and nutrients and help you avoid getting sick.
Try these tricks to increase those leafy greens and colors:
- Hack: Freeze spinach and crumble it in
- Stir in the Pumpkin
- 4 ways to use Riced Cauliflower right now
- Frozen roasted veggies
![red, orange, yellow, green and purple fruits and vegetables on a white background](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avoid_getting_sick_five-1024x683.jpg)
9. Take Supplements
Add in good at any opportunity! Easy ways such as:
- probiotics–add good bacteria to your gut
- honey– adds antioxidants and promotes cell production that fights illnesses
- Green Tea — boost water intake and antioxidants
- Daily Vitamin
- Immune support formula– I’m a huge fan and longtime believer in Airborne
10. Practice Good Hygiene
Stay healthy and feel refreshed. Practice good hygiene by:
- Taking a daily shower (wash with a relaxing body lather)
- Wash hands after helping kids use toilet or blow nose
- Wash hands with soap and warm water before eating or providing self-care
- Disinfect surfaces
- Launder shared items such as blankets, towels and pillowcases
- Carry a germ fighting spray for on the go needs. Use when you can’t wash hands.
![mom helping child wash hands. Hand washing is how to avoid getting sick around a sick person](https://briefandbalanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/avoid_getting_sick_six-1024x683.jpg)
Okay, but how do I avoid getting sick when I feel it coming?
Feel that notorious tickle in your throat and a heavy head?
Here’s the secret:
Start back at number one on this post and implement these tips.
The same healthy habits that prevent illness also work to shorten the duration and keep you in optimal shape while fighting illness.
You can also add in simple things like:
- saline mist
- humidifier (dry air can create more cause for infection)
- Increase supplements like Zinc, Vit D
Is it possible to prevent getting sick?
Yes, to a certain extent. Maintaining a lifestyle that optimizes your immune system is key. But, please remember that it is normal for adults to get 2-3 colds per year so total avoidance is not probably possible.
Or healthy.
Healthier Moms all Year Long
Don’t wait to avoid getting sick until your household is plagued or you’re feeling a little off.
Commit to integrating a few healthy habits into your daily routine preventatively. And remember, mama:
You have to take care of yourself as you take care of others.
Leave a Reply