The thermometer drops and what happens? You hunt for the cosy rug, discover that the hot water bottle springs a leak, check over the electric blanket for any obvious breaks and defects, dust off the crockpot and retrieve those flannelette pj’s from the bottom drawer that you thought you would never be seen dead in. Welcome to autumn – bring on winter!!!
It’s all okay until the first runny nose, tickly throat or cough make an appearance – what you do next determines, how quickly you recover and whether the rest of the family is included in the round of coughs and colds!!!
Why do we get sick:-
Not washing hands – Not getting enough sleep – Working too much – Not drinking enough fluids – Not cleaning things well – Cleaning too much – Too much Stress – Poor Diet – Not enough exercise – Exposure to Germs and Toxins.
Prevention is better:-
We believe that wellness is a function of doing simple daily healthcare routines, which form the basis of a healthy lifestyle. In eating right, exercising, getting rest, managing stress and reducing toxic load, our immune system is strengthened and able to ward off bacteria and viruses.
Eating Right: We will simply assume that you follow a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, low in saturated fats, carbohydrates and minimal processed foods! You know that already, right! However, even when you are eating mainly organic food, and this is a personal choice, be aware that our soil is nutrient deficient and consider using supplements with components that are bio-available and food matrix based. Basically, this means that absorption is optimal, and they are more effective.
Hydration: Dodge the cappuccino and embrace herbal teas to keep warm. If drinking water needs to be flavoured – consider adding ‘dietary use’ essential oils to taste. Lemon, Wild Orange, Grapefruit and Peppermint oils will sass it up, provide a therapeutic effect and keep you well hydrated.
Sleep: Mind chatter – it’s infuriating and keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep. Apply Lavender oil to your feet and temples – and on hubbie and kids, too – and enjoy a peaceful night. Develop a bedtime routine to prepare the body for the next 8 hours. Try a hot drink [not coffee] or bath and ban the news to get you settled.
Stress: Stress increases cortisol levels , weakens the immune system, makes us more susceptible to colds and the flu, as well as more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. Find a stress reliever that works for you – exercise to increase endorphins, talking to a friend/counselor, meditation, listening to music, take ME time, a hot bath. While these methods may not solve your problems, they may provide a way to tolerate them. There are also essential oils that can assist to calm the mind; watch out for an article in a few weeks!!!
Exercise: Strap on the shoes, grab the dog, partner, kids and go for a 30 min walk – how simple is that!!! Yes, the weather is cold and it’s just so much easier to turn around and turn the electric blanket on HIGH! BUT this cost effective exercise gets the heart pumping, immune system boosted and tones those legs. Pat yourself on the back for being a good role model, too! It just takes 14 days to develop a routine. Come on, what are you waiting for!
Reduce the toxic load: Increased consumption/absorption/exposure to chemicals simply makes us more toxic, compromises body function and creates constant stress. Over time, our immune system is unable to protect us adequately. Watch what you eat, drink, breathe in and put on your skin.
Colds and Flu Prevention Protocol:
1. Wash your hands often with OnGuard Foaming Hand wash, especially after coughing, sneezing or wiping your nose.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue immediately. And wash your hands.
3. Diffuse oils with your diffuser daily in your home or at work to boost the immune system and guard against pathogens. Consider OnGuard, Wild Orange, Lemon.
4. Rub oils into your (and your family’s) feet. Use OnGuard every night before bed time and every morning before putting on shoes for the day. This can be a great bonding experience for you and your children, and it will bolster all immune systems!
5. Mist your family’s bed sheets with a mist of essential oils before bedtime. 10 drops of OnGuard or another essential oil (e.g. lavender) with a ¼ cup of water in a spray bottle – shake well.
6. Avoid contact with those who are sick. Stay at home when you are sick! You’ll recover more quickly!
7. Drink water with dōTERRA lemon oil. Put one drop of oil in every 250ml of water you and your family drink. Over time this will greatly strengthen the immune system.
8. Clean your home using essential oils. Purify, OnGuard or lemon oil in a spray bottle used for cleaning will assure pathogen free surfaces.
9. Be aware and recognise symptoms, if they strike you or a family member. Immediately begin the Symptoms Protocol with essential oils and see a professional if your symptoms worsen.
10.De-stress your home environment. Kind words and positive thoughts will make your home a place of safety and refuge. Have your home be a house of gratitude and love. These are all things we can do that will create a synergy of protection for our homes and families.
So what do you do when the nasties strike? Well, you need to strike back quick and hard!!! Be sure to read Winter-proof your family part 2, where we will share specific protocols that have helped many families.
All reference to essential oils is solely based on dōTERRA®, as the only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils on the market.
What you must do: Stay at home and contain it;
