My Secret Weapons for Sick-Day Season

You know that feeling when your body starts whispering, “Hey, something’s not quite right…”?

Last week, I felt that familiar tickle in my throat and started feeling run down. But the real giveaway? I had the chills and couldn’t get warm, no matter what I did.

Something was brewing, and I wasn’t about to go down without a fight!

So I cleared my schedule, stocked up on my favorite feel-better essentials, and gave my body some extra TLC.

Here’s what my week looked like.

My Sick-Day Secret Weapons

1. Stocked up on the essentials

First stop? The grocery store! I grabbed my favorite comforting foods and drinks:

• Herbal teas
• Chicken soup and bone broth
• Fresh lemons and ginger
• Garlic and raw honey
• Mineral water
• Kiwi, oranges, and berries
• Easy proteins like eggs and Greek yogurt

2. Sipped hot tea all day long

There is something so comforting about a warm mug of tea when you’re feeling under the weather. I kept the kettle busy all week!

3. Tried my garlic and honey concoction

I chopped fresh garlic, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and mixed it with honey.

I’ll admit, this one isn’t exactly delicious! Garlic contains compounds being studied for potential health benefits, although there’s not enough evidence to say eating raw garlic will stop a cold.

Still, it’s one of those home remedies I wanted to try. Just be warned: raw garlic can be pretty intense on your stomach!

4. Made warm lemon and ginger water

Fresh ginger, lemon, and warm water became another go-to drink. Simple, soothing, and a nice change from tea.

5. Kept mineral water nearby

I’ve been enjoying mineral water lately, so I made sure to have plenty on hand. It contains naturally occurring minerals, although regular water works just as well for staying hydrated.

6. Fueled my body with nourishing foods

Chicken soup was practically its own food group this week!

I also kept things simple with eggs, yogurt, berries, kiwi, and oranges. Nothing complicated. Just easy, nourishing foods that sounded good.

7. Took warm showers and baths

A warm shower or bath felt amazing when I had the chills. Sometimes a little steam and relaxation are exactly what you need.

8. Revisited my supplement cabinet

Mullein, elderberry, and vitamin D are a few supplements I keep on hand.

While I included them in my routine, research on their effectiveness for colds is limited or mixed. More isn’t always better, especially with vitamin D, so it’s important to stick with appropriate doses rather than doubling up.

9. RESTED. And then rested some more.

This was probably the hardest part!

I skipped dance, scaled back my workouts, rescheduled plans with friends, and spent some quality time on the couch.

Normally, I’m someone who always has a project, a plan, or somewhere to be. But this time, I gave myself permission to do less.

10. Made sleep a priority

Early bedtimes, extra downtime, and no pressure to be productive.

Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

A Little Reminder to Listen to Your Body

Sometimes we’re so busy living life that we don’t notice the little signs our bodies are sending us.

The fatigue. The scratchy throat. The feeling that something just isn’t quite right.

And while none of my little remedies are guaranteed to prevent a cold, slowing down, staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and getting plenty of rest are all worthwhile ways to care for yourself.

You don’t always have to push through. Sometimes you need to give yourself permission to pause.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Save This for the Next Time You’re Feeling Run Down

Save this little grocery and self-care guide for the next time you feel that dreaded tickle coming on.

And now I’m curious…

What’s the FIRST thing you reach for when you feel a cold coming on?

Garlic? Tea? Chicken soup? Or do you immediately crawl into bed and call it a day?

Here’s to listening to our bodies, slowing down when we need to, and finding a little comfort in the small things.

Wishing you a healthy season! 💛