Gesundheit!
Ah yes the sniffling, sneezing, and coughing has arrived in our house.
As this isn't my first winter in New Hampshire, I have a few tried-and-true weapons in my arsenal for when the creeping crud takes residence.
First off - I break out the crock pot. My chicken soup can cure just about anything, if I do say so myself.
Secondly I stash a box of tissues in every room of the house. Nothing discourages wiping one's nose on one's sleeve (or on Mom) like having a tissue within arms reach at all times.
Next up, liberal application of my homemade Decongestant Chest rub. I apply it to the chest and soles of the feet. Not only does it help with a stuffy nose and cough, but everyone smells sublime.
For bath time, the children soak in a tub gently scented with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Here's some safety tips for using oils in the tub.
For those of us without time to linger in a scented bath, I drop those same essential oils into some bath salts and sprinkle in the bottom of the shower. I plug up the drain for the first few minutes and let my feet have a nice soak. The scents fill the shower and I immediately begin to breathe easier.
A teaspoon of honey quiets coughs for my boys (who are over age 1) while honey and lemon tea soothes the throats of the adults, along with warm, salt-water gargles.
When a virus makes its' way into our home I initially struggle to push through - working, cleaning and functioning at my usual level. Eventually though, I know I must give in. Cuddling with the boys while enjoying books, movies and puzzles. Lots of warm drinks, naps and coloring.
I've discovered that nearly everything can wait until we're better. Canceling plans and saying no to activities is challenging for me, but when I do it, I find there is beauty and peace in the present moment. Even when that moment is full of boogers.
As this isn't my first winter in New Hampshire, I have a few tried-and-true weapons in my arsenal for when the creeping crud takes residence.
First off - I break out the crock pot. My chicken soup can cure just about anything, if I do say so myself.
Secondly I stash a box of tissues in every room of the house. Nothing discourages wiping one's nose on one's sleeve (or on Mom) like having a tissue within arms reach at all times.
Next up, liberal application of my homemade Decongestant Chest rub. I apply it to the chest and soles of the feet. Not only does it help with a stuffy nose and cough, but everyone smells sublime.
For bath time, the children soak in a tub gently scented with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Here's some safety tips for using oils in the tub.
For those of us without time to linger in a scented bath, I drop those same essential oils into some bath salts and sprinkle in the bottom of the shower. I plug up the drain for the first few minutes and let my feet have a nice soak. The scents fill the shower and I immediately begin to breathe easier.
A teaspoon of honey quiets coughs for my boys (who are over age 1) while honey and lemon tea soothes the throats of the adults, along with warm, salt-water gargles.
When a virus makes its' way into our home I initially struggle to push through - working, cleaning and functioning at my usual level. Eventually though, I know I must give in. Cuddling with the boys while enjoying books, movies and puzzles. Lots of warm drinks, naps and coloring.
I've discovered that nearly everything can wait until we're better. Canceling plans and saying no to activities is challenging for me, but when I do it, I find there is beauty and peace in the present moment. Even when that moment is full of boogers.
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