Covid, Flu, Covid, Flu: The Dreaded Winter Illness Loop (& What to do about it)

This winter got me bad! COVID, then flu, and now COVID again, unfortunately it goes like that sometimes for a number of reasons.

Repetitive illness can get tough, depressing for some, especially when it travels through the family and you add in isolation periods.

I see so many people spending a lot of money on an array of supplements and are clutching at straws for a glimmer of light in their lowered immune state, and I don’t blame them, I have been guilty of this and my bathroom cabinet resembles a small pharmacy!

The bottom line is, we will all catch something at some point, that is mother nature and what builds up our immunity, but we are putting ourselves at risk of more illness when we are “run down”.

Being run down is when our immune system is compromised and it can be as a result of too much work, stress, not enough sleep, poor nutrition and just expecting too much of yourself.

The warnings signs are usually there but unfortunately our demanding lives can force us to pop a Panadol, have an extra coffee and push through, we often don’t have the luxury of being able to slow down or stop for a rest. When we ignore our warning signs, then we really do reach the crossroads of get sick / or not.

When we feel mentally and physically exhausted and generally “off”, we are less inclined to make good food choices, we are less inclined to take exercise, be outside, drink water, and sleep when you’re over tired becomes harder. Popping a Berocca at this time becomes your last ditch attempt and I’m sorry, but it’s not gonna fix anything!

So what can we do? Here are my top 10!

1. Relax. Stress lowers your immunity, impacts sleep, steers us towards poor food choices and reliance on alcohol and caffeine.

2. Keep your good habits going; water, plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables, sleep and exercise – these will keep your stress levels down, your energy up, and your immunity strong.

3. When you are feeling run down – slow down. Don’t try and “sweat it out”, have a gentle session at the gym or take a walk in nature instead.

4. Take extra rest, power naps or 5 minute meditations can be great re-chargers, and go to bed earlier!

5. Supplement with what is scientifically backed and specific to you. My favourites are Fish Oils, Vit D, C and zinc.

6. Keep your gut healthy, consume gut loving foods such as kombucha, kefir, kimchi, probiotic yoghurts and miso.

7. Make slow cooks, using plenty of veg and meat on the bone, these are easy to make, comforting and nutrient packed.

8. When you are sick, stay home and rest, do not try and “push through”, no one else wants your germs and your recovery WILL take longer.

9. Do not rush back to exercise until you are BETTER, and then ask your coaches for an easy reintroduction.

10. Don’t beat yourself up, the gym will still be there, you will not lose all of your “gains”, view it as a recharge and a chance to focus on other areas of your life that may have been neglected, such as self-care.

If you or anyone you know is struggling and would like to chat about how to build a stronger immune system or recover from illness, reach out and let’s have a FREE 30 min discovery call.

Stay healthy!

Clare Power

0416 124307