March is an erratic month that feels like spring, summer, winter, and fall–often all in the course of one single day! This crazy weather can bring on some crazy illnesses. One of the worst, the most nasty, is the FLU! No one wants it, but it certainly lurks, waiting for a time when your body is most vulnerable, then it pounces, hitting you like a Mack truck! I know this feeling a little too well, as I was hit with it a couple weeks ago. And I was not the only one, it also struck my husband and one of my children, but somehow the youngest (who’s a year old) resisted the germ.
The only upside–and I say this just to try to find a sliver of a silver lining in the misery–is the ability to lose weight doing absolutely nothing! Literally just sprawled in bed for days doing nothing at all magically causes weight to melt away. It seems that there might be a small upside to the fever and lethargy and lack of appetite, after all! Actually, the flu is no joke. I would not wish the symptoms, even with the weight loss, on anyone. But, if you are looking for a way to feel horrible, miss work, wallow in misery, and–yes– lose a little weight –have at it! Revel in a cold raw day at a park or library full of germ-ridden toddlers. Follow their lead, touching everything and everyone in sight, putting your hands in your mouth, and then wait a few days. The flu is sure to find you!
If it comes, as it is known to make its appearance this time of year, just remember to hydrate! Vegetable and bone broths are very helpful in preventing dehydration and can give your body some extra nutrients to fight the seasonal flu. Rest and remember: you can’t do much of anything, so you really will need to unplug, succumb to the pull of sleep, and let everything else go. It is truly a time to let your body do its thing and let your mind rest and recover!
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.