There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling the first signs of ills and chills creeping in—knowing you’ll have to rearrange your schedule and hoping the rest of your family doesn’t catch it too! With work commitments, family responsibilities, and everyday tasks, taking time off isn’t always an option. So, how can you balance everything when you’re feeling under the weather? The key lies in prevention, smart management, and giving your body the support it needs to recover quickly. Let’s explore how you can maintain your work-life balance while navigating ills and chills.
So, let’s start with a reminder of the basics to keep your immune system in tip top shape:
Stress management
For starters, we do need to mention that ‘all-powerful’ work/life balance is really about stress management. Stress undermines the immune system and is often the top contributor to feeling run-down and seeming to catch every seasonal threat that comes along. A constant high level of cortisol can negatively impact the immune system. Managing your stress levels is of high importance: whether it’s creating a buffer of time between meetings to allow the body to reset or doing a meditation at the end of your day, find what works for you.
Hydration
Keeping hydrated allows your mucous membranes to stay moist, therefore allowing your 1st line of defence to do its job by stopping microorganisms from entering the body. Hydration also keeps your cells working in an optimal way and supports focus and concentration. Good hydration also supports your lymphatic system, which supports the flushing and removal of toxins, waste products, and pathogens.
Wholefood
Eating seasonal and local whole foods from both animal and plant sources will offer a nutrient dense plate for strong immune support. A simple way to look at it is to choose foods with the least amount of human interference: e.g., choose an apple over an apple muffin.
Hygiene
Using good old-fashioned soap and water to wash your hands is the best way to avoid transferring microorganism. Avoid hand sanitisers as they destroy our natural protective microbiome on our skin.
Exercise
Keeping up regular exercise that you enjoy, whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, running, or dancing around the house. regular, appropriate and moderate can support a healthy immune system and microbiome. However, if you feel like you’ve got a bit of the ills and chills, then it pays to back off the training and rest.
Sleep and Natural Light
These two go hand in hand because natural light in your eyes first thing in the morning supports your circadian rhythm, which in turn supports your sleep at night. While you sleep at night, your immune system is working hard alongside your liver and lymphatic system, taking out the trash and keeping you healthy.
You’ve done most of the things above; however, it’s winter and all your colleagues are dropping like flies, and then you start to feel that familiar scratchy feeling in the back of your throat. SIGH! In an ideal world you’d block out the week and just rest, read, or watch Netflix until you’re better, but that’s not the case; you’ve got a deadline due, and the kids still need to get to school and after-school activities.
Here are some tips and tricks to manage the ills and chills, work/life juggle:
Communicate, Delegate, and Reschedule
Let your colleagues know straight away that you’re off work. Delegate as many tasks as you can if they are urgent and can be passed on. Reschedule meetings, as you won’t be at your best. Communication is key; your colleagues will appreciate it.
Work from home
If you still need to do some work, don’t go into the office and spread your germs. Besides, you’ll be more likely to get some rest if you’re at home, and therefore you’ll recover faster.
Calendar block rest time
Put on your ‘do not disturb’ and block out some rest time for yourself. This is most important for a faster recovery.
Set reminders and colour code tasks
As the brain becomes foggy and the fatigue takes over, you’ll thank yourself for setting reminders on tasks that may be due. Even colour-coding your work in progress (WIP) will reduce your stress, so when you can, at a glance, check in to see if there is anything you need to urgently delegate or do.
It takes a village
When it comes to family, it really does take a village. Having those support systems in place, like the school mums or grandparents to help with school drop-offs and pick-ups, can be a live saver. And while you’re at it, drop the Mum Guilt, you’ll be better soon, and routines will resume.
Nourish your body
Have pre-made meals, like soups and stews, in the freezer ready to go. Easy to heat and eat. There’s nothing like chicken bone broth soup when you’re under the weather.
And finally, Don’t forget your Viralex® Attack Day & Night!
Introducing our newest member to the Viralex® family!
Good Health Viralex® Attack Day & Night is a scientifically researched formula that provides natural, fast-acting round-the-clock immune defence support for ills and chills.
Day: Formulated with EpiCor®, that starts working in 2 hours as well as other immune supporting ingredients such as olive leaf, pelargonium root, and zinc, that’s designed to increase the body’s antioxidant protection.
Night: A unique formulation that includes immune supporting herbs olive leaf and pelargonium root. Eyebright to support clearance of excess mucus comfortable and easy breathing, and passionflower and California poppy to support restorative sleep.
A convenient 5-day course to give you 24-hour support for ills and chills every day. Suitable for 6 years and older.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to push through the ills and chills instead of slowing down. But by prioritising immune health, planning ahead, and allowing yourself time to rest, you’ll recover faster and return to full strength more efficiently. Whether it’s managing stress, staying hydrated, nourishing your body, or choosing a natural immune support like Viralex® Attack Day & Night, every little step makes a difference. So, listen to your body, adjust where needed, and remember—a well-supported immune system is the key to keeping up with life’s demands.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. For more information contact our Naturopath on 0800 446 634 or visit www.goodhealth.co.nz Good Health, NZ, Auckland.
TAPS PP3895
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