How to get rid that nasty cold ASAP!

I guess I’m lucky that this doesn’t happen to me all the often. I probably come down with a cold about twice a year. But when I do, I want it gone, ASAP. Because, as lots of mamas know, we don’t get to take a day off. We must power through. Here are some tips to get the cold gone asap so you can be at your best, sooner!

Hot bath/shower

Many times when a cold really laches on, you can wake up feeling like someone beat you up while you were sleeping. Your neck hurts, your back hurts, lights are too bright, and it feels like you head might explode. Aside from wanting to wash off all traces of mucusy mess you may have gotten on you while blowing your nose, a hot shower will do wonders for relaxing your muscles and the pressure in your head.

Tons of water

You’re going to want to get this awful cold out of your system as soon as possible. Drinking water is a great way to boost your metabolism and get a jump start on your immune system. Drinking water will also keep you from becoming dehydrated which will help prevent nausea and headaches.

Detox tea

Drinking detox tea will run towards the same goal as drinking tons of water. You’re wanting to flush this nasty cold out of your system. Plus the humidity from the tea will help any dryness you have in your nasal area. Remember however that tea alone can dehydrate you so you’ll want to follow this up with water as well.

Local honey

I’ve been told that putting a local organic honey in your tea will help with allergy symptoms in that it will strengthen your immune system against local bacterias in the air. Hey, tastes great and worth a try!

Detox everything

Another great thing to do on a regular basis (but especially when you have a cold) is to do a body detox. Arbonne sells a detox and cooling gel that not only helps to rid your body of toxins but also aids in the reduction of water weight by speeding up your circulation. How great is that?! Plus it feels great when you put it on.

Baths in epsom salts are another natural way to detox the body. 

Sleep sleep sleep

It’s not an unlucky coincidence that colds come when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. When we’re tired, we’re making our immune system work much harder to fight off the cold. Do your immune system a favor and get a few hours extra rest. You’ll probably need it anyway after that first rough night and your immune system will thank you!.

Gargle or snort salt water

This is something my mom ALWAYS told me to do whenever I had a cold growing up. And of course I was all, “Ew, no.” But once recently when I found myself desperately in need of air after suffering way too long with a cold, I took my mom’s advice. This one isn’t pretty, but it’ll make blowing your nose a whole lot easier and more effective afterwards. You know it’s worth it when you’re finally able to smell and taste again!

Vitamin C

Of course when we’re sick we immediately run to the dayquil/nyquil to try to ease the symptoms but what our body really needs are the vitamins that will help us help ourselves. Taking a fizz drink like airbornne or a vitamin C capsule are good ways to get a ton of vitamin C in your body. Also, take a look at this list of the top ten foods with vitamin C.

Echinacea

An immune boosting herbal supplement that comes in a capsule or tea! Yum!

Blow, don’t sniff

I think most people don’t have a problem with blowing their nose. Maybe I’m just weird but I HATE blowing my nose. I hate the gross sound, I hate that my nose gets raw, and I get very self conscious. But, as they say, out is better than in and that goes for snot too. If you’re like me don’t try to suck it up- or in- just blow your nose and get it out.  

Exercise

As much as I know you don’t want to, even going for a walk will help get the blood moving enough to help boost and make all your internal systems work harder to get you healthy again. This also will boost your metabolism to help detox you faster.

Know any  great tips for getting rid of a cold fast? Share them here in the comments and help a friend out!