Stay healthy!!

It got me! I managed to stay healthy ALLLLL winter (with the exception of a sinus infection around Christmas time)....and then it hit me on Sunday...the FLU. Ugh. Fever, aches, chills and a whole lot of sleep! Thankfully I am feeling better now but man, it really got me.

Despite the fact that I was just taken out of the game for a couple days, I am more into prevention. I wanted to share some of my favorite go-to's...especially utilized at the VERY beginning of what seems like a cold:
    ~Hand washing, of course, trumps all (I love Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap)
    ~Neti pot (nasal irrigation)
    ~Diffusing Essential Oils around the clock (lately I've been into lemon, balsam fir needle & lavender)
    ~Homeopathics (Oscillococcinum for the flu)
    ~Elderberry Syrup with astragalus
    ~V16 (Advocare) &/or Emergen-C
    ~Local, organic, raw honey
    ~Honey with cinnamon
    ~Honey with tumeric
    ~Lemons
    ~Ginger
    ~Maple Syrup
    ~Fresh, organic fruits and veggies
    ~Lots of herbal tea (Traditional Medicine)
    ~Garlic & garlic tea
    ~Lots of water, Coconut water, Coconut milk, coconut anything!
    ~Regular, consistent exercise
    ~Yoga with plenty of front body openers
    ~Fresh air
    ~Sleep
    ~Giving HUGS

My older son, Aidan (8 yrs), helped brainstorm the last couple! This is our lifestyle, as is unschooling. In addition to taking care of myself naturally, under my gentle guidance, I see the value in teaching my boys how to care for themselves too.

As far as recovering from the flu in these last couple days, some of my favorites have been:
    ~Lots of liquids (water, coconut water, ginger ale, herbal tea w/honey)
    ~Vitamins
    ~Oscillo
    ~Brothy, light soup
    ~Warm baths with epsom salts and essential oils
    ~REST

I'd love your contribution! Please comment below if you have any other favorite natural ways of staying healthy year round :))