The Cold and Flu Blues

Well, our family was hit last week with the flu and cold.  My son missed 3 days of school and I caught the bug on Saturday.  I'm convinced that I avoided the worst of it due to my daily yoga practice and regular cardio exercise.  Yoga is known to both reduce stress and to boost the immune system. http://www.yogabasics.com/learn/yoga-therapy-for-colds-and-flu/.  Trust me, there were a couple of days where the last thing I wanted to do was roll out my yoga mat, yet always felt better after doing a standing forward fold, a backbend, and a headstand, followed by a longer than normal Savasana (Corpse Pose).  Granted, my practice on these sick days was much shorter than typical, yet getting on the mat was key.  To motivate me to get on my mat during my low energy days I promised myself a reward -- 15 minutes of self indulgent knitting (as you know that is my go to relaxation creative outlet).   A few more tactics for a fast recovery: early to bed, drinking warm lemon water http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water, and my ritual green smoothie. Wishing you good health this winter.  I'll close with my favorite mantra: "Take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live." written by Jim Rohn.