Kick That Cold to the Curb: How to Get Back to Business Fast

And Set Up Your Business to Support You When You’re Down!

When you’re running your own business, a cold can feel like a roadblock you just don’t have time for. But rather than letting it slow you down, here’s a full arsenal of tips to kick it quick, keep it from dragging you out too long, and most importantly, ensure your business is set up to support you when you’re not 100%.

Ever wonder why I’m never sick and rock my business all year round? Here is my secret, holy grails of what to do when you start feeling under the weather. The key is, you have to catch it and start the first day (or two) when you start feeling sniffly or congested.

Step 1: Boost Your Immunity Powerhouse

Start by giving your immune system a quick boost with a few easy remedies:

- Vitamin C Pouches: Go for those high-dose vitamin C packets. They’re a powerhouse for your immune system and easy to grab when you’re on the go.

- Immunity Juice Shots: Grab a ginger-turmeric shot or an immunity blend packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and ginger to fire up your defenses. I love the little ones from Choice Juicery because they’re right by the office if I need to pick one up on the fly.

- Hydrate: Keep that water bottle full! Staying hydrated flushes toxins and keeps your body working optimally. Grab those Liquid IVs (or something equivalent) for some added electrolytes.

- Tea Time: Sip on throat coat tea (my fav) or any herbal tea to soothe a sore throat. Add honey for extra antimicrobial benefits.

Step 2: Eliminate the Energy Drainers

Certain foods will only weigh your immune system down, so during a cold, keep these out:

- Coffee: Skip it. The caffeine dehydrates you and can make congestion worse.

- Sugar: It may be tempting to comfort-eat, but sugar weakens immunity.

- Dairy: Dairy products can thicken mucus, making it harder to clear your system out.

Step 3: Handle a Sore Throat Like a Boss

When your throat feels like sandpaper, these remedies are here to help:

- Oregano Oil Drop: Add a drop of oregano oil to a glass of water and chug. Yes, it’s intense, but it’s a powerful natural antimicrobial.

- Garlic Clove in Your Cheek: Pop a garlic clove in your cheek and let the juices slowly trickle down your throat. Garlic is packed with allicin, a compound with antimicrobial properties. My hOMie Janelle taught me this one years ago, and I haven’t had strep (which I used to get at least once a year from bad allergies) at all!

- Cough Drops: Keep a stash of cough drops on hand to soothe your throat and minimize coughing. Honey Lemon Echinacea Ricola is my fav, what’s yours?

Step 4: Western Meds to the Rescue

I try to be as natural as possible, but sometimes, you just need to kick that sh*t out!

- Sudafed or Mucinex: These are lifesavers for reducing sinus pressure and congestion, helping you breathe easy and focus on healing instead of sniffling.

Step 5: Breathe Easy with These Extras

A few extra measures can really make a difference in kicking that cold fast:

- Hot Showers + Neti Pot: Take a hot, steamy shower to open up nasal passages. Follow it with a neti pot rinse to flush out sinus congestion. My osteopathic doctor introduced me to a neti pot over 20 years ago, and It’s a game-changer. I’ll forever swear by the neti pot as much as it sucks in the moment.

- Tissues with Lotion: Blowing your nose every 5 minutes will dry out your skin, so go for the lotion-infused tissues which are my fav to keep things comfortable.

Step 6: Yoga Poses to Open Up Your Chest and Lungs

These yoga poses can help with drainage and give your body a gentle stretch while you’re recovering:

- Supported Fish Pose: Opens up the chest, improves circulation, and can help relieve sinus congestion.

- Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose: Relaxing and restorative, this pose helps with circulation and gently drains mucus.

- Reclined Bound Angle Pose: A soothing, restorative pose to help open the chest and sinuses.

Step 7: Additional Support from the Pros

- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help relieve congestion, boost immunity, and improve circulation.

- Cupping: This helps detox the body by improving circulation and reducing congestion.

- Facial Massage: A gentle facial massage can help drain sinuses and relieve facial pressure.

Setting Up Your Business to Support You When You’re Sick

Even the most motivated entrepreneur needs backup when feeling under the weather. Here’s how to ensure your business can function smoothly even if you need a day or two to recover.

Rest up and heal, boss babe!