As I was going to sleep last night, I realized I hadn’t written a post for today. Oops! Instead of staying up late and writing, I hope you’ll excuse the late morning post so that I could get some sleep. Especially with all the moving craziness and travel frequency, sleep is very important. It’s always important, but the busy-ness of life right now is prime time for sickness sneaking in, something I would like to continue to avoid.
With all that being said, I thought it might be an interesting time to share some of my tips for staying healthy even when things get busy and stressful.
Regular vitamins + extra Vitamin C
I don’t think I’ve ever really mentioned my daily vitamin regimen. I never used to take vitamins, but I did a lot of research about the nutrition quality of our food and that we are generally missing some of the nutrients we should be getting. To be safe, I started taking these vitamins back in October and I think it has really helped to keep me healthy:
Multivitamin
My Deva Multivitamins are a once daily variety and even contain greens (something they added after I started taking them last year). They are vegan, easy to swallow, and even contain B12. I have since learned that most people do not absorb B12 well from pills that are not sublingual, so you’ll notice I added more below.
Calcium with Vitamin D & Magnesium
Another Deva product, my Calcium Magnesium Plus is something I had been meaning to take for years, but never stuck with. Doctors are always recommending that women (regardless of diet) supplement with calcium, so I figured it would be easy enough to do if I was taking a multi every morning already.
Vitamin C
This is my favorite supplement and my secret weapon. I take 1000mg of Vitamin C every morning on a regular basis, but double it (or more) if stress is high or I’m starting to feel the first indications of sickness. Vitamin C doesn’t cure your sickness, but helps give your immune system a little extra pep to fight it off. I haven’t done a TON of research on this, but it has worked really well for me!
B12
Twice a week, I put a B12 Sublingual tablet under my tongue and let it dissolve slowly. This was the method recommended by my RN when I went it for my yearly this year and it’s another vegan-friendly format. The first type of B12 I ordered had dairy in it, which surprised me a bit, so read your labels!
Drink LOTS of water
If you don’t do this already, make sure you especially watch your water intake when you’re concerned about getting sick. The best rule of thumb is you should be drinking your half your body weight in ounces every day, plus extra during exercise. That’s not the easiest for me, although I know others drink even more easily!
Fruits & Veggies Galore
Eating lots of fruits & veggies daily will help you stay healthy (yay for plant-based diets), but I pay particular attention to help boost my immunity if I’m worried about getting sick. This is also an area I increase if I’m feeling a little tired – veggies are a great energy booster!
Take time to relax
This is often the hardest for me to pay attention to, but slowing down a little is my last tip for the day. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes, let yourself be still and rest. I use this time to do my Quiet Time with God and yoga. Don’t let this fall off your list!
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Question for you:
- I’m sure there are other great tips that you guys have to help ward off illness when life gets busy. I’d love to hear your thoughts today!
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Good tips. I definitely try to make sure I drink more water and eat more anti-oxidant rich foods. I do, however, often forget to relax and let myself recover and decompress.
Anti-oxident foeds are a great idea! Isn’t it terrible how bad we are about recovering and decompressing, we need to get better at that. :)
All great tips for warding off sickness– especially the bit about taking time to relax. I find this the hardest, especially when busy with work and travel, but not slowing down can definitely take its toll. I find getting outside and getting some fresh air and sun (with SPF, obvi) really helps too.
Elizabeth recently posted..Today: Healthy Living Summit 2012.
Yes – it’s terrible how we all skip the slowing down part. Fresh air & sun are great tips!
Those are great suggestions! I need to pick up more multivitamins and also my B12 injectable as well! Thanks for the reminder :)
Carly recently posted..Spandex Is Not Flattering On Anyone (Or The Last Tri Training Tuesday)
I can’t imagine injectables, you are a brave girl!
Great tips!! I need to buy some more vitamins, I ran out a little while ago and I just haven’t bought more. I also need to start taking my calcium again.
I have definitely increased my water intake this year, I am still no where near where I should be but it is better than it used to be!
Yes – so important! I seem to do a much better job with water when I’m out west (and thirsty) than back here in Atlanta where it’s so moist & humid. :)
I think the only thing that keeps me from getting sick is my veg diet. I forget vitamins and definitely rock that relaxing and keeping low stress ;)
That is a HUGE part of it!! I think vitamins are a great addition, but the veggie diet is great insurance without anything else. :)
stay active!! i think sweating helps to release toxins in your body…. or something?? i know i heard that people get sick less often when they workout! yet another benefit!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Active Living Class – Indoors & HLS
GREAT tip! You are absolutely right that fitness is a great way to prevent illness. :)
When I get sick, which always sucks, I try to let body fight it naturally. I tend to not take “temporary relief” pills that help me get through it. I (for some strange reason without any proof) feel like that if my body can fight it, I won’t get sick as easily next time. Great post, very informative.
PavementRunner recently posted..Vasque Velocity 2.0 Review
I’m with you about avoiding the junk that just supresses symptoms, I feel like it makes it hang around for longer.
you know i love that last picture! the best medicine ever.
lindsay recently posted..“Oh Snap” Monday
From the ULTIMATE doctor. :)
i agree that sleep and resting is so important! i also like the idea of being good to yourself like eating good clean food and giving yourself sometime to pamper!
Good tips! I think, for me, when I get stressed I need to re-evaluate… what can I control and DO, and what do I need to let go of?
And I need lots of sleep and rest, too, at these times.
I don’t really have anything (other than the blog) that I an pull off my plate right now, but it typically a great suggestion! Life will settle down, I know it. :)
Love your tips! I think I follow all of those regularly…except taking the time to relax. I find relaxing VERY tricky..
On your to-do list for tomorrow: relaxation! :)
I am a vitamin taker and have been for years. They really do make a difference, give me energy and help me stay healthy. I agree with you on the vitamin c as well. When I feel a scratch in my throat I load up on vitamin c and water and it usually keeps the cold away.
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life recently posted..A New Natural Sweetener – Nectresse
So true – Vitamin C is a cold-killer! ;)
sleep makes all the difference here.
100%
that and hand washing :)
(can you tell I have a germy child?)
Miz recently posted..What’s your language of encouragement?
Love this post Heather! Great tips.