I Got Lazy
5 Ways I’m Refocusing This Summer
Any time you get a cold in the summer, it just feels wrong. It feels like you're getting ripped off from those precious summer days.
Other people are riding bikes past your window while you're inside coughing, drinking tea, and wondering how this happened.
I'm a week into battling a cold and, naturally, I've gone down the research rabbit hole. I’d been around two kiddos with colds recently, so I'm not surprised I caught it.
But now I have two goals:
Get rid of this thing as quickly as possible.
Do everything I can to prevent the next one.
So here's my healthy-person, immune-supporting game plan based on reading way too many articles about colds, recovery timelines, natural remedies, and general wellness.
(And a reminder: I'm not a medical professional, just someone who has spent an unreasonable amount of time researching how to stay healthy.)
1. Hydrate Like It's My Job
Not just when I’m sick, but all the time.
I admit that I get lazy about drinking enough water. I have the best intentions, but life gets busy, and I forget to keep sipping throughout the day.
Staying well-hydrated helps your body function at its best, especially when you're fighting off an illness.
A few simple ideas I’ve been using:
Keep a water bottle with me at all times.
Eat hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
Make soup more often. (I always remember how much I love soup when I actually make it.)
2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Most of us fall into routines when it comes to food. We buy the same produce every week and rarely branch out.
My grocery cart is about to look very different.
I'm making a point to focus on variety, starting with whatever is in season and then adding my usual staples. Different fruits and vegetables provide different nutrients, so mixing things up can only help.
Right now, cherries are at their peak. They're packed with anthocyanins. Antioxidant-rich pigments, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and they're also a natural source of melatonin, which may support better sleep.
3. Adding More Variety to My Meals
Routine is helpful. Jonathan and I eat mostly the same meals every week. It reduces decision fatigue and makes healthy eating easy for us.
But there's a balance.
I realized that I may rely on the same meals a little too often, which means I'm probably missing out on some nutritional variety.
For breakfast, instead of a smoothie six or seven days a week, why not rotate in a bowl of oatmeal topped with honey and eggs on the side?
Oatmeal contains beta-glucan and zinc, which support immune function.
Honey has natural antimicrobial properties.
Eggs provide high-quality protein and important nutrients, including zinc.
For dinner, instead of rice every single night, we can mix in foods like:
Sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamin A.
Garlic mashed potatoes, because garlic has long been celebrated for its health benefits.
Roasted vegetables seasoned with ginger and turmeric. Two spices known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Limiting Sugary and Highly Processed Foods
For the most part, this comes naturally to me. But when life gets busy, sometimes it’s harder.
I'll grab a Clif bar with added sugar, snack on chips before dinner, or reach for whatever is easiest.
I'm trying to be more intentional about those choices.
Instead of protein bars, maybe it's:
An apple or banana. Apples are hydrating, and bananas are high in potassium.
Greek / Icelandic Yogurt for their probiotics.
Bell peppers while cooking dinner. They're hydrating and packed with antioxidants.
I’m not trying to be perfect about it, but I’m trying to make the best choices I can.
5. Prioritize Sleep
We talk about the benefits of sleep all the time on our Podcast.
Sleep is when your body repairs, recovers, and strengthens your immune defenses. Consistently getting enough high-quality sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
I’m committed to getting over this cold, and avoiding the next one!
I hope the tips in this email help you too.
Have a great day,
Blakley
P.S. - I originally said I was going to write about workout equipment ideas for you today, but for now I’m going to get rid of this cold and get back to a healthy me!
P.P.S - If you need a coach to help you get or stay in shape this summer, let’s talk! Click the button below, or hit reply to start the conversation.