Whatever that means for you, take care of yourselves. If you’re reading this, you’re family! Take care of your immune systems. Get plenty of rest, and don’t be afraid to use a little of nature’s medicine to help prevent illness or protect you. There have been many reports of people getting through the sickness, and I have to think those people who are having a milder experience are just healthier in general. Take your elderberry syrup, your Emergen-C, whatever speaks to you and is your go-to for boosting your immune health.

We have local honey infused with organic elderberries and I swear it’s helping me feel strong. It might just be mental, but I’ll take it for now. I also really like Emergen-C and it usually prevents me from getting sick, so I’m taking doses of that too. The usual suspects like tea, soup and juice come into play here too, and we just bought a bag of Bob’s Red Mill’s vegetable soup mix. I haven’t tried it yet, but I think this week I’ll spike it with some fresh veggies and cook it up.

Hot baths and showers will make you feel good whether you’re sick or not, and a little eucalyptus or peppermint oil can make for a lung-opening experience. Nourishing food will not only help keep your immunity strong, but it will also help you heal if you do get sick. Also, remember what your parents said and get plenty of fluids! Drink, drink, drink and stay hydrated.

Please, don’t underestimate the power of rest. This is a stressful time for all of us. We’re experiencing shortages at our local stores, the fear of the unknown and are preparing for this thing we don’t completely understand. Give yourself permission to rest and rejuvenate, and really take care of yourself. You don’t want to make yourself sick from worry or from bad habits now. Now is the time to really indulge in self-care and good habits, and surround yourself with as much health and wellness as you can.

I hope you all stay healthy and I’m sending love to all of you. If you do get sick, stay home and rest. We’ll all be here when you’re better.

With love,

Laura