Tis Is The Season To Be Jolly (Minus The Flu)

Note: I'm not a registered nurse nor physician, everything in this post is based on personal experience. Also, this is not a sponsored post. All the products I mention here are what I personally use and have been working for me.

Indonesia is a tropical country. Therefore, we don’t have fall nor winter season. However, we do have transition period from dry to rainy season when many children and adults alike can get ill, get down with the flu, and other ailments!

Here are several things I do to avoid those nasty colds and coughs and runny nose for colder season.

Take daily dose of vitamin C. Double or triple your intake when neccessary.

Nowadays, unless you live on an organic farm like some do, not many of us are lucky enough to get enough dose of vitamins and minerals from our food. In contrast, there never have been time when we need more protection against all the bad elements around: pollution, chemical ingredients in food, cosmetics, toiletries, computer and gadget radiation. So, thank God for food supplements!
Usually I take one capsule of multivitamin or one capsule of 500mg vitamin C per day. However, when people around me start sneezing or coughing, or I feel a cold coming, I double or even triple my intake, taking one capsule after each meal, until I’m back to tiptop condition. It’s much better to divide your dose on different times during the day, instead of taking 1000mg all at once. Your body will naturally absorb whatever it needs and dissolve the rest, so taking vitamin C after each meal guarantees that your body will always have the dose it needs at all times.


Layer, layer, layer

Wearing layers is much warmer than just one thick outfit. And you can get creative with layers, which can be really fun! Play with different colors, textures and materials to create a unique look all your own.

You can try color blocking by mixing pink and mint green like I did here.

Or go monochromatic by combining different shades of pink, like in this post.


What about throwing on some knitted long cardi like this?


Winter accessories can really jazz up your whole outfit. Wear that orange hat with flower pin, the purple mitten hidden in your drawer, the red scarf you knitted last year, those cute blue and green socks. The possibilities are endless!


Drink plenty of water.

This will flush out toxin and cleanse your system.



Wash your hands.

We get in contact with people all the time, and when people around us are sick, they can easily transfer the germs through the stuff they touch. So, remember what your Mom taught you when you were little: wash you hands thoroughly! Use sanitizer if needed, especially after using public facilities. You never know who have used the same facility, and you cannot be sure they’re all clean! On the side note, soap and sanitizer make our hands dry, so don’t forget to use your favorite hand lotion afterwards to keep your skin silky smooth.

If needed, take echinacea.

I swear that this herb miraculously empowers immune system, and used to take it during ail season in the US. It’s pretty expensive in Indonesia, so I save them for times when my immune system is in great need for an extra boost. My favorite is Blackmores Echinacea Citrus candy, which I order from Australia in boxed strips. When I start having sore throat, I take one or two, and the symptom is usually gone by the next day.
Change your sheets and toothbrush (many forget about this one) after an illness.


Disinfect your bathroom, doorknobs, phone and cell phone by giving them a good swipe with rubbing alcohol


Last but not least: have enough hours of sleep!

I personally need 7-8 hours of sleep per day (I don’t take naps), while some people can get by with 5-6 hours of sleep. Know the amount of sleep your body needs, and stick with it. From experience, I found that fighting this basic need and trying to lessen my amount of sleep on the name of “disciplining one self” or “more waking hours = doing more, living more”, give me negative effect in the long run. I become crankier, disoriented, moodier, have slower response, think less clearly, and overall my body does function on longer hours but becomes less effective.

Additional precaution: you can opt to have a flu shot. I cannot yet tell you whether or not this is effective, because I just got one myself. I’ll keep you updated later on.



Now you can enjoy the colder season with festive holiday decoration, hot cocoa and happy laughs with your loved ones instead of bad coughs and runny nose!