Winter is a wonderful time to play in the snow, wear cozy sweaters, or eat warm comfort foods like slow-cooked soups – and it’s especially a time for doing all this while connecting with loved ones, or giving food and love to those in need. But winter is also the prime season for “catching a cold”; the saying is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when it literally meant that you could catch your death from the season’s cold weather. We now know that none of those special holiday body, mind, and soul connections are going to actually happen unless you’re able to first keep unwanted common cold or flu pathogens at bay.

Here’s a simple four-step plan to help you and your family meet the cold and flu winter challenge

Even before you deal with the physical part of the plan, don’t let the colder and harsher weather get you down emotionally or physically. Support your emotional well-being using these four simple steps:

1) Use introspection to reflect on your life.

2) Count your blessings.

3) Visualize a beautiful future.

4) Breathe deeply as you picture your dreams coming true.

Take time to consider how you have been feeling and then give yourself a great big “air” hug. Let the hug counter any stressful emotions. Then remind yourself of the many blessings that you encounter every day and see how your face begins to smile. Next, picture the positive outcomes you desire in your life while you add in full and deep breaths to “aerate” and support your vision.

Next, stay physically strong and avoid catching a cold or flu by following these simple tips:

1) Get plenty of quality sleep.

2) Eat hearty and nutritious soups full of oregano, garlic, and basil.

3) Wear a scarf around your neck when outdoors.

4) Wash your hands often.

Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system and makes it easier to catch a cold or flu. Your body restores and repairs itself while sleeping. If you are interested in a really neat, new way to help you and your family stay healthy through the winter holiday season by getting better sleep, check out my Sleep Spot™ Program at HandEnergetics.com.

From a dietary standpoint, eating junk or processed foods taxes your digestive system and can create a toxic environment for your body. Fresh food and herbs like oregano, garlic, and basil are full of nutrition and a great way to fuel your body.

Then there’s the actual problem of “catching a cold” by simply getting too chilled outside and allowing pathogens to enter your system via your nose, mouth, or neck. Wear a scarf to stay warm and to act as a “pathogen-blocker.” Traditional Chinese medicine believes that a scarf is great protector from environmental super bugs that that can weaken your body.

Finally, proper hygiene is essential to avoid spreading cold and flu germs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Be sure to completely dry your hands after cleansing and rinsing.

As an acupuncturist for over 25 years, I have found this four-step approach to combating cold and flu season to be quite effective. Follow the plan and ensure that you and your family enjoy this season’s winter wonderland!

About: Susan Shane has been a licensed acupuncturist since 1994. She is the designer and primary mover of a series of powerful, accessible wellness tools: the Hand Energetics™ program and “Vitality Fusion: a Comparative, Interactive Survey of Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine,” which includes the ExAIRcise™ approach to physical movement. Susan is passionate about teaching others how to be vital and healthy. She looks to empower her audience with personalized tools and techniques that can give everyone a new pathway to optimal health — one in which they are in full control. For more information, visitwww.Handenergetics.com and www.VitalityFusion.com.

#MomLife: You and Your Family vs. Cold and Flu Season

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