How To Stop A Cold In Its Tracks
I always know to brace for the worst whenever I feel a seasonal cold coming on. That is the interesting thing about colds - you can always sense their arrival a day or so before the going really gets rough, and the symptoms turn out in full force. For me, I usually tend to wake up to a sore throat or a stuffy nose, and I just know that I am about to get hit with another bout of sickness.
Considering how adept colds are at sapping up all of your energy, it is very easy to simply resign yourself to the fact that a cold is on its way, and all you can do is wait for it to arrive and wreak havoc on your body. However, it turns out that we really don't have to be as powerless as this. As I learned from a very helpful and informative article post by Care 2, there are ways to stop a cold dead in its tracks, and to prevent it from getting any worse. Here is what I learned from the article.
If the weather is changing by getting colder, prepare yourself by keeping warm, since cold temperatures are directly related to colds. Dress warmly even if the sun is out; at the very least, bring a hat or a light sweater with you and keep it in your car if you should need it later. As for staying at home, this is just one more great excuse to get cozy under a warm blanket with a mug of hot tea or cocoa.
Add honey into your diet, since it is not only very soothing to the throat, but it is loaded with antioxidants that can fight off a cold faster than many medications can. I have been known to swallow a tablespoon or two of raw honey each day, especially on days when I feel under the weather, in order to feel just a bit better.
Still, in addition to getting plenty of sleep, there is one healthy habit in particular that has the best chance of keeping you safe during cold and flu season. The habit I am referring to is of course hand washing. The simple act of washing your hands at crucial times in the day can be enough to spare you from the worst symptoms of a cold. Wash before and after eating, after touching public surfaces, and after using the restroom.