Ohhh the lurgy.....

Eat Light Meals:

You may be off the food anyway and that is natures way of keeping your system clear to help fight infection and stress rather than using energy to digest a heavy meal. When poorly eat very light but often to keep your energy up. Homemade soups are best (not the creamy variety though as the dairy produce in those may create more phlegm).

You may want to do this anyway when ill but if you have trouble nodding off because of the symptoms try inhaling some drops of lavender aromatherapy oil on a hanky or put into a bathwater you can soak in before bedtime. Avoid tea and coffee in the 1 latter part of the day and don't watch scary films or the news in the evening as the increase in adrenaline and fear will arouse you too much and stop you from relaxing and falling off to sleep.

Immune boosting supplements:

If you think that gulping down jugs of orange juice will stave off a cold think again:
if your immune system is low or you are run down anyway no amount of vitamin C will help. Instead take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement all year round.

Research has shown that ongoing stress can have a detrimental effect on the immune system. Whilst we may not be able to changes or stop the challenges that life presents to us we can take steps to soothe and calm the nervous system. You may not want to hear the dirty 'E' word but exercise will really enhance your immune strength. You don't have to go the gym but regular walks even in cold weather ( wrap up warm with hats and scarves ) will help to increase endorphins and make you feel calm and restored. Research shows that those taking 30minutes of moderate activity a day ( walking, dancing ) had 35 per cent less chance of catching a cold

De-stress: Meditation

If there is one tip that you incorporate into your daily life from here, let it be this because meditation has been shown again and again to be the most powerful way to soothe both mind and body.

A recent study showed those who took up meditation following a flu vaccine had more antibodies in their system than those who did not meditate. More than this meditation can reduce blood pressure and help fight heart disease. It can also help lift your mood, release tension, let go of small frustrations and anxieties and give you an overall positive outlook on life.

All you really need is 5 to 10 minutes every day, just sit in a quiet space, bring your attention to your breath, take in five deep breaths and focus on yourself, you could count down from 100 backwards or you can say a calming word like 'calm' over and over again like a mantra or just put on a relaxing or classical music CD and drift off.

Conflict at home or at work:

You may not think its possible but if you are in conflict in your relationship or at work your immune system may be suffering. Inability to speak your mind, express yourself or to be heard have a profound effect on the mind/body system. Research shows that being able to communicate and express your self has an immediate effect on the increase of infection fighting cells in the body. Speak to a couples counsellor if there is a communication problem in your relationship.
Learn assertiveness skills to tackle issues at work. Speak to supportive colleagues and inform yourself of your legal rights at work. If you are being bullied seek professional help.

Loving friends and laughter:

One of the best ways to boost your immunity immediately is to be happy! So get together with friends on a regular basis and watch your favourite comedy film or comedian. Laughter releases endorphins, increases antibodies and exercises the core muscles in your stomach area. It also helps release tension from the chest, gives the face muscles a workout and helps you to feels 'safe' and connected.

Gut reaction:

When I was a little girl when my father used to say ' the root of all ill health is in an unhealthy gut' I would roll my eyes and think ' what does he know?'
Well I now know he knew a lot! The main part of the lymphatic system lies in the guts. An unhealthy diet, sluggish bowel movements and constipation can lead overall to a sluggish system. So eat healthy, whole foods, learn to cook from scratch, share long, leisurely meals with friends, and be happy!

And finally....Hug someone!

Obviously not too much of this when you do actually have the flu or cold but on a regular basis it is in your interest to become a 'touchy feely person' as the act of hugging has been shown to lift mood, increase immune function and
give a sense of feeling connected and at ease in the world.