Happy & Healthy

ALSO SNOTTY COLD? THIS IS HOW YOU HANDLE IT

Yeah, I know. Whine, complain, moan. But do you know how incredibly annoying it is when that runny nose suddenly becomes your bestie with whom you wake up and go to bed? I mean, the sultry Katja Schuurman voice is hot as hell, but talking fourteen octaves lower with a smoker's cough is anything but tempting, trust me.

Today again. I arrive at the editorial office and half of the liebe leute doesn't feel quite like themselves, even eh Jet. I'm all runny nose, Josselin has a rasping sore throat and a mountain of Antigrippine on her desk, and the only one who seems to escape the dance is our Mayke. Can't get sick, that woman. On the street, everyone seems to be coughing, spluttering, and sneezing. With kind regards from autumn. Also known as: the snot season.

Because I really don't feel like this (and you probably don't either), it's time for action. The Great Snot Action Plan, First Aid for Total Misery, Snotmayzine to the Rescue. Call it what you want, here we go.

Step 1: your lifestyle

It's time for drastic measures if we want to send Mrs. Snot out the door as soon as possible. So let's pay attention to our lifestyle. Early to bed it is, because you know: sleep is the best medicine for everything. Otherwise, take a warm bath to loosen up your stiff muscles. Besides: you can't taste anything anyway, so you might as well leave those new flavors of Tony’s Chocolonely alone. Eat super healthy with lots of vegetables and vitamins, and you'll feel better much faster.

“With kind regards from autumn.”

Step 2: steam, steam, steam

That runny nose really needs to go. The best way to do this is by steaming, as it can also prevent a sinus infection. What to do? Pour boiling water into a large bowl. Add chamomile, eucalyptus, and thyme to loosen the mucus and soothe the sore throat. Drape a towel over your head and hang over the bowl for five to ten minutes. Inhale the steam through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this twice a day. Furthermore: nasal spray is your new best friend. Use it for a maximum of a week, we don't want any crazy addictions.

Step 3: your clothing

Now I thought this morning that I was going out in pajama pants with sneakers and a baggy sweater. But honestly: you feel pretty rough in the office in that. Wear super fun clothes that are preferably a bit warm at the feet. And otherwise, just put on those Uggs under your desk for a bit? Furthermore: keep your throat warm. Immediately a reason to buy that cool winter scarf.

Step 4: the do's and don'ts regarding food

It has been proven that fresh ginger and garlic have a healing effect on your body, as the germs are killed by their spiciness. Do you have a nasty cough? Then avoid products like yogurt, milk, and bread, as they will cause you to produce extra mucus, making the coughing even worse. And perhaps most importantly: during a cold, you lose a lot of fluids. Drink double the amount of water these days. And, I'm afraid you'll just have to ride it out. Good luck, girlfriends.

Cheers,

The less fortunate sister of Katja.