Your throat is itchy, your nose is runny, your body aches. And you think, “”Oh no, this is the worst time to get sick!” You have deadlines, a big date, tons of things going on at work and home — no way are you going to spend the rest of the week in bed. Need to get well, fast? Here are easy and natural ways to fight the cold or flu, from healthy habits to probiotic supplements.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is the best medicine. While you catch zzz’s, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines which can fight infection. Constant sleep deprivation lowers cytokine levels, so even a small sniffle can easily escalate into a bad cough and cold.

If you’re too busy to get sick, then you need to make sure that you at least get 8 to 10 hours of quality sleep. If you have a hard time falling asleep, read about 7 apps that can help conquer insomnia and stress. If you sleep but still wake up tired, find out how to get more quality sleep.

Manage your stress levels

Stress releases a hormone called cortisol that weakens your immune system.Unfortunately, a lot of us are constantly stressed — even to the point that stress is our new normal.

That’s why the best way to stay healthy and productive is to manage your stress and take care of yourself — every single day! Give yourself at least one hour of Me Time where you do something you really enjoy. YOu can:

  • Exercise. Workouts or even dancing in your bedroom releases endorphins or happy hormones.
  • Treat yourself to a facial. It’ll do wonders for your skin — and your confidence! (Check out some of the top three facials in Sngapore that made such a huge difference that we felt like we were in a before-and-after makeover. You can also check our Singapore beauty salon directory to find the nearest pampering treatment near you!

If you’re super busy at work, then find a way to at least emotionally disengage. It’s not your workload that’s stressing you out, it’s worrying about it! Stop thinking about worst-case scenarios and just take things one at a time. Here are other ways to manage stress and make sure nothing (or nobody) ruins your day.

Get a massage

Massages are super relaxing — and also one of the best ways to fight a cold or flu. Several studies, including one done by the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, found that 45-minute massages can increase your lymphocytes. These are white blood cells that play an important role in fighting infection and disease.

So get a massage when you’re feeling sick, and promise to treat yourself to one at least once a week! Check out these super affordable Singapore spas that give massages under $80.

Take probiotic supplements

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can keep your digestive system and immune system in top shape. There are even studies that probiotics can make your skin look better! (Is that why all the Kdramas have their actors/actresses drinking probiotic drinks like they’re water?) Other research indicate that probiotics supplements can strengthen the heart and help you lose belly fat.

You can get probiotics in some food like yoghurt, kimchi, tempeh and miso. However, most of us don’t get enough probiotics every day. Medicines can also lower your body’s natural probiotic levels, because they kill both good and bad bacteria. Doctors may even recommend taking probiotics right after you’ve had a cold or flu.

So now is the best time to take probiotic supplements. We recommend the award-winning supplement, Holistic Way Probiotic 75 Billion.

Holistic Way Probiotics Supplements
Beauty Insider 2019 Awards: Best Supplement (Nutrition)

Holistic Way Probiotic 75 Billion is a nutritional supplement that contains a premium blend of 12 powerful probiotic strains. This includes the special HOWARU® Restore probiotic blend, which was developed from years of clinical research.

Holistic Way also uses a special delayed release technology (DRT) so that the probiotics survive the stomach’s acidic environment. In this way, you guarantee that you’re getting the probiotics that you need every single day.

While anyone can benefit from a probiotic supplement, you especially need it if you have a weaker immune system or have digestion problems (like gassiness, constipation, or belly bloat).