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Now that winter is nearly here, many of us start to worry about how many days of sick leave we have, fearing that the various bugs that are prevalent will require us to take time off work to look after our children or ourselves.

Fortunately there are a few ways we can reduce the incidences and severity of illnesses, and they are VERY easy. Firstly, we need to make sure that our bodies are as healthy as possible. We do this by ensuring that we are getting enough good quality sleep; managing our stresses productively; reducing our toxic load, and having a decent diet. Did you tick all of those boxes?

Let’s look at these 5 simple steps individually.

We need to have an average of between 6 – 8 hours a night, although some need more, and some need less. Make sure that you have a routine you follow each night. Try to restrict your exposure to technology like computers and televisions (if you absolutely can’t, use a low back light); have a relaxing warm shower or bath (I love to add a handful of Epsom salts and 3 drops of lavender or doTERRA’s calming blend essential oils); and have a really comfy bed which you use for intimacy and sleep only.

I also have a sleep spray which I mist on my face and pillow before I sleep which has 3 drops each of white fir, cedarwood and lavender essential oils with water (and a pinch of Epsom salts to emulsify). Ensuring you stay asleep can be assisted by earplugs (so you don’t hear your children [sigh]); and having an ultrasonic diffuser running with lavender, dōTERRA’s calming blend or vetiver. As hard as it might be, also try to get up at the same time each morning.

2. Managing Stress

Staying calm is really hard sometimes, especially if you are a busy working mum. You can love your children (and spouse) to the ends of the earth, and still have an overwhelming desire to post them to Timbuktu. I have found a few techniques to help: deep breaths and picturing them as the perfect angels they were when I brought them home, and using my oils. Ylang Ylang over the heart with the mantra ‘I love myself, I love my family’ can calm me down very quickly.

Exercise, particularly in the fresh air and sunshine, is very good at bringing me back to myself, as well as helping with sleep.

You can also use doTerra's Grounding Blend to ground and calm. Apply it to the wrists and back of the neck as often as you need it. It is also good to apply to children to help them stay calm(er).

Having a diffuser running is great as it allows all of the people in the home to benefit, even if they are stubborn children (or husbands!).  Wild orange is a lovely uplifting scent, and adding frankincense can really help with focus and concentration.

3. Reducing Toxic Load

Having a health balanced diet is key to winter wellness.  Be sure to eat a healthy whole food diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. A good diet can ensure you are armed with all the vitamins and minerals which can strengthen your immune system during winter months. You may also want to consider a good quality wholefood supplement. Make sure you do some research before taking any supplement and avoid synthetic supplements wherever possible as our bodies cannot readily absorb them.

I love doTERRA's LifeLong Vitality Pack which includes thefood nutrient complex Microplex VMz   (high in Vitamin A and C), a cellular vitality complex  ALPHA CRS  (which contains turmeric and quercetin) and an essential oil omega complex  xEO MEGA. Click here to read my blog all about these brilliant supplements.

For extra nutrition I add doTERRA's Terragreens or V Shake to my smoothies.  A great multivitamin for kids is doTERRA's A to Z supplements.

I’m pleased to say that since we have been using doTERRA essential oils every day around the home we very rarely get sick, and when we do, we usually bounce back really quickly. If we do get sick, then the very first sign of sniffles or tickly throats I diffuse dōTERRA’s Protective Blend and I apply to our feet every few hours. A hot drink with a drop of protective blend, a few drops of lemon essential oil and a spoonful of raw honey is really soothing and great for immune support.