5 Cheap Tips To Fight Off a Cold This Winter

We are getting closer to winter, but it's starting to feel like it, so that means cold season is already here. If you want to avoid getting sick, here are some easy tips. Just a note that most of these tips cost no extra money and most are natural ways to fight off a cold.First, this seems strange but blow your nose often — and the right way. This is important. You need to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. However, when you blow too hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.

Second, this is simple and you can do it multiple ways....gargle. Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. There are different things you can add to warm water to make it better such as a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, or one tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one teaspoon of honey (just wait till it's cooler before gargling). You will want to gargle at least 4 times a day as well when you're sick.

Third, set up a steamy hot shower for yourself. Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby or sit in the tub and take in the steam to clear your nose.

Fourth, apply hot or cold packs around your congested sinuses. Whatever temperature is comfortable, that's what you should use. You can make your own by taking a damp washcloth and heat it for 20 seconds at a time in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's not too hot). For a cold pack, you can use a frozen food bag or simply damp a washcloth and put it in a plastic bag and freeze it.

Fifth, this might sound simple but meditate. Obviously you will already be resting a lot, but studies show that stress hurts your ability to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season. Daily meditation can help eliminate stress and help you stay calm. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing for a few minutes. So try to keep stress at bay, which I know is easier said than done.

You should still be taking medicine in addition to all of these things if you need it, and make sure to take your temperature daily to make sure your fever doesn't run too high. If your fever runs high, you will want to go to the doctor. You can see more here from WebMD.