\u201cYeah, there\u2019s something going around\u201d, they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll good, work from home\u201d, they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ugh, nope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You said: you\u2019re feeling 10\/10 rotten. The sniffles are here with a vengeance and you\u2019re not in the mood to deal with anyone or anything other than your pillow. Working is not an option. Standing up? Nope. You are bed. Bed is you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the mercury sinks closer to the single digits, we edge closer to flu season. We\u2019re feeling the chills and we\u2019re already wishing our way into spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our bodies will cop it and honestly, anything that\u2019ll help you shift the sniffles is something worth considering. Keep an eye on your immune system<\/a> and get ready to shift yourself back into priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And honestly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritising yourself means looking after your mental health as much as your physical health. Colds and flu can mix up with pre-existing mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety) which can leave you feeling doubly rotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, a poor headspace can suppress the body\u2019s ability to fight certain infections. A cloud can set in and the brain can get muddled while your immune system is working hard to fight off infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your body produces less melatonin and serotonin (the hormones affecting sleep and mood) in winter, which can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). <\/p>\n\n\n\n SAD is a wave of depression brought on by a change in the seasons. Symptoms usually develop in autumn or winter and can include: a lack of energy, oversleeping, overeating, anxiety and a loss of interest in regular activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are sure fire ways to keep your mental health in check and leave you feeling spritely as your come out of the other end of flu season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop scrolling.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Where possible, try to remove yourself from social media. Photos of your pals enjoying life while you’re stuck in bed will only make you feel worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But stay connected.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chances are you\u2019re feeling rubbish and don\u2019t feel up for a chat. But do your best to keep in contact with friends, family and work colleagues (virtually, that is). They\u2019re most likely worried about you and can drop off snacks and treats, as well as bits and pieces to help you feel fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same goes for others who are experiencing cold and flu symptoms. Call or message family or friends who might be feeling a bit worse for wear and drop off the feel good snacks and treats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have your cake and eat it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t forget your greens\u2026 and your reds\u2026 and yellows\u2026 and oranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might be mighty tempting to stuff your face with all the greasy goods but balance is key. Eat a rainbow for every meal and not only will you feel proud of yourself, you\u2019re also making your plate look pretty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make like the Danes and get cosy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite spending half of the year blanketed in a frosty darkness, Scandinavian countries repeatedly top the ranks of the World Happiness Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hygge<\/em> is the magic word. It translates to \u2018cosiness\u2019 and means \u2018wellbeing\u2019 and is way more than a crackling fire or a warm hug. It\u2019s an attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s that special feeling you get when you chuck on the heating and cosy up with a toasty blanket, a good book and your pyjamas. The number one rule: commit to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll thank us later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a flu shot.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prevention is better than cure. Stop the flu before you spread it (and have to endure it) with an annual flu shot from your local Blooms The Chemist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the friendly Blooms The Chemist Pharmacists will administer your flu vaccination. If you\u2019re already suffering, they\u2019ll be able to help you with a game plan to get you back on the horse and back in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist is sometimes the most accessible health professional if you\u2019re looking for health advice for body and mind. Your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist has completed mental health first aid training to help listen and point you or someone you know in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book your annual flu vaccination at Blooms The Chemist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Presented in partnership with Blooms The Chemist<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n