How to Get Rid of a Cold

So it's sorta hard to think of self-improvement topics when I am at home, sitting on the couch in my pyjamas, sick with a cold. I have already missed several days of school and my main focus right now is getting better so I can return to class. 

There is nothing fun about having a cold, and the shorter the time I have to be sick the better.  I have taken several over the counter medications with no relief. But I keep thinking that there must be something out there that will get rid of my cold symptoms fast. So I took it to Google to try out possible cold remedies that I will share with you. 

I know under age drinking isn't cool, but once in a while for medicinal purposes (and with parental consent) shouldn't hurt. My grandmother's home remedy was to take a sip or two of brandy, which she says coats the throat to help quiet a cough. I don't know if I was coughing, but I know I slept a lot. 

Sleeping is also something people say to do when you're sick. Although for a while I never understood why sleeping was so important when you're ill.  Well Google answered that for me... actually a nurse on ca.answers.yahoo.com, answered it for me. See, she says you need more rest, because your body heals itself while you sleep, and the longer you sleep, the more time you give your body to replenish itself. It all makes sense now.

Another thing you should keep in mind is to have warm liquids, such as soup or tea. The ideal tea to drink when you are sick is Chamomile or Elderflower tea. I found it tasted better when I added all natural honey, which also helps to soothe the throat. Several sources say to eat soup when sick, not simply for the nutrition, but because the steam from the hot soup helps clear congestion and keeps you hydrated. 

It is also recommended to take a hot bath to sweat out the cold. Like I just said, steam is super beneficial when sick because it acts as a de-congestant.

To help with congestion when you are sleeping, it is recommended to use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist. It is also suggested to use saline nasal rises to eliminate mucus, but I think this sounds so disgusting, I was not willing to try it. 

Another home remedy that my grandmother showed me was the benefit of gargling salt water to help soothe a sore or scratchy throat temporarily. 



Most people think that vitamin C helps quickly get rid of a cold, but unless you're consuming a large amount it won't do anything. Vitamins can help prevent a cold if taken prior to becoming sick. 

Another thing people assume is that it is possible to get rid of a cold in as little as 24 hours; but they're wrong. Unless you have super healing powers you can not completely get rid of a cold in such little time. A common cold generally lasts a week to ten days, before symptoms are gone.  


In reviewing all the information online, I would have to say that the most effective methods to get rid of a cold for me were to drink lots of fluids, use a humidifier, and get lots of rest. I hope none of my readers get sick this season, but if you do, feel free to try out any of these remedies.  

Sources: 
https://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110212192343AAz6F4x
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/11/19-things-that-can-help-us-feel-better-when-were-sick/

How to Improve Your Sleep

With life’s stressors and extreme use of electronics, we are getting less restful sleeping.  Facts state that adults need more than 8 hours sleep and adolescents require up to 10 hours of sleep a night.  The decreased amount of sleep effects concentration, happiness, and one’s general health.  

Here are 6 simple ways to help you improve your sleep. 

Maintain a sleep routine.  Try to go to bed at the same time each night; even if it’s the weekend.  Once a bedtime routine is started, your body will automatically shift to go into a sleep mode. 

Consider the environment. Make sure your room is comfortable and not too hot. A cooler room helps deepen sleep.  You can sleep sounder when the mattress, sheets, and comforter are made of good quality.  It is important to block out distractions such as noise and light.  Make the room as dark as possible; this helps notify the brain that it’s time to sleep.  A fan can act as white noise to drowned out any sounds that are distracting. 

Limit the electronics. I know you don’t want to hear this, but hear me out. I know that not having my phone at my fingertips can cause distress, but research shows that constantly relying on my phone affects my quality of sleep. Aside from the distraction of scrolling social media feeds and electronic games that waste hours of our time, the blue light from computers, cell phones and televisions stimulate the brain to stay awake.  By removing all electronics from the bedroom, you are less distracted and you can focus on sleeping.  

Clear your mind. If you are anything like me, I find my mind does not shut off when it is time to sleep.  If anything, the quietness just magnifies my thoughts.  Suggestions to slow wondering and racing thoughts include setting aside time during my day to address worries; or have a note pad beside the bed to write down thoughts that need attention the next day.  Give yourself permission to deal with worries and racing thoughts tomorrow.

Learn to relax. Tense muscles can ruin sleep. A technique called ‘’progressive muscle relaxation’’ helps you recognize the difference between tense and relaxed muscles by making you focus on tensing specific muscle groups then releasing the tension.  This technique can also help stop wondering thoughts by making you refocus on your muscles. 

Eat healthy foods and exercise.  Even though a healthy lifestyle is encouraged, it is recommended that you avoid eating a heavy meal before bed because it takes too much energy to process it.  Exercise within 3 hours of bed can cause an increase in endorphins that stimulates the brain and keeps you awake. 

sources and other information: 

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/exercise/should-you-work-out-before-bed?page=1

https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/electronics-the-bedroom

https://sleepfoundation.org/media-center/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times

And my mom - Jane Gagnon  (Registered Clinical Social Worker) 

Introduction

Hi my name is Lauren i'm 15 years old and my mom is a registered social worker. I know you may be asking "Lauren what does your mom have to do with your blog?" well growing up with her has been anything but boring and she has taught me different ways to help myself grow as a person, including how to be more social, relax in stressful times even different ways to boost my happiness and I intend to share everything she has taught me thought this self-improvement blog.

In this blog I intend on informing you on different way to make yourself a better you. This blog will include multiple tips and trick that I like to use and that I think would be help full to you too.


Different entrees you will find in this blog include:
-how to sleep better,
-how to feel happier,
-how to be more relaxed,
-ways to bust stress,
-how to eat healthy,

-how to boost self-esteem,

-how to manage time, 

-and more..

This blog is not intended to anyone in specific and so it is for anyone to read. There will be no gender specific entries meaning there will not be any specific topics for females or males only. (i.e.: girly ways to improve your makeup, how to improve your hair styles or ways to make girls attracted to you etc.) I would like to also state that this blog will not be age specific meaning it will not be addressed only to teenagers or adults. In other words, this blog will be for anyone and everyone willing to read it.

So in conclusion, I hope that the things I've learned from my mother that I intend on sharing with you in this blog can help you on your journey of self-improvement.

See ya next time,
Lauren