According to the map of influenza in the United States, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has experienced, or will experience this year’s strain: H3N2.

• Stay at least three feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your hands away from your face – and far from your mouth and nose
• Clean communal surfaces DAILY
• Get plenty of rest
• R-E-L-A-X: stress weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable

Self-Care for Battling the Flu

*New York Times Kate Murphy – read full article HERE

Drink lots of fluids: Experts say drink a cup or two of water or other liquids every hour, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
Stay sitting up vs. lying down: Lying flat collapses your lungs so you can’t cough as efficiently, trapping bacteria in your respiratory tract
Get as much fresh air as you can
As soon as you feel symptoms coming on, quarantine yourself – avoid contact with family members, friends and colleagues for at least 48 hours after your fever breaks

 

Mindful Activities for Emotional Well-being

*Everyday SEL by Carla Tatillo Philibert

Seated Arm Stretch

First: Sit on the edge of your chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Lift your arms to a “T” position

Then: Raise your arms above your head and interlace your fingers

Next: Flip your palms to the ceiling and relax your shoulders, moving them down and away from your ears

Last: Close your eyes and take five deep, slow yoga breaths. Yoga breathing is when you pull a calm, relaxing breath from deep inside your body. Then slowly lower your arms

Memory Minute

First: Sit with a tall spine and roll your shoulder back three times.

Then: Visualize a blank sheet of paper and clear your mind of all thoughts.

Next: Set a timer for 1 minute. For this minute sit in silence and focus on your breath, the blank sheet of paper, or anything that calls to you.

Last: At the sound of the timer, gently open your eyes, take a stretch and finish with a yoga breath.