The Magic Minute Episode 7: How to Kick The Sick

This week on the Magic Minute: how to kick the sick! There's so much you can do in the first 24 hours of being sick to make it pass quickly. Check out our video: 

1. hydrate like crazy. 80+ oz, tea counts

2. greens, greens, greens. The more the better, get them in at least 2x/day

3. Apple cider vinegar (not all are created equal, love Vermont Organic, it's way smoother than Braggs) or Fire Cider  or a ginger lemon shot from your local juice bar.

4. Sweat it out! A hot bath with Pursoma's bath salts is fantastic and I love an infrared sauna like higherDOSE.

5. REST!! Take the day off of work and sleep. Your body needs to recalibrate, so take it as a sign to have a day of Netflix. 

Beyond what we discussed in our video, Kaylee has some tips too!

Tongue scraping is an Ayurvedic tool that helps rid yourself of toxins that build up overnight while you sleep -- you know, that white gooey layer on your tongue in the mornings?! To prevent myself from getting sick, I make sure to tongue scrape before brushing my teeth daily. If you brush your tongue, it just moves the gunk around, so consider investing in a tongue scraper, you can get one on Amazon for $4-10 (I personally like Dr. Tung's since it comes with a carrier bag. Tré sophisticated. Not.)

Also, investing in a neti pot can do wonders! Neti pots help clear out excess mucus and debri from nasal passages. It's also an Ayurvedic practice that can be used daily, and it's particularly helpful when you have a cold or other sinus issues. Make sure to read up on how to use it properly and to make sure it's the right practice for you. These are so mainstream at this point, you can pick one up at your local pharmacy/Duane Reade. 

And if you're looking for a physical pose, Reclining Bound Angle / Butterfly (supta baddha konasana) is a great restorative posture for when you're not feeling great, but still want some yoga practice in your life. It's a major relaxer, it stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system (the system that tells us "it's time to chill"), stretches the inner thighs, opens the hips, enhances circulation to the vital organs in the lower belly (particularly the ones in charge of elimination and reproduction) and is an incredibly soothing chest opener (not bad for when you have a chest cold!) Be careful if you have any knee injuries or back pain, which is also why I love to use props, like bolsters and blankets. I like Yoga Journal's  detailed guide on getting into the posture if you're trying this at home. 

Speaking of being home, find yourself without blocks? Use a stack of books! No bolster? Grab a pillow from your couch! This photo shows how to get crafty if you're not ready to invest in studio style props.

Light some candles and turn on the heat (especially in the winter, if you're staying in the position for 10 mins or so, can get chilly when you're not moving). If you want some extra support, put a book or two under your thighs/knees or belt yourself from waist to feet to help your knees from slipping too far out. Place a folded blanket under your head, and place one on top of you to get nice and cozy. And... Voila! A restorative oasis in your living room. Or bedroom. Or bathroom. (Hey, anywhere that works when you're feeling sick, right?) 

Let us know what you do when you're feeling sick, and what helps you!