While we don’t want to admit it, flu season is approaching. Having colds will become the norm. Sniffles, runny noses, and coughs will appear, and plans may be canceled due to sickness.

We as mothers will have to deal with this. We’ll have to navigate these waters again, and even thinking about it can make our stomachs hurt.

We hate to see our precious children sick. We don’t like missing events and get-togethers. We sometimes struggle to know how to care for our loved ones when they fall ill, and we may battle anxiety and fear when they do.

These struggles are real. They are hard. And some may be inevitable.

But Mama, you’re not alone.

Before we even begin flu season, I want to take a few minutes to talk about how we can prepare now. We don’t have to enter the coming months blindly. We don’t have to be afraid or ill-equipped. And we can choose now to be proactive.

There are a million things we can’t control, and yet there are a few things we can. We can do things today to prepare for difficult tomorrows.

We don’t have to be people who worry.

But we can walk in wisdom.

Today, I want to share with you 10 Ways to Fight Flu Season Before It Begins. Most of these can be applied to your kids as well!

Are you ready?

10 Ways to Fight Flu Season.

1. Dress warmly.

The weather is changing, and it can be tempting to keep dressing like summer every day. While there are warm days and while there will be hints of summer for a while, there is also a lot of cooler weather setting in. We’ll need sweaters, long pants, jackets, and socks. I know it takes more effort to bundle up on those cool mornings, but trust me, it’s worth it.

2. Prioritize sleep.

I could do better at this. And truly, it’s easier said than done. But we need to prioritize sleep. While we may choose to stay up later sometimes or have to be up caring for kids, etc., we can also choose to be proactive in getting sleep. Strong immune systems are better able to fight off sickness, and getting enough sleep helps keep them that way.

3. Don’t overcommit.

We can fill our schedules with endless playdates, activities, and important tasks to get done, so much so that we end up too busy. We stress, feel overwhelmed, burn out, and get sick.

So here’s a friendly reminder. Don’t overcommit. Allow for margin in your life. Your body will thankyou for it.

4. Cook with broth.

Chicken or beef broth is a nutritious way to boost our immune systems. I love using broth to cook rice. I also enjoy adding it to stew and soup. Some people even drink it like tea! Broth is delicious and so good for you.

5. Eat raw garlic.

Unlike broth, straight raw garlic is hard to stomach. It’s not very appealing, but it’s a proverbial kick in the butt for my immune system. It’s a powerhouse, and if I’m feeling in the least bit sick, I will chop up some raw garlic in tiny pieces and swallow it with a drink of water.

Be warned: Don’t do this on an empty stomach.

Though nasty, it’s a quick, effective, and natural way to ward off colds. And I’m here for that.

6. Take a multivitamin.

My toddler takes multivitamins, and doing so is a great way to keep your body strong. Giving your body vitamins and minerals it needs helps support your overall health. It strengthens your immune system so that it can fight off disease in the future.

7. Limit refined sugar.

We’ve all heard it said that sugar weakens our immune systems, so if at all possible, cut down on refined sugar. Opt instead for honey, natural maple syrup, and fruits high in vitamin C. Give your kids blueberries and oranges, and cut back on the processed cookies and chocolate (though it is delicious). Your health will benefit.

8. Get outside.

There’s nothing like basking in the sunshine and getting some fresh air to bolster our physical wellbeing. We get essential Vitamin D. We are reminded of God’s goodness and wisdom through the world he made.

We don’t need to stay inside all day, even if we’re sick. We can go outside with our kids. We can go on a walk if we’re up for it. Or we can simply open our doors and take a deep breath. God created a wonderful world, and we can experience his care through being in His creation. How cool is that?

9. Drink water.

Stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle, and drink from it often. The more you do it, the more you’ll crave it. Drinking water will stop feeling like a chore, and you’ll be more hydrated than before.

10. Set your mind on God.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Meditating on Scripture and rejoicing in the Lord is an incredible way to be healthy from the inside out. This isn’t a prosperity gospel. This isn’t saying that you can believe your way out of sickness. A lot of really godly people suffer immensely.

However, Scripture shows that there IS a connection between the spirit and the body. What we think about affects how we physically feel.

So let’s be women who trust God. Let’s not live in fear of sickness, injury, or the future in general. Let’s rejoice in the God of our salvation and think on His Word every day.

That is true health.

Yes, flu season is approaching, but that doesn’t mean we need to panic. As believers, we know who holds the future, and we know who holds us and our children. We can trust the Lord, and we can prepare and strengthen our bodies for whatever may come.