My "Never Sick" Secret: It Might Surprise You!

The Great Health Conspiracy (or Lack Thereof)

Okay, let's get this out of the way right up front: I'm not one of those people who can say, "Oh, I never get sick." That would be a big ol' fib. I get my fair share of sniffles, sneezes, and the occasional "I'm pretty sure I'm dying" dramas. However, I *do* seem to bounce back pretty quickly, and I definitely don't get knocked down for weeks at a time like some folks I know. So, when people ask me, "What's your secret?" I usually just shrug and say, "Good genes and a healthy dose of denial." But honestly, there's probably more to it than that. I’ve been doing some thinking (dangerous, I know!), and I think I've stumbled upon a few things that might actually make a difference.

Embrace the Chaos (a Little)

This might sound counterintuitive, but I think living in a slightly chaotic environment might be a good thing for my immune system. I'm not talking about living in squalor, mind you! But I’ve never been the most meticulous housekeeper. My theory is this: A little bit of dirt builds immunity. I mean, think about it. Kids who grow up on farms are practically invincible, right? So, maybe my slightly-less-than-spotless existence is secretly giving my immune system a workout. I also have a dog who, let's just say, isn't always the cleanest housemate. He's adorable, but I swear he brings half the backyard into the house with him. Maybe all that extra "stuff" is inadvertently boosting my health!

The Power of "Meh"

Okay, this one's a biggie. I'm a champion worrier. I can find something to stress about in a perfectly sunny day. But, over the years, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that stressing out about every little thing is a recipe for disaster. Not only is it exhausting, but it messes with your immune system something fierce. So, I've adopted a more "meh" attitude towards life. I'm not saying I don't care about things, but I try not to let the little things get to me. Did I burn dinner? Meh, we'll order pizza. Did I accidentally send that email to the wrong person? Meh, hopefully they'll just laugh it off. Did I wear mismatched socks to the grocery store? Okay, that one still mortifies me a little, but you get the idea. Learning to let go of the small stuff has been a game-changer for my overall well-being. And it gives me more energy to focus on decorating!

Find Your Joy (and Hang It on the Wall!)

Speaking of decorating, I truly believe that surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy is essential for good health. For me, that means filling my home with cozy blankets, comfy chairs, and, of course, art that makes my heart sing. I just hung some new art prints for my living room that have these amazing pops of color. When I walk in and see it, it just instantly lifts my mood. I know it sounds silly, but I really think that kind of positive energy contributes to feeling good, both physically and mentally. It's like giving my soul a little hug every day. Plus, a happy soul is a healthier soul, right? I think so! I have always loved how color and art transforms a room - it really changes the feeling and I am certain it can impact my health.

The "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Approach to Exercise

Alright, I'm not going to lie. Exercise is not my favorite thing in the world. I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kind of gal. But, I know it's important, so I try to sneak it in whenever I can. I don't go to the gym or anything fancy like that. Instead, I find ways to incorporate movement into my everyday life. I take the stairs instead of the elevator. I walk the dog for an extra block. I put on some music and dance around the living room while I'm cleaning. The key is to find something you enjoy (or at least don't hate) and make it a habit. And if all else fails, just fake it 'til you make it! Pretend you're having fun, and eventually, you might actually start to enjoy it! Or, at the very least, you'll get a good workout.

The Unsung Hero: Sleep

Oh, sleep. How I love thee, let me count the ways. I am a firm believer in the power of a good night's sleep. When I don't get enough sleep, I'm a cranky, miserable mess. And my immune system is definitely compromised. So, I make sleep a priority. I try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. I create a relaxing bedtime routine. I drink a cup of chamomile tea, read a book, and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. And I make sure my bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. A good mattress and some nice pillows are also essential. Trust me, investing in your sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. Plus, after a good night's sleep, everything just seems a little brighter, doesn't it?

Grandma's Wisdom (and Chicken Soup)

Okay, this one's a classic for a reason. Grandma always knew best. And when it comes to staying healthy, her advice is still spot-on. Eat your vegetables, drink plenty of water, and get some fresh air. It's not rocket science, but it works. And when you do get sick, chicken soup is your best friend. There's something magical about that stuff. It soothes the soul and seems to speed up the healing process. My grandma also swore by gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat, I swear it helps. Although, honestly, sometimes I think the placebo effect is just as powerful as the actual remedy. Whatever works, right? I've always had an affinity for wall decor that reminds me of my family. When I look at these old prints and photographs, I feel like I am transported back to when I was sick with my family caring for me. Sometimes, that is all you need!

The Art of Saying "No"

This one's a tough one for me, but I'm getting better at it. I'm a people-pleaser by nature, so I often find myself saying "yes" to things even when I really don't want to. But I've learned that saying "yes" to everything is a surefire way to burn yourself out. And when you're burned out, your immune system suffers. So, I'm learning to say "no" more often. I'm saying "no" to commitments that drain my energy. I'm saying "no" to people who are toxic. And I'm saying "no" to things that just don't align with my values. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it.

Listen to Your Body (It Knows Best)

This is probably the most important secret of all. Your body is incredibly smart. It knows what it needs. And it will tell you if you listen. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. If you're feeling tired, rest. If you're feeling stressed, relax. If you're feeling hungry, eat. And if you're feeling sick, take care of yourself. Don't ignore your body's warning signs. It's trying to tell you something. The more attuned you are to your body, the better you'll be able to take care of yourself.

So, What's the Verdict?

Okay, so there you have it. My "secrets" to staying relatively healthy. It's not a foolproof system, and I definitely still get sick from time to time. But, I do think these things make a difference. And honestly, even if they don't, they make my life more enjoyable. And that's a pretty good reason to do them, right? So, embrace the chaos, learn to say "meh," surround yourself with joy, sneak in some exercise, prioritize sleep, listen to Grandma, say "no" more often, and listen to your body. And who knows, maybe you'll start feeling a little healthier too.

Bonus Tip: Laugh Often!

Seriously, laughter is the best medicine. Find something that makes you laugh every day, even if it's just a silly meme or a funny cat video. Laughter reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and just makes you feel good. So, go ahead, let out a good belly laugh. Your body (and your soul) will thank you for it.

The Final Thought

Ultimately, staying healthy is about finding what works for you. These are just a few things that have worked for me. Experiment, find what you enjoy, and create a healthy lifestyle that makes you happy. And don't forget to add a little bit of bright wall art to your life for an extra dose of joy. Because, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good piece of art? It’s all connected