Never Sick? My Secret Is Probably Just Dumb Luck

Seriously, What IS Their Secret?

Okay, so I’m sitting here, sipping my tea (lemon and honey, naturally, because the weather *threatened* to change and I sneezed twice), and I got to thinking about something that's been bugging me for ages. You know those people who just… don’t get sick? The ones who breeze through flu season like it’s a mild Tuesday? It’s not fair, right?

I swear, I look at a snowflake sideways and I’m down for the count. My husband? He could probably lick a doorknob on a crowded subway and be totally fine. What gives? Is it vitamins? Karma? Some secret pact with the germ gods?

The Quest for Answers

I decided to do some "research." Which, in my world, means asking everyone I know (and a few people I don't) if they have any magical immunity tips. The responses were… varied.

• My friend Carol swears it’s all about apple cider vinegar. She drinks a shot of it every morning. I tried it once. Once was enough. I’d rather be sick.
• My neighbor George says it’s because he eats raw garlic every day. Okay, George, that explains why you always have a 10-foot personal bubble.
• Then there’s my sister, who attributes her iron-clad constitution to positive thinking. Which is great, but try telling yourself you're not going to get a cold when your kid is coughing directly into your face.

Honestly, I think it’s just luck of the draw. Or maybe they're all secretly vampires. That would explain a lot.

My (Possibly Useless) Theories

But, because I can’t just let it go (I’m a woman of a certain age, we overthink things, it’s in our DNA), I've developed a few theories of my own.

Theory #1: Controlled Chaos

Maybe the key is to live in a state of perpetual mild stress. Hear me out. My life is basically a juggling act of appointments, errands, and trying to remember where I put my reading glasses (they're usually on my head). Maybe my body is so busy dealing with the daily chaos that it doesn't have time to get sick! This controlled chaos definitely inspires my choice of wall art for my living room! I love pieces that are a bit wild and unexpected. They match my inner state. I have this one piece with lots of colors and shapes and it reminds me of my life. I do think that living in a sterile, too-perfect environment probably weakens your immune system. A little bit of dust and clutter builds character, right?

Theory #2: The Power of Denial

I’m a firm believer in the power of denial. If I feel a tickle in my throat, I immediately tell myself it’s just allergies. If I start sneezing, I blame it on the cat. (Even though I don't have a cat.) Maybe my body is just too polite to actually get sick when I’m so insistent that everything is fine.

Theory #3: Grandmother's Remedy

My grandmother always said, "A little dirt never hurt anyone." She would usher my sister and I outdoors, come rain or shine! We would play in the dirt, climb trees, and make mud pies. I think being exposed to the outdoor world made us so resilient! She also swore that chicken soup could cure anything. I still make it, even though sometimes I think it has more of a placebo effect for me.

The Real Secret (Maybe?)

Okay, so here’s the thing. While I may never understand the secrets of the perpetually healthy, I have learned a few things over the years about surviving (and even thriving) while battling the occasional sniffle.

Embrace the Cozy

When I do get sick (which, let's be honest, is more often than I’d like), I go full-on comfort mode. Soft blankets, oversized sweaters, endless cups of tea, and reruns of my favorite movies. And, of course, a strategically placed box of tissues. I find that creating a cozy sanctuary really helps to speed up the healing process. It's all about making my bedroom a haven and getting lots of rest! I like art prints for my bedroom that are calming and serene. Maybe some landscapes or floral prints. Something that makes me feel peaceful.

Find the Funny

Let's be honest, being sick is miserable. But, I’ve found that a little bit of humor can go a long way. Whether it's watching a funny movie, reading a silly book, or just laughing at myself for accidentally wearing my pajamas to the grocery store (hey, it happens!), finding something to smile about can make even the worst sick days a little bit better.

Listen to Your Body

This one’s important. As women, we’re often taught to push through and keep going, even when we're exhausted or under the weather. But, sometimes, the best thing you can do is just stop. Give yourself permission to rest, to say no, to take care of yourself. Your body will thank you for it.

So, What's the Answer?

I still don’t know the secret to never getting sick. Maybe there isn't one. Maybe it’s a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and a whole lot of luck. But, I do know that even when I’m feeling under the weather, a little bit of self-care, a good laugh, and a cozy environment can make all the difference.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always chicken soup. And maybe a little bit of denial.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put on my pajamas and watch "The Golden Girls." And maybe order some new wall decor to brighten things up! Stay healthy!