Rarely Sick? My Curious Secret & Happy Home Spaces

The "Never Sick" Club? More Like "Rarely Knocked Down!"

Okay, let's get real. I see these articles, these posts online: "Secrets of People Who NEVER Get Sick!" And I always chuckle. I mean, NEVER? Come on. Maybe they're secretly living in a hermetically sealed bubble with a team of doctors on standby. I, on the other hand, am just trying to navigate life with a decent immune system and a whole lot of hand sanitizer. And a healthy dose of denial!

But, I will admit, I'm one of those annoying people who seems to dodge the worst of the bugs going around. I get the sniffles, maybe a day where I feel blah, but full-blown, can't-get-out-of-bed sick? Thankfully, it's rare. So, what's my "secret?" Well, it's not some revolutionary new health hack. It's probably a combination of things, some of which I'm sure I'm not even aware of.

The Obvious (But Important) Stuff

I try (operative word: TRY) to eat reasonably well. Lots of fruits and veggies. I even attempt to sneak spinach into smoothies when my grandkids aren't looking. I also try to get enough sleep. Again, "try" is the key word here. Late night movies and a good book often win out over eight hours of shut-eye. Oh, and I drink tons of water. I swear, I spend half my life in the bathroom.

• Wash my hands like I'm auditioning for a surgeon role.
• Take a daily vitamin – mostly because the doctor yells at me if I don't.
• Avoid touching my face. I fail at this constantly.

The Slightly Less Obvious Stuff

This is where it gets a little more interesting, at least to me. I genuinely believe that happiness and a positive outlook play a HUGE role in overall health. And by happiness, I don't mean some unattainable, Instagram-perfect existence. I'm talking about finding joy in the everyday moments. The small stuff. Like the way the sun streams through my kitchen window in the morning, or the sound of my cat purring on my lap.

I surround myself with things that make me happy. People, of course, are at the top of that list. But also, my home. I truly believe that creating a space that feels good, that reflects who you are, is essential for well-being. And that includes decorating it!

My Home: A Sanctuary of Smiles (and Maybe a Little "Art Therapy")

I'm not a decorator. I don't follow trends religiously (although I do peek at those home magazines!). I just fill my home with things I love. Things that make me smile. A silly little ceramic frog my daughter gave me when she was five. A collection of seashells from my beach trips. And, of course, wall decor. Lots of it!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wall decor? How is that going to keep you from getting sick?" Well, it's not a magic shield against germs. But it does contribute to my overall sense of well-being, which, in turn, I believe, helps keep my immune system humming along.

For instance, I have a piece of bright wall art in my living room – a colorful abstract print that just makes me happy every time I look at it. It reminds me of sunny days and good times. I swear, on days when I'm feeling a little down, just glancing at that print gives me a little boost. It’s like a visual vitamin!

The Power of "Good Vibes"

I also have a gallery wall in my hallway, filled with art prints for living room and photos of family and friends. Every time I walk past it, I'm reminded of all the wonderful people in my life, all the good memories. It's a constant source of positive energy.

Maybe it's all just in my head. Maybe I'm completely making this up. But I truly believe that surrounding yourself with things you love, things that bring you joy, has a tangible effect on your health. It reduces stress, lifts your spirits, and generally makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you're better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way – including the occasional cold or flu.

The "Control Freak" Factor (and Learning to Let Go)

Here's a slightly embarrassing admission: I'm a bit of a control freak. Okay, maybe more than a bit. I like things to be organized, predictable, and generally under my control. Which, as we all know, is completely impossible. Life is messy, unpredictable, and often throws curveballs when you least expect it.

I've learned (slowly, painfully) that trying to control everything is a recipe for stress and anxiety. And stress, as we all know, is a major immune system killer. So, one of my "secrets" to staying relatively healthy is learning to let go. To accept that things aren't always going to go according to plan. To embrace the chaos. To laugh at myself when things go wrong (which is often).

This is where wall art for bedroom comes back in, though perhaps unexpectedly. I've found that choosing images, colors, or pieces that bring me a sense of calm helps me create a space that encourages me to relax and let go. It's almost like a visual cue to my brain to chill out!

My bedroom, for example, has soft, calming colors and serene landscape prints. It's my sanctuary, my escape from the chaos of the world. Walking into that room automatically lowers my heart rate. It's a reminder to breathe, to relax, to let go of the things I can't control. Okay, sometimes the laundry pile takes over, but I try!

Embrace Imperfection: My Secret Weapon

So, there you have it. My "secrets" to rarely getting sick. It's not rocket science. It's not some magical potion. It's a combination of common sense, a positive outlook, and a healthy dose of self-care. And surrounding myself with things that make me happy, including my quirky art collection.

And maybe, just maybe, it's also about embracing imperfection. Letting go of the need to be perfect, to have everything under control. Because, let's face it, life is messy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is just laugh it off, put on your favorite slippers, and admire your art prints for bedroom collection while sipping a cup of tea. It works for me, anyway!