by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko
One of the worst things that can happen to me, or any business person, is getting sick and needing to give myself a sick note, and as a result, not working. My business, Roka Roko, is a wheel that needs to keep turning, and every day is so vital to the entire month being a success and ultimately the entire business dream. You see, I haven’t managed to get myself to a point where I can afford a week off! So, we need to ensure that we do not take more than a day off in any week; plus all the other reasons like clients needing a dress in a week’s time. So, as we are in the annual winter virus season, flu is not an option. No, no, no!
My curiosity led me to doing some research about flu. I needed to understand how it works and what are the signs so I know how to avoid it. Listen, prevention is better than cure, in everything 😊. The results of my hunt gave me the following main facts:
- I hear there’s flu, a cold and a fever. Apparently they are different…but to me they feel the same!
- Flu is infectious, so you will get it from someone who is in day 2-8 of their flu journey
- My symptoms are endless sneezing, and more sneezing , and a bit more
- The sneezing is mostly caused by flying fine particles in the air…we call them allergies
- Flu takes hold mainly if your immune system takes a break…even for a second
- Once you have it, have liquids mainly…and you wont taste a thing
- You will need 10 days to get through it…no lies
So this list has helped me find ways to combat flu; ok at least try to. I mean, essentially in winter flu is everywhere. You are under attack every second of the day; from other people, dust in the air, the dry air, dog hair, cold weather, etc. As mentioned, we need to prevent this from happening, or at least try. No plan is 100% safe or destined to work at all times; but I have heard if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. So this is my list of ways to survive the worst flu season:
1. Avoid people with flu
It doesn’t matter how much you love them, STAY AWAY😊. My friends call me a snob for this, it’s ok. Once I am in the presence of someone infected, the flu doesn’t even knock. Just walks into me without permission and it’s a done deal. I refuse to see, touch, hug, hang with, or have any physical contact with anyone who has flu symptoms. This approach, honestly works. Look, your friends might be upset, they will forgive you…in Summer.
2. Stay warm in winter
If you forget your warm clothes, chances are you will be vulnerable to the flu. You need to be aware of the progression of the coldness…it starts in April and eventually ends in September. Add more and more layers as it progresses. I believe in socks; socks save the day. I once got a flu from walking on a concrete floor barefoot for a whole day in august…do not try this. I was off for 2 weeks.
3. Avoid airborne allergies
One time I went for a walk in winter…it was a bit windy too…I do not do this anymore. The walk was 4km; and with the dog. My body is just stupid in nature, especially dry nature. Everything I kicked, jumped over, walked through, etc, made its way into my nostrils and the sneezing ensued. Well, we know what came after. This point also includes cleaning your home constantly; in winter dust just exists everywhere everyday. I find myself having to dust everyday. Let nature be, just avoid it making you sick.
4. The power mix
I take a multivitamin and the power mix regularly(when I remember!). The power mix, which I preach by, and live by, helps keep me strong. The power mix consists of garlic, turmeric, ginger, lemon and honey. In their rawest form. I have found numerous recipes on how to prepare this, but because I am really just lazy, I just throw whatever amounts my soul feels good with, and hot water, and drink. So far, its working. The strength of this mix is amazing, I get the clear nose instantly, and everything else that nature provides in these bombs for a few days after. Try it, if you are like me, you are in luck.
I hope you survive this winter somehow, unless of course you started it exhausted already….and need the 10 days off. Remember, the body gives in to illnesses when it is at its wits ends. You have to sort of like continuously take care of your body everyday in all other aspects. Keep it busy, clean it and rest it. This also adds to barring off illnesses. And if you have multiple jobs, are a mom, wife, sister, friend, etc, you must take GRAND care of yourself. You are the most important part of your life.
Brigette Mashile is the founder and creative force behind Roka Roko, a custom fashion design business based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company passionately delivers quality tailored and trendy fashion to make their customers happy, and specializes in styling women by creating unusual combinations with fabric, culture and style. Brigette has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a Fashion Diploma from Studio5 School of Fashion. She’s a former fashion buyer for a major retailer in South Africa, and an international direct selling company. She’s been passionate about fashion since the age of 10 and gained invaluable experience in the fashion world running informal fashion creation businesses until the day her own Roka Roko brand was born. Find out more by visiting the Roka Roko website www.rokaroko.co.za
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