Today’s blog was meant to be full of festive energy and encouragement as we celebrate the 24th day of our Yoga Advent journey. But alas, life had other plans! I’ve caught a cold and feel quite miserable—something that hasn’t happened to me in ages. It’s humbling, really.

Not long ago, I was chatting with a friend (and Yoga student) who was battling a cold. I told him to embrace the stillness, treat the illness as his Yoga, and lean into rest—even if it felt unnatural. The Universe, with its impeccable sense of humour, has now tossed that very lesson back my way.

So, instead of moving and doing, I’m practising being. Resting. Listening to my body. While I’m bundled up, I want to share some simple tips and Ayurvedic home remedies to help you (and me!) make colds as mild as possible:

Practical Tips:

1. Warmth is Your Ally
   Keep your chest, throat, and feet warm. A warm scarf, fuzzy socks, and cosy layers go a long way in supporting your immune system.
2. Sip Healing Drinks
   Drink plenty of warm fluids—herbal teas, hot water with lemon and honey, or even a comforting vegetable broth. My personal favourite is ginger tea with a dash of turmeric to boost immunity and ease inflammation.
3. Prioritize Rest
   Your body is already working overtime to heal. Honour it with rest. Even a Yoga teacher needs to swap Sun Salutations for Savasana when under the weather.
4. Steam and Breathe
   Steam inhalation can soothe nasal passages and help you breathe more easily. Add a drop of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water for extra relief.
5. Stay Mindful
   It’s easy to get frustrated when illness forces us to slow down. But this can be an opportunity to turn inward, practice gratitude for our health, and rediscover the art of simply being.

Ayurveda’s Wisdom for Colds:

1. Nasal Cleansing and Gargling
   Wash your nose and gargle with warm salt water (just half a teaspoon in a glass of warm tap water). This helps clear the throat and nasal passages.
2. Lemon and Ginger Tea
   Sip on a refreshing lemon and ginger tea. It cleanses the stomach of excess mucus and provides a gentle immunity boost.
3. Golden Milk for Comfort
   Make a soothing cup of golden milk: warm up a cup of milk and stir in half a teaspoon of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of black pepper. This traditional Ayurvedic remedy is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory goodness.

I may not feel my best today, but sharing this message with you reminds me that we’re all human—and that’s perfectly okay. Even as we step into the stillness, we’re practising Yoga in its purest form: awareness, acceptance, and presence.

Sending you warm, cosy wishes,
Geny

P.S. If you’re feeling under the weather, too, take this as your cue to rest. The journey will wait for you—you’re already enough. ❤️