I think 2026 is going to be a great year but regardless of any affirmations you may do, vision boards you may create, new goals you may make… the only thing you can truly control is, well, YOU.

What do I mean? Focus on the things you can control. Like your mindset, your mental health and being prepared for what might come up. That can mean a variety of things – especially in today’s crazy world. You can be a Prepper and have your own food supply, water, power and heat capabilities. You can be an amazing saver and have ample funds in case someone gets a surprise medical bill or an employment situation arises. You can be a Scout and have first aid skills or wilderness survival knowledge. And the list goes on. What I like to focus on is health & healing preparedness. There are many easy, holistic tools and remedies you can stock up on. Things that ANY person can use, from young to old, and with zero negative side effects. Now THAT’s a preparedness win/win. And it’s already paid off for me and my family many times over!

An example? It really seems to be a horrible flu season, and my daughter came down with Flu A right (inconveniently!) before winter break. I am so, so grateful my home was stocked with all the holistic remedies I needed. I have no doubt that me having these supplies on hand shortened the duration of her flu (to only 2 days!) and lessened the severity of her symptoms. I also credit them with keeping the other 4 of us healthy and flu-free despite our close proximity!

If anyone is sick in your home, you can implement these protocols right away. But assuming everyone is healthy, I’d still suggest getting at least some of them so you’ll be prepared should anyone come down with a cold or flu. Personally, when I’m prepared, I feel more in control and more confident. To say I was NOT freaked out at all by her illness, despite Facebook telling me this year’s flu was bad and lasted 10-14 days with crazy high fevers, I think is really telling.

Wishing you a healthy & happy 2026!

For anyone with the Flu

1. Hydrate! – This is my #1 tip. Warm broth or herbal tea will thin the mucus and calm your chest.
2. Rest! – Getting sick is often our bodies’ way of telling us we’re doing too much. Pay attention and give yourself permission to rest and recuperate.
3. Homeopathics – Take Oscillococcinum homeopathic remedy as soon as you have flu-like symptoms. This is safe to take preventatively too, when my daughter was sick the rest of us took this as well.
4. Star Anise – Add 3-4 dried star anise pods to some hot water and let it steep. You can add this to an herbal tea too! Star anise has the same active ingredient as Tamiflu, and is perfectly safe. Illicium Supreme is star anise in a capsule form (and what my husband took), if you prefer. Like Oscillococcinum, it can be taken preventatively when you get sick.
5. Fever support – This year’s flu often has a high fever. We do the wet sock treatment (soak cotton socks in cold water, wring out and put on the feet. Put warm wool or fuzzy socks over top of that and wear overnight). Peppermint oil on the bottom of the feet is also something we do for fevers. Don’t worry too much about the thermometer reading, but if you or your child is super lethargic, confused and dehydrated that might be a sign to try urgent care or a telehealth visit.
6. Detox bath – A warm bath with 1/2 cup baking soda, Epsom salt or magnesium flakes (about a cup) and 10-20 drops of iodine is a great way to support the body. Don’t forget to hydrate after (I give my kids their stainless steel water bottles IN the bath!)!
7. Humidify – Run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom. This helps prevent the flu, and support you if you have it. (Studies show that low humidity makes it easier for viruses to cross the mucus membrane in your nose, one of the reasons colds spread so easily in the winter.)
8. Onions – Cut and onion and place half open on the nightstand. The onion absorbs airborne toxins and can help reduce the duration of an illness. We do this if anyone has a cold or flu.
9. Nasal rinsing, using Xlear nasal spray, etc is helpful to decrease viral replication. We do it after being out in public, after exposure or whenever we have flu or cold symptoms. This is another great preventative, easy and inexpensive thing to do too!
10. Essential Oils – Diffusing pure, high quality essential oils can help everyone stay healthy and avoid catching it, along with aiding the sick person. I diffuse Thieves to kill any airborne viruses and R.C. to help open the airways.
11. Red Light – I use my Lumebox for all kinds of ailments. It speeds wound healing, muscle recovery after exercise, improves sleep and… supports the immune system through colds or flus! (And right now, Lumebox has a 45% off sale with my discount link. Might be a good idea to prepare now in case flu does affect your household!)

And remember – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Wash hands often, wear a mask if you’re in a crowded place and do a nasal rinse after you’ve been around people. Change your clothes when you get home and wash bedding and towels often. Stay healthy, everyone!