Staying Resourced Through Cold and Flu Season

The truth is, I brace the moment I hear a cough. My son has asthma, so my nervous system doesn’t wait to see how things unfold. It prepares for impact. The bracing happens before I can talk myself out of it. What helps isn’t pretending I’m calm. It’s reminding myself that I’m resourced.

We have his asthma plan. We have his prescribed steroids on hand. We know what to watch for and when to escalate. And alongside that, I keep a small resource kit at home. Not to control the outcome, but to help his body move through whatever illness it’s navigating with as much support and comfort as possible.

Here’s what I keep on hand. Some I use daily, like his vitamins and green drink or smoothie. Others I use as needed. All are kid friendly or made with children in mind.

• Throat soother spray with zinc
• Herbal cold support tablets
• Elderberry immune booster
• Nebulizer with 0.09 saline solution
• Eucalyptus bath bombs
• A humidifier running at night
• Garlic mullein ear drops
• Tylenol and ibuprofen
• A thermometer
• Nasal aspirator
• Honey
• Chamomile tea
• Daily green drink or smoothie
• Daily vitamin and probiotic

None of this guarantees anything. For me, it’s about reassurance. When I remember that support is already in place, my shoulders drop. I can think more clearly. I can stay present with him instead of spiraling ahead. I’m not interested in forcing bodies into obedience. I’m interested in consent, comfort, and support.

This isn’t medical advice. It’s simply how I remind my nervous system that we’re not unprepared. Resourced, not panicked. Enough support to breathe.