What we do as a family if someone is sick!
What We Do as a Family When Someone Gets Sick
When one person in the house comes down with something, it can feel like a domino effect waiting to happen. Over the years, our family has developed a few simple (but powerful!) habits to help us move through sickness faster and keep everyone else as healthy as possible.
Here’s what works for us — and what I often recommend to the families I care for in my practice.
1. Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Sleep is the ultimate healer! We slow everything down when someone isn’t feeling well — canceling extra plans if possible and making sure bedtimes are earlier. A well-rested body is a resilient body, and we notice symptoms resolve much faster when we simply let ourselves rest.
2. Cut Back on Sugar and Dairy
Sugar and processed foods can weaken the immune system, so we make it a point to keep meals simple, clean, and nourishing. We also try to limit dairy temporarily, since it can make congestion worse for some people.
3. Fill Up on Nutrient-Dense Foods
We load our plates with fruits, veggies, soups, bone broth, and healthy proteins. Think: chicken soup with garlic, sweet potatoes, berries, and leafy greens. Giving your body the building blocks it needs helps shorten recovery time. We are all huge fans of my instapot chicken noodle soup--it's easy, healthy and great to freeze and then reheat for an easy dinner!
4. Hydrate with Water, Minerals, and Electrolytes
Hydration is key when anyone is under the weather. We keep water bottles full, add a pinch of sea salt or electrolyte mix for extra minerals, and encourage small, frequent sips all day. I love the trace mineral drops and trace mineral Zerolyte electorlyte packets.
5. Get Fresh Air and Sunshine
Even if it’s just 10–15 minutes on the porch, we make it a point to get outside. Natural sunlight boosts Vitamin D levels, supports immune function, and helps everyone feel a little more human.
6. Support the Nervous System with Chiropractic Care
When one of us isn’t feeling well, getting adjusted is always on the list. Chiropractic care helps the nervous system function at its best, which means your immune system can do its job more effectively. This step is often the missing piece for families trying to stay well naturally! This is something that has always been part of my healing regimen when under the weather. Before I reach for a medicine, I'm reaching for my phone to make an appointment!
7. Give Everyone Grace
Sometimes sickness is our body’s way of saying “slow down.” We remind ourselves to be patient, watch a family movie, read extra books, and allow space for healing.
Final Thoughts
Getting sick is never fun, but it can be a chance to reset, slow down, and take care of your body. With these simple habits, we’ve found that our whole family bounces back faster — and sometimes even avoids the bug altogether.
✨ Want to help your family stay healthy this season? Schedule an appointment at LIFE Chiropractic NH and keep your nervous system in tip-top shape. 📞 Call us at 603-580-5893 or book online here.
Be well! - Dr Mackenzie Briley