Being sick is never fun, but it seems particularly more miserable when it's cold and dreary outside. I don't know what it is, but it seems that the cold and flu virus runs rampant in the winter and I always catch one or the other around this time of year. I'm sure there is a scientific explanation as to why it more common this time of year to catch a bug, so maybe that's the next topic I'll be researching soon.
I am on the upward climb from catching a bad cold, and these are the things that I always do to help me through being ill. I am not a medical professional, so please keep that in mind as you read. I hope you start to feel better soon, too!
There are many more things you can do to help you through a cold, but this is a good starting point. Always make sure that you do your research and talk to your doctor to know what is best for your body since everybody is unique and responds to illness and remedies differently.
I am on the upward climb from catching a bad cold, and these are the things that I always do to help me through being ill. I am not a medical professional, so please keep that in mind as you read. I hope you start to feel better soon, too!
1. Talk to your doctor
"Natural remedies" are sometimes more dangerous to your health than it would seem. If something is out of the ordinary, such as if your sore throat is causing a fever or you suspect that you have a sinus infection, please seek medical attention. Doctors have been educated and are qualified to help you, so please go to them first and foremost for any medical attention or advice that you may need.2. Drink lots and lots of water!
You can read a lot of medical articles about the benefits of water for your body, especially when you are sick, but in a nutshell it will help thin your mucus and drain your sinuses so that it is easier to breathe and blow your nose. It might make it a little bit annoying how often you will have to blow your nose and use the restroom, but in the long run it will help you to recover faster. Plus, with all that draining going on, it might just relieve that headache from your stuffed-up sinuses.3. Get plenty of rest
Your body is trying to fight off a virus, so help it use your energy efficiently by taking it easy for a while.4. Prop your head up when you sleep
Keeping your head up while you rest will help relieve pressure in your sinuses by letting gravity do the work for you. "Postnasal drip" can be worse when you lay flat, and it certainly can make your headache much less pleasant. Just use some extra pillows or even sleep in a recliner until you start to feel better.5. Learn how to blow your nose correctly
I used to get terrible sinus infections just a few years ago because I never knew there was a right and wrong way to blow my nose. It sounds like a funny thing to learn, but it will only take you a few moments to research up on the correct techniques. Your doctor may help you with this, or you can read up about it on almost any medical website. It may save you from a more severe problem later!6. Wash your hands
Not only should this help prevent you from getting sick in the first place, but something as simple as washing your hands after your blow your nose will help you feel just a little bit better. The mucus that you are blowing out is apparently highly contagious, plus it just feels icky. Keeping your hands clean will help you to feel more hygienic and pleasant even when you are sick, and it can help you from spreading your illness to people around you.7. Use lotion
All that hand washing will dry out your skin, so be prepared with lotion! I've also found that applying a little bit of lotion to my nose before I fall asleep eases the pain a little from excessive blowing and wiping.8. Avoid people
Take some time off work and skip church for a day if you can. Think about all those people, especially the elderly, who may catch your virus and be considerate towards them. Misery may love company, but company is so much better when everyone is healthy.9. Skip the sugar
It's not going to make you feel any better and it certainly will not contribute to your recovery. It would be better to set it aside until you are well, and enjoy some healthy foods for a few days.10. Drink tea
I just love herbal tea, so any excuse that I can find to drink it almost instantly makes me feel better. For me I think it is mostly a mental thing, although there is a touch of science behind it. The warmth of the tea can help diminish congestion by opening up your sinuses, and specific teas may have certain health benefits. Unfortunately I'm not a tea guru, but there are plenty of sources out there that can guide you into choosing the best ones for your cold. My favorites are lemon and peppermint herbal teas, but that's only because I like the flavors the best!11. Take a warm shower
This is for the same reason as the tea, the warmth can open those sinuses back up and aid in relieving congestion. The humidity also helps to thin your mucus like drinking water does.There are many more things you can do to help you through a cold, but this is a good starting point. Always make sure that you do your research and talk to your doctor to know what is best for your body since everybody is unique and responds to illness and remedies differently.
God bless!
- Megan
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