Quick Tips : Sick Days

Over the past week, I’ve been fighting some sort of sickness. I’ve had a cough, some sneezing, a slight fever, and definitely feeling fatigued. Instead of letting the cold control my life, I decided to fight back. This week I’m sharing my essentials to help you get through any cold this season!

1. Humidifier (Guardian Technologies)

This humidifier saves me during flu season – thanks mom for giving it to me! It helps eliminate issues caused by dry-air by bringing moisture back into the room. This is super helpful when you have a dry cough. It’s been a huge aid during my sickness!

2. Vaseline or Chapstick 

These are two of my favorite chapsticks. I use the Vaseline Lip Therapy when I’m home and I bring the Blistex on the go. These go hand-in-hand with the dry air. It’s not fun having chapped lips when your sick. These will bring life back to your lips and even a great face cream can alleviate the redness from all your tissue using.

3. Comfy Outfit

If you’re staying home from school or from work, the 1st place to start would be picking out an outfit to lounge in all day. Since it’s cold out, I picked sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. Feeling relaxed and comfortable is essential for a sick day!

4. Water

My water bottle is constantly being filled when I’m sick. Staying hydrated is key. I also tried this “Detox Water” that was on campus after I went to the gym. It contains aloe vera and it was actually delicious. It helps with digestive health, skin health, and helps your immune system, which I thought was perfect for a post-workout while sick pick-me-up.

5. Tissues/Hand Sanitizer

I keep a pack of tissues in my backpack at all times. This is essential so I’m not using rough toilet paper to blow my nose throughout the day. Mini hand sanitizers are also important for me and everyone around me. Especially being in class with 20-100 people, the last thing I want to do is get someone else sick. I got these essential oil infused hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works and one is for stress relief and the other is for energy.

6. A Good Start to the Day

My go-to easy sick day meal has been scrambled eggs with chopped cherry tomatoes and onions on top of wheat toast. It only takes a few minutes and is super filling. A good meal to start the day is essential to take on the rest of the sick day. You won’t be snacking on a bunch of junk food, which will probably make you feel worse.

7. Computer/Phone

What’s a sick day if you’re not binging Netflix? Find a good show, documentary, or movie, and let your body rest and relax. Use your phone to keep up with what’s going on in the rest of the world. The world is at your fingertips and the possibilities are endless!

8. Journal

I think you’ve all caught on by now, my favorite suggestion is journaling or reading. Sometimes I hate just sitting around doing nothing, so instead, I pick up a book or journal and put my brain to work.

9. Shower/Pamper

A nice hot shower is perfect for opening up your nasal passages and getting some relief. I also love putting on a face mask or giving my face a good scrub because I usually feel really groggy when I’ve been resting all day. Sometimes feeling clean can really help your mindset when you’ve just been in bed or on the couch all day!

Rest and take care of your body during your sick day! Don’t stress about what you’re missing at work or at school, focus on taking care of yourself first.

What’s your most important sick day essential?

Stay rad,

Caroline Abigail