9 Feel-Better Things to Do to on a Sick Day
It’s that time of year again—the leaves are starting to change colors, the temperature is cooling off, and our houses are smelling like pumpkins and apple cider. Though, with the seasons changing, it’s no surprise that a cold or flu might come around and make us feel a bit under the weather.
Personally, I’ve been sick for the past 8 days with what feels like a bad cold paired with stomach pains. Needless to say, I don’t feel great, but I’m working through it. Luckily, I have the whole day off today to just try to get this sickness out of my system and take care of myself.
I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite ways to feel better on a sick day at home—so go ahead and bookmark this for when you need it next!
Hit Snooze & Get Some ZZZ's
One of the things that always makes me feel better when I’m under the weather is just getting some sleep. Everybody is different, but for me, even sleeping in an hour or two more can make the biggest difference. Make sure you turn that alarm clock off, get a cozy blanket, and let yourself drift off to sleep.
Make a Really, Really Good Cup of Tea
Break out the teapot and pull out those loose teas—it’s time for a tea party! I know I get busy and making tea for myself sometimes turns into me throwing a tea bag into a hot mug of water I just finished microwaving for a minute and a half. However, especially when your sick, take your time and treat yourself nicely. Turn on the teapot, pick out your favorite mug, and steep some of that loose tea you’ve been staring at in the cabinet, wanting to try. Add in some honey or agave, and smell the aroma of your tea. Sip slowly and enjoy this little hot treat for yourself.
Read a Book
While you’re enjoying your tea, pull out that book that you’ve been wanting to read for like, ever. Let your mind relax and get lost in a story for a little while. Don’t stress about reading the whole thing or a number of chapters; do what feels right for you and take your time.
Feed Your Body
Hey, I get it, cooking may be the very last thing you want to do when you’re sick, but you still have to remember how important it is to feed your body something nutritious. My favorites this week have been either hot soup or avocado toast. Both are very simple and only take a few minutes to make. If you’re feeling up to it, break out that Pinterest board of yours and see if you can whip up any of those “breakfast hack” recipes you’ve been stowing away.
Tip: Make sure that you’re drinking enough water as well. My boyfriend always reminds me to stay hydrated and it’s especially helpful when I’m not feeling great.
Take a Bath
Read that again. Take a bath—not a shower. Use those cute little bath bombs you’ve been eyeing on the ledge of the tub and soak all your troubles away. I don’t know if there’s any science behind taking a hot bath when you’re sick and if it’s actually a good thing to do, but I know it definitely makes me feel better. I feel like it helps me breathe better when I’m sick and takes away any body aches that I have. Try it out and see if it helps you too!
Do Some Stretching
When I’m really sick, there is no way my body will let me workout. If I try, I’ll be at the gym with a running nose, watering eyes, and struggling to get through even half my workout. Instead of trying to push myself when I’m sick, I like to listen to my body and take it easy. Usually, if I have the urge to workout, I’ll roll out my yoga mat at home and do some stretching—sometimes I’ll sneak in a few reps of abdominal exercises.
Get Fresh Air
If you’re feeling up to talking a walk, totally go for it. Like I mentioned before, definitely listen to your body and just do what feels right—a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood is more than enough. Not feeling up to leaving the house? That’s fine too! Try cracking open a window or sitting out on the patio while cozied up in a blanket. Just getting some air might make you feel way better.
Make a To-Do List
For those of you who are like me and absolutely dread just doing nothing, try making a to-do list to help stay on top of things. I did this a lot in the beginning of the week when I felt really bad, and as I’ve slowly felt better, I’ve been crossing things off my list—like cleaning, writing blog posts, answering emails, etc. Even if you don’t feel up to doing the things on the list, just knowing that you’re on top of things might help calm any worries you have about falling behind.
Light Some Candles
Even with a stuffy nose, I still love to burn candles. Just having them lit makes me feel calm and cozy. Try lighting some of your favorites to help create a calming ambiance. I especially love to do this while I’m reading and sipping on my tea. There’s just something about the combination of it all that is so soothing.
And…that’s a wrap! I hope this post helped any of you who are feeling sick at the moment, or gave you ideas for what to do next time to you are. Please keep in mind that I’m not a doctor, so don’t take this post as medical advice. I just wanted to share what I do to make myself feel better when I feel under the weather in hopes that it’ll help someone out there as well, but always make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and seeing a doctor if necessary.
Have a beautiful day, I’ll see you right back here next week!
P.S. This post was inspired by an article I've read previously, check it out to read some of their tips and things that they recommend too!
