Cold Comforts: 5 Things To Do When You Are Sick At Home

Image: Andrea Piacquadio/Pixabay

With more time spent indoors and fewer opportunities for getting much-needed sunlight, the chilly winter season is commonly accompanied by cases of the common cold. On top of the fatigue, fever, and uncomfortable symptoms we often experience with a cold, getting sick means that we’re stuck at home and unable to partake in the activities that give life meaning.

While falling ill with the common cold can be a nuisance in more ways than one, there’s no need to let a sick day bring you down. With the help of an aromatherapy diffuser and the other cold comforts detailed below, you can make the most of this less-than-ideal experience.

1. Create A Cozy Environment

The first step of getting over a pesky cold is to stay well-rested and relaxed while spending time at home. This starts with creating a comfortable environment with the help of things like soft blankets, fuzzy socks, pillows, stuffed animals, and silky pajamas – whatever makes you feel a luxurious sense of coziness!

Creating a tranquil ambiance full of your favorite things will make this unpleasant time a little more bearable.

2. Fuel Your Body With The Right Ingredients

In order to promote speedy healing and recovery from your illness, it is crucial to properly nourish your body with ample fluids, vitamins, and medicines when you’re sick at home. Some of the most delicious and nutritious foods and beverages to indulge in while navigating a cold include:

  • Chicken noodle soup and other salty broths for hydration and electrolytes
  • Hot teas with powerful ingredients like ginger, lemon, and honey
  • Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and leafy green vegetables

If you are struggling with a more severe case of the cold, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to help with preparing these meals and beverages. You deserve to be taken care of during this uncomfortable time. Just be proactive in doing the same for your loved ones when they need it.  

3. Enjoy Time With Your Favorite Hobbies

In today’s productivity-obsessed society, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to enjoy hobbies outside of work. A sick day at home gives you the perfect excuse to focus your time on relaxing pastimes without any guilt.

If you are feeling well enough, try knitting, reading, painting, or any other activity that brings you joy without exerting too much energy. This will help the time fly by quicker by eliminating feelings of boredom. Of course, if you don’t have the energy or mental clarity, there’s nothing wrong with binge-watching your favorite Netflix show.

4. Unwind With An Aromatherapy Diffuser

Spend your sick day at home with a customizable scent from an aromatherapy diffuser. Not only do aromatherapy diffusers keep your home smelling its absolute best, but they also allow you to inhale essential oils that soothe and relax the body as well. Scents such as eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint do an excellent job at promoting a relaxing environment.

5. Take A Hot Shower

Is there anything more relaxing than a hot, steamy shower at home? In addition to relaxing you and helping you get restful sleep while under the weather, hot showers are helpful for relieving one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of a cold – feeling congested with a buildup of mucus. So, don’t be shy about indulging in a lush, steamy shower.

Getting sick is never fun, but these cold comforts to try at home will hopefully make this time a little less unpleasant. With the help of these tips, you can give yourself the relaxation you need to come back feeling healthy, strong, and rested.