Self-Care to Make Your Cold More Bearable
As I write this, I’m currently getting over a bout with bronchitis. I’ve spent the last week coughing and eating delicious Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup. Being sick is no fun. Especially when you’re an adult and have responsibilities to attend to even though all you want to do is curl up on the couch and watch Real Housewives. But there are things you can do to make life a bit easier while you recover.
Find a Hot Drink that Helps
For the past week, I’ve been living off the Honey Citrus Mint drink from Starbucks. It was my go-to in college whenever I was sick. On my worst day, I decided to go since I had a gift card. It really helped. I have another gift card so luckily I have been able to go to Starbucks a few times this week. (Find out how I do surveys for gift cards and fund all my Starbucks trips here ). But you don’t have to go to Starbucks to find relief. Peppermint Tea is also a great way to feel some relief and get the liquids that your body needs to fight infections.
Make Sleep A Priority
You’re probably thinking duh! But when we are dealing with so many things it’s easy to let sleep get away from us. If you’re a person who has trouble getting to bed early or getting enough sleep, you’ll have to make even more of an effort. Something that has been helping me this week (and all weeks) is having a bedtime ritual. Whether it’s lighting a candle and journaling or doing a meditation, definitely take some extra care to make sure you’re relaxed at a decent hour. If night-time symptoms are an issue, take some Night-Time cold medicine like Nyquil.
Take a Bath or Shower with Vicks Tablets/Bath Crystals
When I’m sick and congested I swear by a shower with Vicks Tablets. The Tablets give me a great amount of relief and I always feel so much better and refreshed after. I don’t have a bathtub currently so I have not tried the Bath Crystals, but I imagine they’d be just amazing or even more so (lol I love a bath when I’m sick and can’t wait to have a bathtub again soon!).
Find a Diffuser Blend That Helps with Congestion
I’m not saying essential oils are going to cure your cold or any other type of infection, but they can add relief to congestion or other symptoms. Try to go for the oils in the mint family like Tea Tree oil, Eucalyptus or Peppermint. Lavendar is a great thing to add in to help you relax. This is a great pack for cold blends(Here). There’s a ton of diffuser blends available on Pinterest (Check out my board here).
Keep a Waterbottle Full and Near You Always
This is a tip that you should follow all the time, but especially if you’re sick. Water is not only super important for helping your body fight infection, but also can help you feel so much better. You’re body is already in overdrive so the last thing you need is to be dehydrated. While any liquids are techniqually okay, good old fashion water is the best. If you’re not a huge fan of water look into adding things like Liquid IV or Mio to add flavor and electrolytes.
Make a Big Batch of Yummy Soup
Nothing is better when you’re sick than a batch of yummy and nourishing soup. While canned soup can help if you’re not feeling well enough to cook, but if you can cook your own soup it’s 100% worth it. I like a brothy soup when I’m sick like a vegetable soup, my vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup or my homemade vegan chicken noodle soup (recipes coming soon!). Make a big batch and eat on it all week. If you’re feeling well enough to go to work, take some for your lunch.
Inhale Steam
Steam Inhalation is one of the oldest tricks in the book for congestion. It helps with cough, stuffy nose, sore throat and headache. Here’s how to do Steam Inhalation:
- Heat up the water to boiling.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl.
- Drape the towel over the back of your head.
- Turn on a timer.
- Shut your eyes and slowly lower your head toward the hot water until you’re about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five minutes.
