In this post:
- The importance of staying positive when sick
- 17 things to do when you’re sick at home
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The importance of staying positive when sick
If you’re reading this, you’re probably in bed or on the couch in the most comfortable position you can muster with those painful body aches, doing that sexy, heavy mouth breathing because your nostrils are disgustingly clogged, trying to not focus on the real possibility that there may be a knife down your throat that twists every time you swallow, and potentially clutching your stomach because it’s the only thing that feels semi-natural when you’re between barfs. Fear not, fellow sickies, the storm shall soon pass!
Being sick is the worst. There’s no sugarcoating it. And if you’re like me, sickness is more than just raging, biological warfare in your body. It’s a steep, mental uphill battle, as well. I always feel like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh and the little black raincloud that settles over him and his thoughts. I feel guilty for staying home from work when I’m sick, I think of all the productivity I’ve lost, the time I’ve wasted doing nothing, etc. When you’re sick, you tend to think bad, depressing thoughts that quickly suck any last bit of energy from you.
If you’re unwell, it’s important to keep your perspective positive. Research has continued to show that a positive attitude helps people to recover faster from illness, emphasizing the mind’s power over the immune system. One study highlighted the effects of optimism, and entailed a group of healthy first-year law students being polled to see how optimistic they felt about the upcoming semester. Mid semester, the students who had shown optimism and thought they would do well had better functioning immune cells than those who had shown stress and worry, further attesting to the power of a positive attitude.
The key to staying optimistic when you’re sick is reminding yourself that your body is in a temporary state, and that your mind tends to reflect what you’re body is feeling. However, it doesn’t hurt to have some help in keeping your thoughts afloat as your body continues to fight off sickness. Below are some tried-and-true tips for keeping your spirits up when you’re sick, and for making the most of the next time you’re stuck at home sick.
17 things to do when you’re sick at home
1. Watch comforting and/or inspiring, yet completely unrealistic movies. Keep your outlook positive with feel-good movies, like the new Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Moana, or Grease.
2. Or, watch a terrible movie for pure entertainment. Sharknado, anyone?
3. Go through your Iphoto library, or other photo books. Sometimes the best pick-me-up is to look at your favorite memories and reflect on the happier, less-sickly moments of your life.
4. Journal how you’re feeling. Writing down those dark, depressing thoughts when you’re sick may not be the happiest activity, but it’ll be a hilarious read when you feel all better!
5. Drink tea with honey.
There are so many great teas out there that can target virtually any sickness you may have. Pair it with honey-a natural antibacterial substance-and you’re set (and definitely drizzle some honey in your tea if you have a sore throat, as it will help to fight any bacteria in there, too). Below is a shortlist of teas for the most common ailments.
- For stomach pains (e.g., cramping): ginger tea
- To help you sleep and relax: chamomile tea
- For general wellness and a mood boost: green tea
- For an extra boost of vitamin C: hibiscus or rosehip tea
6. Try elderberry and/or zinc supplements to speed up recovery time. I’ve extolled the benefits of elderberry before, but these potent berries pack a punch when it comes to strengthening your immune system! Paired with zinc, a natural infection fighter, you’ll be able to beat the sickness that much quicker.
7. Consider using a humidifier. If you live in a dry climate and are having cold-like symptoms, definitely use a humidifier to replace the moisture in your air passages.
8. Take a hot bath with Epsom salts. Relax any aches and pains with a hot bath, and add some Epsom salts for the ultimate immune booster. Soaking in Epsom salts can actually help your body to both detoxify and increase your white-blood cell count, a definite plus when you’re sick!
9. Get a head start on holiday or gift shopping online. Want to make your sick day at home more productive? Get a head start on birthday and/or Christmas gifts. It might be the only thing you accomplish today, but that’s something!
10. Stick with wholesome foods if you feel like eating. Toast, chicken soup, broth, pasta, oatmeal, and bananas are all good options for when your stomach is upset.
11. If you have the energy to go to the store, stock up on a few things.
- Disinfectant wipes: if you have a roommate or significant other, grab some of these to wipe down any shared spaces while you’re sick
- Airborne: this immune boosting supplement is a God-send when you’re unwell
- Sprite or 7-Up: the perfect drink to settle an upset stomach
12. Try a new TV show. Pick up a new show on Netflix. There’s no better time to binge-watch than when you’re sick.
13. If you’re going to engage in one hygienic activity, brush your teeth. Your mouth is already a little germ factory, but when you’re sick, the bacteria multiplies even more. Doctors recommend brushing three times a day, or after each meal, to keep the bacteria to a minimum.
14. Text a friend. Always a good pick-me-up, especially when you get into a GIF war.
15. Try to not think too far ahead. When we’re left to our own devices being stuck at home sick, we tend to take on more mentally than we should. How will being sick affect the project I’m working on at work right now? I can’t believe I’m missing that big meeting today! I’m going to be so behind! Everyone gets sick, and everyone gets through it and picks up wherever they left off. You will, too.
16. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Prevent dehydration, loosen mucus, and compensate for fluid loss when you’re sick. Drink fluids like water, tea, broth, or juice.
17. Brainstorm for your next vacation spot. Where would you rather be right now? Sipping a daiquiri by the beach? Hiking through the mountains? A weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast? Keep your outlook optimistic and plan your next adventure to look forward to.
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