How to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Already Sick
We have written about how to boost your immune system and prevent illness from happening, but what about how to take care of your wellbeing when you’re already sick. This can be a different approach and equally, if not more important than preventative measures.
If you’re currently under the weather or know someone who is, this blog post is full of tips and tricks to minimize your sickness and get back on your feet faster than you thought possible!
Here’s How To Feel Better Faster
Choose Your Water Wisely
One of the single best things to do when you’re sick is to stay home. By staying home, you limit the number of new germs that can be introduced into your body, and you prevent the spreading of your germs to healthy people around you in public spaces. If you must leave your house, limit trips to essential places and/or your doctor’s office. Staying home also lowers stress levels and gives your body more adequate time to rest and recover. If it’s possible, have a loved one bring essential groceries or use a delivery app to get meals and supplies sent directly to your home. Doing this is one of the best ways to get over your illness faster.
Staying hydrated is critical in bouncing back from most kinds of sickness. We carry Trace Mineral Power Paks that have a variety of vitamins and minerals designed to keep your body hydrated and your immune system boosted.
When we get sick it is incredibly easy for our bodies to become dehydrated and worn down, keeping an influx of minerals in your body helps to negate any side effects from dehydration. Drinking lots of water also helps to flush out unwanted germs and bacteria that keep you sick. Water, coconut water, electrolyte drink mixes…these are all good choices.
Warm or hot tea (decaf or herbal) is also ok if you don’t have a fever. Drink even when you’re not thirsty. Sip constantly all day long. Fluids will help flush your system and help to thin the mucous secretions (and get them out of the body) so your sickness hopefully doesn’t take up residence often as sinus infections.
Rest is essential when it comes to healing your body and keeping yourself healthy. When we truly rest and allow our bodies to be silent and still, we promote healing on all fronts.
When you’re not feeling well sometimes resting seems difficult because we don’t want to be lazy or unproductive. However, not allowing yourself to slow down just keeps illness hanging around longer.
Get yourself some soup, bone broth, and/or tea, put on a good movie, and kick back while your body fights the intrusive germs! Sleeping extra is also encouraged, as it lets your body fully restore itself.
Exercise only if your symptoms are above your neck. For example, if you have a cold and have developed a runny nose, exercising moderately could help you feel better.
If you have an upset stomach though, exercising could exacerbate your illness, so avoid doing anything strenuous. When it comes to movement, you will know your body better than anybody else. What matters most is making sure that you are moving and exercising within your limits and what makes sense for you.
Make sure you’re eating the rainbow to the best of your ability. The food we eat is a form of medicine and so if you’re sick try your best to avoid fatty, greasy, carb heavy meals even if they are easy.
Your body needs proper building blocks to rebuild and protect your immune system. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables allows your body to access vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential for a healthy you.
An easy and quick but nutrient dense food to eat while sick is a smoothie! Smoothies are great because they digest easier (less energy used) than solid foods, you can fully customize them to your preferences, and you can get a lot of fruits and vegetables into your body without having to cook! Watch the amount of sugar though as that can feed bacteria and viruses and prolong how long you have your symptoms.
Embrace humidity in your home. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Some humidifiers also allow you to add essential oils.
Essential oils such as peppermint can aid in clearing nasal blockages and adding a calming smell to your home at the same time. Change the water daily and clean the unit to ensure maximum freshness!
Use supplements to help heal faster. Consider taking supplements to support your immune system, including vitamins C, D3, B, zinc, and probiotics will help get you back on track. There are also natural decongestants, allergy supplements, cough syrups, and homeopathic fever reducers that you can use safely, without risk of drowsiness or worry to your kidneys and liver.
Keep a “Sick Day” kit ready around your home for days like these! Not only does this mean you can avoid going to the store when you don’t feel well, but it will also save you time, money, and stress when it comes to trying to feel better.
Helpful things to keep on hand are several different kinds of soup, a box of crackers, some electrolyte drink mixes, cold and flu supplements, vitamins, natural immune boosters, several tea options, local or manuka honey, and several boxes of coconut water. We like soups which have anti-inflammatory ingredients, like carrot with ginger or noodle soup with broth.
We hope that no matter what sickness has got you down that you bounce back quickly and feel better than ever. Feel free to drop by our store or give us a call to help get you back on track and feel healthy and happy!
P.S. Now that you know our strategies, what are your secrets to staying hydrated?
What do you do to maintain optimal water and electrolyte intake?
Leave us a comment below!
