As winter turns into spring, flus turn into the common cold. While we can all try as we might to not get sick, it’s still going to happen and it will happen at the worst of times. Finals week, anyone? It’s important to take the necessary precautions to not get sick, like limiting your stress, washing your hands, not touching your face, and getting plenty of vitamin C, but sometimes no matter how healthy you are, you’re still going to be taken down by a virus. There are several steps you can take to lessen the severity of a cold and make it more bearable.
Take a hot shower first thing in the morning
The steam will melt mucus out of your sinuses and the heat will soothe your aching bones.
Eat berries for breakfast
The antioxidants and vitamin C in berries will boost your immune system and make your defenses stronger. The stronger your immune system is when it’s under attack, the sooner you’ll be back up and running. Under no circumstances should you not eat; your body will need all the nutrients it can get.
Steam your face mid-day, or every couple hours for that matter
If your sinuses are packed with mucus, you’re going to feel even worse. The pressure buildup can cause a wicked headache that makes doing even simple things a chore.
Take a walk
Surely the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling under the weather is go for a jaunt, but it helps…truly! It boosts both your mood and your immune system
Eat lean protein for lunch
Protein helps build immune cells and helps to prompt the immune response.
Drink lots of tea
Tea, and other hot liquid for that matter, does wonders for clogged sinuses. As gross as it is, the more you expel mucus, the faster you will feel better. Like the berries you had for breakfast, green tea is rich in antioxidants, which is going to boost the immune system.
Eat something spicy
Ginger, garlic and chili peppers are well known for their anti-viral and anti-bacterial traits, plus the spiciness will also clear out your sinuses.
Take a hot soak in the bath
End the day with a long, hot bath. Soothe your aches and pains and relax. Plus, you guessed it, the hot steam will clear out your sinuses even more.
Sleep
Get at least eight hours of sleep, although 10 is better when you’re fighting a cold. Sleeping recharges your body and makes it work much more efficiently. You can also keep your immune system in good shape by establishing a steady sleep pattern.
Most importantly, relax
The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to develop more severe symptoms. If you’re worried and stressed about not being well enough to do your work, you are going to stay sicker longer. Just give in and give yourself a day of rest. You will be back up and running much faster that way.
