About the Common Cold
Unlike the more serious flu, the common cold generally includes mild symptoms that go away on their own after about a week, according to the Mayo Clinic. Coughing, sneezing, congestion, a sore throat, and slight body aches are among the typical symptoms.
In addition, there’s a reason it’s called common. The average adult will catch two to three colds over the course of a year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chances are pretty high that you will have to deal with a cold at some point.
Although there isn’t a cure, you can take some steps to feel a little better while the cold runs its course. If any of the symptoms worsen or last longer than about a week, see your doctor for a checkup.
1. Stay Hydrated With Water Reminder Apps
Drinking plenty of water, tea without caffeine, and broth can help you stay hydrated when you have a cold, according to WebMD. If you need a little help remembering to keep up your fluid intake, then the best water reminder apps for Android will do the trick.
If you’re making a lot of warm beverages, then a smart kitchen appliance like the COSORI smart kettle is handy for dialing in your ideal temperature. It can heat to 180 degrees for the perfect cup of green tea, as well as 212 degrees for black tea and other beverages.
For an extra-soothing treat, make a cup of fresh ginger tea with a recipe by YouTuber Banglar Rannaghor. Simply simmer a little ginger and other warming spices with black tea to sip on until you feel a little better. (Plus, the steam is lovely for helping to open up your sinuses a bit.) Try both versions of the recipe to find your new favorite hot drink.
2. Rest Well With Wearable Tech
Getting enough rest is a crucial part of recovering from your cold. In fact, it’s pretty common (and even helpful) to sleep a fair bit during the day as well when you’re dealing with a cold, according to Healthline. Give yourself permission to spend as much time on the couch or in bed as you need.
However, you may need a little help drifting off, even when you’re fatigued from a cold. If your sleeping space is a bit bright, then try using a smart sleep mask to create a more soothing environment. In addition, listen to a calming soundscape app to make drifting off easier. By creating a calm, dark space for rest, you’ll have everything you need to sleep it off for a bit. (Well, keeping an extra box of tissues nearby is probably a good idea, too.)
3. Make Breathing Easier With a Humidifier
One of the most frustrating parts of dealing with a cold is the way it messes with your ability to breathe. Thankfully, saline rinses and decongestants can help you breathe a little more freely when you have a stuffy nose. In addition, investing in a smart humidifier with cool or warm mist can improve the air quality in your room and relieve a dry throat. These devices can be lifesavers if dry air is making your throat feel even worse.
4. Move Around (Just a Little Bit)
For many people, body aches and general muscle stiffness are uncomfortable side effects of catching a cold. Try out a very gentle stretching routine, such as the recovery yoga from SarahBethYoga. Even slight movements can help bring some relief, so don’t push yourself too hard while you’re sick.
5. Give Yourself a Mental Break
As much as possible, try to refrain from putting too much pressure on yourself while you recover from a cold. If you need to take time away from work or school, then use some strategies to keep sick days from putting you behind on work. Automatic email replies are excellent for this.
Play some calming mobile games to pass the time or catch up on the best shows to marathon-watch on Netflix. It’s a great time to indulge in a little escapism while you rest up, so give yourself the chance to let go of your typical stresses.
6. Stock Up on Soothing Foods
If you’re up to it, try out some of the best apps for healthy soup recipes. A big batch of fresh tomato-basil soup might be just the thing to wake up your taste buds when you’re feeling a bit lousy.
If you’re staying at home while recovering, then a grocery delivery app can bring the ingredients straight to you. It’s a nice perk for anyone who’s avoiding crowds and keeping their cold germs to themselves. They’re also great for delivering cough drops, extra tissues, or anything else you need while recovering.
If cooking feels like a bit too much effort, scroll through the best food delivery apps for your area until something strikes your fancy. Getting food delivered when you’re under the weather definitely counts as a form of self-care.
7. Download Cold and Flu Season Apps
Track your symptoms, set medication reminders, and schedule telemedicine appointments with the best iPhone apps for cold and flu season. You can even monitor the spread of illnesses like the flu with the Lysol Germ-Cast app. It’s a simple way to keep up with any information you need in relation to your cold and its treatment.
Recover From Your Cold With Help From Tech
No one likes getting sick, but there are a few ways to make your recovery time a little more comfortable and pleasant. Food delivery apps, hot drinks, humidifiers, and some engrossing television shows can make all the difference. By taking it easy for a while, your body will have the chance to fight off the virus. In a few days, the cold will pass, and you can get back to your regular routine.
