Take deep breaths and keep your focus on those breaths. If your mind wanders, return your focus to your breathing. Examine your body and notice how each part feels. If you find any areas of discomfort or tension, you can imagine them beginning to feel more relaxed. Read or listen to an important passage, poem, or song lyric. Take a few moments to reflect upon the meanings it holds for you.
Watch your favorite funny movie or television show. Listen to a comedy show or your favorite comedy podcast. Read a book that always makes you laugh.
Listen to music. Play a board or video game. Do your favorite craft or art if you feel well enough. Plan a future vacation.
Light exercise can alleviate some symptoms such as congestion. Exercise is fine if the only symptoms you have are a runny nose, congestion, or sneezing. Do not exercise if you have any symptoms in your chest, like coughing, wheezing, fever or muscle aches. Stop immediately if you start to feel worse.
Take as many naps as you need during the day. Don’t try to stay up late. Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.
Hot water can help relax and ease muscle or joint pain. It may also help with de-congestion. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Cool or lukewarm showers and baths can help reduce swelling and can lower a high fever. Very cold showers can actually raise your temperature due to shivering. Never take a hot shower or bath if you have a fever as this can raise your temperature to dangerous levels.
Carbohydrates are important when you are sick and you’ll want around 150 grams of them per sick day. Half a cup of apple juice can have up to 15 grams of carbohydrates. Half a cup of sorbet will give you around 30 grams of carbohydrates. Try to eat around six small meals per sick day, instead of the usual big three. Don’t eat anything too heavy, greasy, or spicy if you have nausea or have been vomiting.
Drink plenty of water during the day. Avoid fruit juices or coffee as these can make diarrhea worse.
Exposure to sunlight can increase production of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is important to many of the body’s functions. Getting some sun can help regulate the sleep/wake cycle and let you get the most out of your rest. Short and repeated exposure works best, bringing the benefits of sun exposure while mitigating the hazards. Any UV index above 3 requires sun protection.
