I was the sick child in my family. Whenever there was a virus going around–I was sure to get it. I swear I must have had the immune system of a Victorian child. Throughout all the begrudging doctor visits, pharmacy prescriptions and days home from school, I began to pick up on ways to take care of myself when I started to feel under the weather. Especially now, I find myself relying on these as I am four hours away from my dear mother.
- Tea, tea, tea!
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One of the most crucial to-dos while sick is staying hydrated. But on top of just drinking water, the warmth and herbal taste of tea seems to just hit the spot! Celestial Seasonings’ “Sleepytime” Tea is perfect for the days when you feel drained with a headache and just want some peace and rest. Whereas Traditional Medicinals’ “Throat Coat” is your quick fix for all things throat and chest-related. I swear by this tea every time I have a sore throat or tired voice. Tazo’s “Wild Sweet Orange” is the wildcard tea that I’ve grown to adore. I love all things orange and I always want to drink buckets of this when I’m sick. It’s perfectly uplifting and soothing at the same time!
- Sleep with socks on (controversial)
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I have always loved wearing socks to bed. I know that’s a pretty hot take, but when you’re sick, I’ve found that slathering Vicks VapoRub almost everywhere, but specifically on the bottom of your feet, before bed can help! Vicks is a topical decongestant that works to help alleviate symptoms of congestion and cough. I’m still not sure why putting it on the bottom of your feet works, however, it’s the first thing I do when I feel a cold coming on and usually within a day or two, I’m feeling much better!
- midwesterners love ginger ale
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I grew up in the Midwest. And everyone in the Midwest knows that one of the best remedies for feeling sick is this brand of ginger ale: Vernor’s (Vernor’s > Canada Dry > Sprite). The oldest ginger ale in the game is truly the best; its potent ginger flavor and sparkling bubbles overpowers that of any other brand. Ginger helps with nausea and upset stomachs, but I’m convinced that ginger ale can cure all forms of sickness!
- soup time!
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Personally, I love soup all the time and in all weather. It is truly the most versatile foods and there is one that everyone can enjoy! But the cozy warmth of soup is especially there when you’re sick. The classic chicken noodle soup is comforting and homely, with soothing broth and vegetables. However, my preferred soup of choice is Sichuan hot and sour soup. There was an incredible Chinese restaurant near my childhood home and once I started to feel under the weather my mom would order a day or two’s worth of soup. Packed with mushrooms and other forms of protein, this soup packs a punch and is incredible when you’re under the weather. Do be careful, though, if you are nauseous, spicy foods tend to make that worse.
- Helping Honey
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One of my absolute least favorite parts of being sick is a sore throat. I hate losing my voice and having it hurt when I try to swallow. When I had a sore throat when I was a kid my mom would give me a spoonful of honey before I went to bed. Honey has natural anti-inflammatory purposes that helps to soothe, but as a kid there’s nothing better than being given pure sugar, and it actually helps!
- vitamin c
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Almost everyone needs to up their vitamin intake regularly. However when fighting a virus, vitamin-C becomes your best friend. Whether orange juice in the morning, oranges with lunch or the powdered Emergen-C at night, upping the amount of vitamin-C in your system aids your immune system in combating your cold.
- Boomaladies
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My mom worked when I was a kid, so rather frequently if I was sick I was with my grandma. She would pamper me to the fullest: pillowy soft robe, bubble baths, watching movies all day, etc. But my favorite part of being at her house were the “boomaladies”. Boomaladies are thin-cut pieces of toast, slathered in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. There’s nothing that can turn around a day ruined by an illness than biting into a freshly warm piece of cinnamon-sugar delight.
- Aloe Only
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As someone with a nose piercing, I know the pain of being sick and irritating it due to blowing your nose. I have found that getting Kleenex or other tissue brands that are marketed for “soothing” or with lotion as they don’t irritate the skin around your nose and your piercing.
- The Power of Bland Food
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I despise the feeling of being nauseous and throwing up. When you’re feeling yucky it’s important to rely on the food that you know will keep you going without making you feel worse. When you’re nauseous, the blander the better! Saltine crackers and other light crackers are so helpful in fighting your stomach. Additionally, burnt toast (while rather disgusting) is effective in alleviating an upset stomach through the carbon in the char. And if you’re really feeling like you can’t keep anything down, go the banana route. As gross as it may be, many military pilots swear by eating bananas before flying as they taste the exact same coming up as they do down.
- Take the time for yourself
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As much as your professors might emphasize how their class is more important than anything you could possibly have in your life, they do not want you to come to class while you are sick. Go to class if you truly are able (and fever-less) but the more you push yourself and ignore your body, the more exhausted and sicker you’ll get. Just take the absence, ask your class friends for notes, and take the time you need.
For all those who still want their mom when they’re sick, I hear you. I become a big baby and I always call my mom and ask her to come and help (even if she’s all the way back home). But moving away has forced me to learn to take care of myself. So if you feel the winter illness approaching, grab a cup of tea and some hot and sour soup and get ready to take care of yourself!