How to Help Your Health When You’re Sick
Being sick is the worst. You’re feeling awful, you can’t enjoy your usual activities, and you just want to curl up in bed and wait for it to pass. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. If you have a job or family commitments, you often have to power through despite feeling terrible. But what can you do about it? And what if your illness is ongoing – is there a way to support your lifestyle? You’ll be glad to know that there are some things you can do to help your health when you’re sick.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
This one might seem obvious, but it’s really important. When you’re sick, your body’s working overtime to fight off the illness. That takes a lot of energy! As a result, you need to get more rest than usual. If possible, take a few days off work or scale back your commitments so you can focus on getting better. Sleep is crucial for giving your body the rest it needs to heal, so aim for at least 8 hours per night.
2. Drink Lots of Fluids
Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your mucus gets thicker and it’s harder for your body to clear the infection. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and increase that if you’re also dealing with diarrhea or vomiting. Balance out the water with electrolyte-rich drinks like sports drinks or coconut water to avoid dehydration. And steer clear of alcohol, which can actually make dehydration worse.
3. Eat Healthy Foods
It’s tempting to just eat whatever sounds good when you’re not feeling well, but it’s important to try and eat healthy foods when you’re sick. Eating nutrient-rich foods helps boost your immune system and gives your body the energy it needs to fight off the illness. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet—and avoid sugary foods, which can actually make you feel worse.
4. See a Doctor If Needed
Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or they last more than a week or two without any improvement. A doctor can prescribe medication, like TheApothecariumPA, to help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery time. They can also rule out any serious underlying health conditions that might be causing your sickness in the first place or provide specific medication for that too.
5. Avoid Stress
Finally, it’s important to know when you’re under stress, your body releases hormones that can suppress your immune system. As a result, you’re more likely to get sick if you’re stressed out—and it will take longer for you to recover if you do get sick. So do what you can to reduce stress in your life while you’re ill. Take some time for yourself, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, and ask for help from friends or family members if needed.
