When You’re Feeling Under The Weather, Remember These 4 Things

Coming down with an illness is the worst, especially when you have schoolwork to complete or a big night out planned at the end of the week. The last thing on your mind is to be cuddled up in bed with a stack of tissues, but what can you do about it? While it’s nearly impossible to predict when you’ll become ill, there are some things you can take to ensure that you’re back on your feet in no time. When you’re feeling under the weather, keep these four things in mind.

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Give yourself time to heal

We understand how frustrating it is to be sick and have a thesis to complete. However, if you force yourself to work, it will not be your best work. Give yourself at least one day to relax and recover, and you’ll feel much better the next day! Use this time to catch up on your favourite TV show or play a game you’ve been wanting to get stuck into.

Dose up!

We also understand that dissertations are often left till the last minute, so if you absolutely can’t wait any longer, it’s time to dose up! NSAIDs like paracetamol and ibuprofen are widely available these days, and if you take them regularly, you will notice a significant improvement in your symptoms. Water is also your best friend for any kind of ailment, so make sure you drink plenty.

Starve the bug, feed the flu

When you’re unwell, one of the finest bits of advice to remember is to starve the bug (stomach bug) and feed the flu (common cold). When your stomach is upset, the last thing you should do is force food down your throat; it will just come back up! To reintroduce your stomach to eating, wait until you’re sure you’re not going to vomit, and then only try dry things. If you’re still vomiting after 24-48 hours, it’s best to see your Dr in case you need to be seen by gastroenterology. Vomiting is usually because of a stomach bug, but it can be serious if it’s continuous.

When you get the flu, also known as the common cold, your body will require a lot of nutrition to help you get through it. It’s natural that you don’t want to eat loads, but try to consume robust meals like chicken soup to give your body the energy it needs to heal.

Eat well

Finally, when you’re sick, the last thing on your mind is putting together a nutritious salad for dinner. You’ll probably want to eat a lot of crisps and chocolate. While this may taste delicious, it isn’t doing your body any favours when it comes to self-healing. As previously stated, aim to include as many nutrients as possible in your diet so that you can feel better sooner rather than later.

Keep in mind that the average stomach illness will last about 24 hours, while the common cold will stay about 2-3 days. If you’re still having trouble following this, visit your doctor!