Rest and Recuperation

As January progresses, the number of people getting sick has been increasing. No matter where you go, someone is coughing, sneezing, or sniffling - you can’t go anywhere without the risk of catching something!  `

With so many people getting sick, it’s essential to approach wellness and healthcare from multiple angles. Even if you’re not sick, taking proper care of yourself can be a beneficial prevention step.

Arguably, the most important part of fighting illness is rest. Not only is it well-documented that we’re supposed to sleep more/longer during winter, but we also absolutely must get enough sleep when we’re sick! Taking a day off from work or school when you’re ill, so that you can lie in bed sleeping and taking medicine, is perfectly justifiable. I can personally testify that getting other people in your social circle sick is not worth going out! To maximize rest time, try to go to bed at a decent time, even if it’s just an hour earlier than you might normally. If sleep isn’t an option, lying down in a quiet room away from bright light or taking a warm bath can also provide rest for the body.

Additionally, make sure your home has the appropriate medicines stocked up this season. In this regard, self-knowledge is important. If you almost always have a cough when sick, make sure cough drops are on hand. If your nose runs badly, a nasal spray should help! Staying prepared with medication available can help you both now and possibly later down the line.  Also, many people have different preferences when it comes to medicines regarding brand, taste, and method. Make sure whatever you take is in ample supply in the cabinet! 

A more underrated way to address sickness is diet. When our bodies are fighting sickness, eating simple and immunity-boosting foods can make or break personal health. Hydrating soups, vitamin-filled fruits, and fibrous greens are among some of the best options for keeping sickness at bay (or shortening recovery time). Additionally, drinking more water than you ever thought possible, and lots of hot tea, flushes your system and can reduce fever. My personal favorite tea is ginger lemon honey, which reduces inflammation in the throat from coughing and contains immunity-boosting vitamin C from the lemon.

If you or a loved one is feeling the effects of sickness creeping in, and you require external aid, do not hesitate to seek out medical advice from a doctor or other qualified professional. While these tips are generalizable to many, specialized care should be entrusted to medical professionals! 

Winter began on December 21st, and will last until mid-March. To many, this marks a time for recovery, change, and slowing down - think animal hibernation. Days are short and cold, and paying attention to the needs of our bodies becomes even more important than usual. For this reason, perhaps the tips above will be helpful to those looking to take great care of themselves as we head towards Spring!

I hope that everyone is safe and healthy this January, and that if you do get sick, you’re now well-equipped to confront it!