Sick Day Essentials

by Britney

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I’ve been sick since yesterday, but I woke up feeling even worse today. I have no idea if I have a fever or not because our thermometer doesn’t work correctly, and I haven’t gotten around to getting a new one yet. I do know that my head hurts, my nose is getting stuffed up, and my throat feels like it’s on fire.

This is the first time I’ve been sick in two years, so I had a pretty good run. I knew I was bound to catch something eventually though. I took a sick day from work today, which is not something I do often. When I miss work, my co-workers are responsible for my accounts. Most of them are already working at least ten hours a day with their own stuff. Plus, it’s super stressful going back after having time off because I have to figure out where things left off and try to get accounts caught up that my co-workers didn’t have time to get to while I was off.

I knew I needed the day off though. Sometimes you just can’t help it. I’ve mostly been laying around all day. I didn’t get out of bed until 4 pm. I was in and out of sleep and just felt really tired and not much like moving. I finally forced myself up to get a shower. My mom said she would go to the store to pick up some things for me, so I gave her money and a list.

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These are some of my necessities or things I enjoy when I’m sick.

Cough Drops
I always buy some Halls Breezers when I’m sick. They’re the only kind I really like, and they’re good for sore throats and coughs. It’s an absolute necessity for when I go back to work, so I can avoid coughing attacks triggered by those little tickles in your throat. I hate that! Whenever I feel one coming on, I pop one of these in, and it really helps.

Tissues
Obviously these are a must for anybody. Whenever I feel a sneeze coming on, I make sure to hold a tissue to my nose because you don’t want snot to fly out everywhere. Gross, I know. Also, blowing your nose can help temporarily relieve some of the nasal congestion.

Vaseline
This goes along with the previous statement. When your nose is running and you’re basically using tissues non-stop, your nose becomes so raw and sore. I’ve found that if I keep putting vaseline under my nose, it helps prevent some of the soreness.

Chicken Noodle Soup
Every single time I’m sick, I always crave chicken noodle soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food for when you’re sick. I like Campbell’s and Lipton soups. I had some of the Campbell’s chunky chicken noodle this evening.

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Hot Bath/Shower
I tend to get sweaty/clammy when I’m sick, and it just makes me feel gross. I like taking a bath or shower to feel clean, but I also find the hot water to be really relaxing, and it usually helps me feel a little better for a short time.

Liquids
It’s good for your body to stay hydrated while you’re sick. Water is probably best, but I’m a soda addict (I just love the carbonation), so I usually like to drink Ginger Ale. The flavored ginger ale’s (cranberry, blackberry, and raspberry) are my favorites. I tend to drink a lot if I have a sore throat because it doesn’t hurt as much to swallow when you’re washing down a cold drink.

Spicy Food
I’m a huge fan of spicy food in general, but I always crave it and like to eat it when I’m congested because it helps to open up your nasal passages some.

Ice Cream
I’m really not a big ice cream person at all, but whenever I come down with a sore throat, I always want some. Mainly because it feels quite soothing on my throat when I’m eating it. I had my mom pick up some coffee ice cream for me, which is one of my favorite flavors.

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Vapor Inhaler
I like to keep some inhaler’s around for when my nose is stuffed up. Vicks makes some, or you can also buy some essential oil inhalers (with peppermint and the like) online. I do find that these help a little. Plus, I like the minty smells.

Blankets
Sometimes when you’re sick, you get really cold from the raise in body temperature. Lots of blankets definitely come in handy. They’re also cozy, and when you’re not feeling well you want to try to be as comfortable as possible.

TV/Movies
I need something to help distract me when I’m not feeling well. When you’re bed-ridden for most of the day, this is the best option. I had trouble sleeping this morning, so I put on some episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 (one of my all-time favorites) until I eventually dozed off. I spent most of the rest of the day watching crime shows on the ID channel.

Hot Tea
I used to never like hot tea, but it has grown on me within the last year. Drinking tea has a calming effect for me, and some of the ingredients can be good for you if you’re sick. I’ve been drinking the Lipton Green Tea with honey and lemon, and I also added some additional honey and fresh lemon to mine.

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Feel free to comment your own essentials that you like when you’re sick. If you have any great remedies, feel free to comment those as well.

40 thoughts on “Sick Day Essentials”

  10. So sorry you’ve been under the weather! I love your necessities and most are absolute must-have’s for when I’m down and out. I like to lay in bed with my doggies who get under the covers and help keep me warm :). I also make sure to have Vernor’s brand Ginger Ale on hand as it seems to really help with an upset stomach. I have IBS too and find a heating pad helps greatly when i have stomach cramps. For colds or a sore throat, I will pick eucalyptus leaves from the trees in my backyard and boil them in water, then strain it to create a homemade tea and add a little lemon and honey.

    I hope you’re feeling better soon!

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. Ugh, I’m sorry you’re sick! I hate being sick, I’m such a huge baby though and love to be taken care of. So my essentials are tea, tv, and someone to take care of me. 😂

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  19. Cough attacks are the most annoying for me when I’m sick, too but I can’t stand the taste of cough drops! When I’m sick I always need tissues… and I totally agree about the spicy food!! It always helps clears my sinuses!

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      1. I hope I don’t get sick soon but if I do… I’ll have to try the Halls Breezers! I like the Luden’s that taste like candy but I don’t feel they really relieve the cough like the less pleasant ones do.

        Liked by 1 person

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