5 Things You Can Do To Recover From A Cold Faster

Having a cold is a nuisance. Not only do you simply not feel well but also it can make you miss out on important school, work, or social functions. Instead of lying around your home waiting for the cold to pass and for your mind and body to start feeling like yourself again, check out these five things that you can do to recover from a cold more quickly.

1. Drink plenty of liquid.

Colds have the ability to dehydrate you, and this will only make your situation worse. Instead, you want to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of liquids and keeping your body as hydrated as possible. Not only will this help to hydrate your body, but certain liquids, such as fruit/vegetable juices or hot teas can also help you fight off the cold. Fruit and vegetable juices contain antioxidants that can help your immune system fight the cold, and hot teas can alleviate pain in your throat or nose.

2. Get plenty of rest.

Fighting off a cold with rest is extremely important. Don’t try to battle through the cold and use all your energy trying to do your everyday routine. Instead, spend at least the first day or your cold getting plenty of rest. This will help your body use its energy to fight the disease on its own.

3. Eat the right foods.

While you may not have much of an appetite, eating certain foods can help you bounce back from your cold more quickly. For example, proteins are especially beneficial to eat while you have a cold because they will help your body produce more energy that can help you fight the cold. Fruits and vegetables can also provide you with natural antioxidants and vitamins that will help your body feel better and fight off the disease. And foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, can help your body get back to its normal state more quickly.

If those don’t sound appetizing, sticking to the standard chicken noodle soup can keep your body hydrated as well as provide you with protein from the chicken to boost your energy levels.

4. Invest in steam.

If you are congested, steam can be your best friend. A humidifier can be a great help while you’re sick, especially if you use it overnight while you’re at rest. If you don’t have a humidifier, make sure that you take hot, steamy showers or at least sit in the bathroom while a hot, steamy shower is running. The steam will help to alleviate the congestion in your nose or chest, helping you to break up the mucus and start to feel better.

5. Avoid sick contact.

When you’re sick, your immune system is already down, allowing your body to easily catch other diseases and infections. Make sure that you are constantly washing your hands and avoiding others who are sick. The last thing you need is to extend your illness because you catch another virus while trying to combat the first one.