This time of year is prime flu season – everyone seems to be sick, or getting sick, or just getting over being sick. Feeling under the weather can make you feel very low, unproductive and hopeless, which is why it’s important to really take care of yourself in times of sickness.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my tips on how to practice self care in times of sickness, and get you feeling yourself again ASAP!

  1. If you need time off, take it.

Going into work or school when you’re sick can actually make you feel a lot worse – so don’t feel guilty for not going. Going out into the cold and a day sat at the desk could set your healing back a few weeks, and it’ll do you so much more good to rest. Just make sure to decide the night before whether or not you’re going – then, you won’t have to get up early the next morning, giving you more time to rest.

2. Get comfortable.

Getting yourself comfortable and cosy is the Number 1 sick day MUST. Get on your comfiest pyjamas and robe (I LOVE this one!), and some fuzzy socks. When you feel sick or low, wrapping up in weighted things can also make you feel cosy. Try a weighted eye mask to relax your eyes, and wrap up in a weighted blanket like this one – they’ve been proven to reduce anxiety and feels like a hug in a blanket!

3. Pamper yourself.

A sick day provides the perfect opportunity for you to unwind and take part in some pampering. Light a soothing candle, take an epsom salt bath and pop in a few drops of essential oil to relax you and clear your sinuses. Take time to exfoliate, and use a face mask (this is my favourite!) When we’re sick, it can really take a toll on our skin, so it’s important to keep moisturised.

4. Take part in comforting activities.

Don’t feel guilty about spending your sick day binging that Netflix show you’ve always wanted to see – now is the perfect time! Watch Netflix, put on a favourite movie or box set – read a book you’ve been meaning to read, doodle, paint, colour. Don’t do anything too taxing or strenuous, just things that will lift your mood and make you feel relaxed.

5. Nourish your body.

Even though it may be tempting to eat the contents of your junk food cabinet, it’s important you use a sick day to nourish your body by eating lots of fresh foods – this will replace any vitamins and minerals your body’s lost since you’ve been ill. Also, it’s more important than ever to drink LOTS of water. Regularly fill up a water bottle like this one and sip from it throughout the day to hydrate. You could also try drinking soothing as, such as Yogi Tea to calm and heal yourself.

So there are my sick day self care tips! I hope you have the best sick day ever and get well soon!