Fancy Sick Days
Hey there! I recently had two wisdom teeth removed and let me tell you, I am not feeling my best. It made me think: how could I make this experience more pleasant? Read on to see what you can do to elevate your next sick day.
Vibes
Ugh, is there anything worse than a messy home? If you’re feeling unwell, the first step to recovery is a bit of tidying. I know this sounds insane, but even something as small as picking up all the tissues you’ve strewn around can make the space seem a little more inviting and conducive to healing. You might also add something like a scented candle or incense. My favorite sick day candle is one that’s a little mysterious and woodsy, like this one by Threshold. I also wear my coziest sweats, which are currently these by H&M. You can also add a cute turban to keep your hair looking nice; these are adorable and you can even wear them out of the house. Next, snuggle up in a cozy blanket like this one (pro tip: search for one at Nordstrom Rack or a similar discount outlet before you pay full price).
How about watching a feel-good 90s movie? My top picks for sick days are nostalgic ones like “While You Were Sleeping” or “You’ve Got Mail”. Bonus points for a film you’ve seen multiple times, so if you fall asleep it’s no big deal.
Next, try turning off your phone and picking up a book. I love using my Kindle for days like this- long battery life, lightweight and holds about a billion books. I love downloading a library book (who says being sick has to be expensive) and taking my mind off how I feel by diving into it. Try using Libby with your city’s library to get started (note: you don’t have to actually own a Kindle to use it).
Healing
So, what type of sick are you? Stomachache? Flu? The dreaded COVID? Check with your doctor before taking any supplements, but here are some of my favorite home remedies depending on what’s wrong with me.
Headaches usually require a good long nap. I also like to use a gel migraine eye mask like this one. I keep it in the freezer for emergencies and it’s a great non-medicated option.
Stomachaches are a giant pain. How about trying a cup of yummy Lemon Ginger Probiotic tea? It takes about four minutes to brew and can help settle your stomach quickly.
Flu/COVID- Talk to your doctor about medical interventions to lessen your symptoms. Besides that, steamy showers can help you breathe. Try using these Vicks shower steamers for a hit of menthol. It’s also important to drink a ton of water. My favorite water bottle right now is the HydroJug. It holds 73 ounces and can go in the dishwasher. You can also get a sleeve for it that has clips for a carrying strap and a little pocket to hold essentials. I’ve had two of these for years. They’ve come in clutch during my wisdom tooth recovery since I can’t drink from a straw.
Food
What are some low-key options for sick day meals? Try the obvious, soup. I love this one from Trader Joe’s- Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper. Another fave if you want something more traditional is the Progresso Chicken Noodle. I prefer their thick spiral noodles. If you want something more substantial, I like to make a frozen pizza. But not just any- this bougie California Pizza Kitchen one. It’s made with four cheeses and has excellent flavor. However, if you’re having trouble keeping heavy foods down, you can’t go wrong with Cream of Wheat. I elevate it slightly by using unsweetened vanilla almond milk and I add a sprinkle of coconut sugar just before serving.
After Healing
Have a goal for something fun to do once you’re feeling better! It could be as simple as a trip to the mall or a nice walk in the park. After all, once you’ve rested up it’s best to get back outside and restart your routine as soon as you can. I hope you aren’t feeling poorly for long, my friend.
Have you tried any of these sick day tips? Let me know in the comments!
