On average, you will likely get sick at least 2 to 4 times this year. You might be super hygienic, always cleaning your hands and eating the healthiest diet in the world, but we’re all human. Sometimes the common cold or flu will slip through the cracks and hit you when you least expect it. When it does, it can leave you bedridden, miserable and grateful for the times when you could actually breathe through your nose. What are you supposed to do when you get the cold? Let it run its course? Fight it with medications and natural remedies your grandmother taught you? Let’s figure out the fastest way to beat a cold. 

Rest! 

Every single time you sleep, your body is recovering itself. Your energy is used to repair the body rather than to fuel the never-ending thoughts in your brain. The reason you feel so lethargic when you’re sick is because your body needs you to rest, so it can effectively fight off the illness. But it makes things difficult when you’re struggling to sleep because your symptoms are so obnoxious. Maybe you’re suffering from a chesty cough and you can’t settle down for bed or your headache is so bad that no position feels comfortable.  

When you feel like this, consider using a supplement that helps induce sleep. There’s nothing wrong with seeking some extra help when you’re feeling low! A great sleep supplement that will help you get the rest you need is Oxysleep by EHP Labs. Sleep well so you can recover fast and get back to feeling like you again. 

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol 

This one might seem obvious to you, but you’d be surprised how many people think a Sunday afternoon beer can cure absolutely anything. Even though your throat might be sore and dry, it’s so important to stay hydrated. If you’re constantly blowing your nose and coughing, you’re already losing a lot of fluid, so you should really be drinking more water than usual. Try to aim for 8-10 cups per day. Don’t be put off by how many times you’re going to the toilet, we promise, your body needs it! 

If you drink alcohol when your immune system is already weak, you’re basically kicking yourself when you’re down. Skip the cocktail and swap it for a tall glass of water, boring, we know. But you’ll be back on the dance floor in no time.  

Incorporate Supplements 

The best form of treatment is prevention, so if you haven’t been hit with a cold just yet, consider taking vitamins and supplements so you can avoid them entirely. Adding vitamin C and immune-boosting supplements can be a great addition to your regime. However, if you’re smack bang in the middle of a cold and you’re looking for a way out, vitamins could be the extra support your body needs. We usually get the nutrients we need from our diets, but we’re normal perfect all the time.  

If you struggle to get in your fruits and vegetables, you might have found the reason why you’re getting sick. Our bodies need fuel to fight off illness and when we don’t give it what it needs, it becomes weak and vulnerable to nasty bacteria's. If you’re looking for some extra support, try incorporating Cold and Flu Immune Support by Nutra Life. If you’re looking for relief from your symptoms, try Cold and Flu Liquid by Fusion Health. 

Manage Your Stress 

You might think being stressed is a normal part of your life. That in some situations it's actually a good thing. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Stress is a huge contributor to health issues, both mental and physical. An increase in stress can make you genuinely physically sick. It weakens your immune system, increases your blood pressure, lowers your sex drive and can even cause fertility issues. It is extremely important to find ways to manage stress, so you give your body the best fighting chance when it’s hit any form of illness. 

If you suffer from stress on a daily basis, here are some things you could start doing to help manage it: 

• Practice mindfulness 
• Meditation 
• Turning your phone off an hour before bed 
• Listening to music 
• Exercise! 

Find what ways best work for you and implement them into your daily routine. You might be currently stressed about being sick and missing work, school or social events. The best thing you can do for your mind and body is to fully accept the situation. If you’ve done everything you can, it’s time to put your feet up, binge a show on Netflix and let your body rest and relax. 

Soak up Some Sun 

When you get sick, it’s easy to become a hermit crab. Shutting all the blinds and curtains and pulling the blanket over your eyes when the sun starts to come up. However, a little bit of sun can go a long way. The best source of vitamin D is the sun. Soaking up some rays can help support your immune system and fight off your cold. Plus, the warmth of the sun on your skin can feel quite comforting and soothing. Breathe some fresh air and enjoy some nice weather (if you’re lucky enough to get it). If the sun is entirely out of sight, you can always opt for a vitamin D supplement. You might not get the added benefits of going outside, but your body will get the extra support it needs to help you kick the cold. 

Don’t put pressure on yourself to ‘cure’ your body before an important event. Sometimes the best thing we can do is absolutely nothing. Rest, relax and recover!