If you’re feeling a little under the weather, you might feel tempted to push through the sniffles and continue with your daily routine. However, you might be making your cold worse than it needs to be. To usher in a quick recovery and lower-grade symptoms, here’s what to avoid when you’re sick.
Stressing Yourself Out
When your body is trying to combat a cold, added stress can impair its natural healing process. Stress hormones like cortisol can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system, making your cold symptoms feel more severe and last longer. Your stress levels aren’t completely within your control, but try to take a step back from your triggers. If you need a day off work, take it. If you need a hot bath and a good book, do that. Take this time to rest mentally and physically— your body will thank you.
Drinking and Smoking
Alcohol and tobacco can severely impair your body’s ability to fight a cold. Alcohol dehydrates the body and compromises your immune system, while smoking irritates the respiratory tract and can worsen coughing and congestion. If you partake in these substances, give your body a break to facilitate a speedier recovery.
Eating Poorly
Nutrition plays a vital role in how your body deals with infections. Though diet is more effective in preventing sickness, a poor diet during a cold can deprive your body of the essential nutrients it needs to fight off the virus. Foods that ward off colds are rich in vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune function.
Ignoring Your Home’s Air Quality
Poor air quality in your home can irritate your airways, making a simple cold feel much worse by aggravating your already annoyed sinuses. Make sure your air filters are clean. Additionally, air purifiers boast many benefits for your home, including cleaning the air to give your sinuses the break they need. You should also maintain a level of humidity that’s conducive to alleviating cold symptoms. Dry air can exacerbate a sore throat and stuffiness, while overly humid environments can promote the growth of mold and dust mites.
Being Too Active
While maintaining an active lifestyle is generally a good thing, overexerting yourself when you have a cold is a mistake. Physical activity while you’re sick can drain the energy reserves that your body needs to combat the illness. Listen to your body—if it’s telling you to slow down and rest, it’s because rest is necessary for your recovery.
As your cold develops, keep in mind what to avoid so you don’t make it worse. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance to bounce back quickly and return to your daily routines in perfect health.
