Bouncing Back After A Minor Illness

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Contributing post

Whenever you have to suffer through a bout of minor illness such as a common cold or flu, it can seem as though it takes a considerable amount of time to get back on your feet and feel as you did before. Bouncing back after experiencing any negative symptoms takes effort and energy, and you need to make sure that you are able to commit yourself fully to healing as best as you can. Whatever minor illness that you are struggling with, it’s more than possible to move forward and get back to your normal self in a surprisingly short amount of time! There are many tips and tricks that can help you on your quests to recover and regain your usual vigor and vitality, and it couldn’t be easier to start implementing them now. So, if you’re feeling a little sluggish after a case of minor illness and would like to find out more about how you can bounce back to your normal self in no time at all, then read on to uncover some of the best steps that you can follow today!

Visit Your Healthcare Professional 

One of the most important steps that you must take to ensure that you can get set on the right path towards healing is to book a visit with your local healthcare professional, as simply trusting your instincts (or even worse, searching on the internet) could cause your minor illness to become something far more major. Arrange an appointment in which you can discuss your symptoms and request that you undergo a few different tests that will help to uncover what specifically is troubling you. Once your doctor has been able to identify the illness that you are suffering from, they can give you the correct medical advice that helps you take the first steps towards healing and recovery. The only person that is able to give you the right advice is someone who's completely qualified, so don’t contact anyone other than your local healthcare professional.

Make It Your Priority 

Whenever you are attempting to recover from a minor illness, it’s absolutely vital that you can make it your number one priority. You have to make an effort to focus on getting better, and unless you’re able to commit some time to really looking after yourself then you won’t be able to see results. If you work full time then you need to try and find a way to focus more of your day on getting better, so if you’re not able to take some total sick leave then try to book an afternoon or two off. Suffering from an illness gives you permission to say ‘no’ to any other extra responsibilities that people may ask of you. You needn’t feel guilty about focus most or all of your efforts towards yourself, as you need this time to take steps towards health and vitality. The more time you are able to commit to healing, the quicker the process is going to be. Attempting to battle through your daily schedule as normal will simply prolong your illness, so make the right choice and prioritize your wellbeing now. 

Find Some Over The Counter Remedies

There are so many over the counter remedies that might just be the perfect option to help you relieve some symptoms and work on feeling a little better, and these are just so easy to access that you needn’t miss out and continue suffering. Just head down to your local pharmacy or even grocery store to find a selection of different options that you can choose between, whether this is something such as Strepsils to treat sore throat symptoms or even basic paracetamol that can relieve headaches. Always read the label before you decide to consume any of these medicines, as they may react with some other medication that you have been prescribed or have some inconvenient side effects that you may prefer to avoid. Never take more than the recommended dose, and consult a medical professional if you experience an adverse reaction. 

Get In The Kitchen 

Though cooking may be one of the last things on your mind when you’re feeling under the weather, it’s a great idea to get in the kitchen and prepare a healthy, nutritious meal that can encourage your body to heal a little faster. There are so many natural ingredients that can be of real benefit during times of ill health, and these have been used in traditional remedies for many hundreds or even thousands of years. First of all, ginger is a root that has so many beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects - the substance inside ginger that’s known as gingerol has been proven to actively aid your body in fighting infection, so adding a slice to your morning green tea can provide a real boost. Honey is another great ingredient that has known antibacterial properties, and it’s said that just a small amount each day can help to relieve painful throat-related symptoms. Spicy foods may also be of benefit, as anything hot such as chili flakes or fresh chili peppers can help to reduce nasal congestion and clear your airways whenever you’re feeling a little blocked up. Garlic is another wonder food, as many people swear by its cold and flu prevention properties as well as its ability to reduce symptoms when you do feel under the weather. Generally consuming a healthier diet that’s rich in fresh fruit and vegetables will definitely support your healing quests, whilst also providing you with the energy that you need to fight off infections and get back to your normal self. 

Indulge In Self Care 

Indulging in a little bit of self-care when you’re suffering from minor illness can be such a great help, as just taking some time out to relax can completely transform the way that you feel. Whether you decide to run a hot bath and take a long soak or take part in a session of quiet meditation, just spending some time distracting yourself with a little pampering will make you feel (almost) as good as new. Doing something as simple as taking a walk outside amongst nature may feel like such a small act, getting the opportunity to get a little bit of fresh air and stretch your legs can be a surprisingly invigorating experience. 

Get A Good Night's Sleep 

One of the most important things that you can do whenever you’re feeling under the weather is to get a good night's sleep. Each time you close your eyes to rest, your body takes the chance to heal and recover. Studies have shown that those who suffer through sleepless nights are more likely to need a far longer recovery period when experiencing minor illness, so you have to take steps to improve your likelihood of a long and peaceful rest. There are many simple things that you can do to increase the length and quality of your sleep, starting off by saying goodbye to your phone as at least an hour before heading to bed. The artificial lights used inside phone screens can convince your body that it’s still day, therefore keeping you awake for much longer than you need to be. Another great tip is to practice a sleeping routine, in which you can develop a simple step by step schedule that includes things like brushing your teeth, changing into your pyjamas, stretching your muscles and putting on a relaxing playlist. It’s completely up to you what you include in your sleeping routine, but ensure that you try to follow the same steps each night! Avoid eating fried or spicy foods for at least a couple of hours before you plan on going to sleep, as they are harder to digest especially during the night when your body starts to slow down. Always be sure to wash your bed sheets regularly during times of ill health, as you can sweat fat more and create an unhygienic environment that does not encourage optimum healing. 

Bouncing back to your usual self after experiencing a period of minor illness has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above. Before you decide to do anything, always get in contact with your medical professional to get the right diagnosis and subsequent health advice too. Never trust the mounds of rubbish that you can read online, as the internet can encourage misinformation which could lead to unnecessary stress and worry. Make an effort to ensure that your recovery becomes your main priority, and add self care into your schedule to encourage relaxation and reduce the length of your healing period. Get in the kitchen and cook up a few nutritious meals full of powerful natural ingredients that can boost your energy and provide a few helpful vitamins and minerals to help you along the way. Remember to try your best to get a good night's sleep, too!

Nadia MurdockComment