5 Ways to Feel Better When You're Ill

It started yesterday, around lunchtime.

The sore throat that scratched every time I swallowed, the headache that wouldn't go away, and eventually the achy muscles. 

The boys have been back at school almost three weeks and I've already caught a cold. 

By bedtime last night I was wiped out, I could barely walk up the stairs, but I slept. I slept so well that I couldn't even remember falling asleep. Once my head hit that pillow I was out.

Tips for feeling better when you're ill.


This morning isn't much better, my throat still hurts and my muscles are complaining. The headache is lingering too. I feel pretty rough and when that happens I tend to feel sorry for myself. I shut down, do nothing, and let the illness take me.

Perhaps it's being motivated by my blogging, or something else, but I refuse to let it stop me.

I got up this morning feeling awful but not wanting to give up.

If you're feeling rough but can't, or don't want to give in, here are my top 5 tips for feeling better.



1. Hot coffee (or tea)


5 Ways to Feel Better When You're Ill | Morgan's Milieu: hot-steaming-coffee
Some people suggest Lemsip, others say hot lemon water, but for me good old coffee does it every time. Here's the important thing though, you need a few minutes to yourself to enjoy it. Sit in your most comfy chair, clutch the hot cup in your hands, and sip slowly. 

Don't think about all the work you have to do, don't think about the children.

Take a moment for yourself.

Just sit and Enjoy the hot coffee (or tea).





2. Wear clothes that make you feel good


Instead of donning your jogging bottoms, a jumper, and maybe even a scarf and fluffy socks, try wearing your best outfit. Rummage through your wardrobe for those clothes that make you feel amazing. It could be a favourite pair of jeans, a summer dress, or an evening outfit, either way wear it. 

It is harder to feel good when you're not well so wearing the perfect outfit could lift your mood and take the edge off.





3. Don't forget the make-up


Make sure to put in extra effort in the morning, don't let your cold get you down. Even if you don't feel like it put your make up on. Make yourself look your best and you'll feel good too.

Some mornings I wake up and think "ugh, I can't be bothered" but I do it anyway. Within minutes I'm feeling better because I can see that I look better.

It might seem like it's a waste of time but I promise you that spending a few minutes putting on the make up will make you ready to take on the day.






4. Listen to happy, upbeat music.


If you're anything like me music can make the difference between a good and bad mood, especially when ill. 

Try listening to upbeat music, the kind that gets you moving around. The sort of music that gets in your head and makes you smile. If you want to get up and dance, even better. 

No classical music, no sad love songs, just happy, bouncy music. It's amazing the difference it makes.






5. A hot bath


If all else fails try spending time soaking in a hot bath, even if it means getting up earlier. Sitting in a tub full of hot water will make your muscles feel better and you'll feel better for it. When you get out of the bath you'll feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.

You could also try a hot bath at the end of the day, before bed. The hot water eases your muscle pain and helps with sleeping. When you're out of the bath you can put on your favourite pyjamas and rest, ready for the next day.





There are pills, Lemsips, and various other things you can take to ease your symptoms but sometimes it's about making yourself feel good. If you take the pills they only delay your symptoms and before you know it you're taking 8 pills a day.

These five tips are simple ways to try to make yourself feel better without having to resort to pills. They're the things that I do and don't require anything special, not even honey and lemon. 

How do you make yourself feel better when you're ill?


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