During the hustle and bustle of a 6 week-long semester at school, I realized that on multiple occasions my body would start to feel sick but, I wouldn't allow myself the downtime to fully recover. Instead, I have been "sick" for quite some time now and the sickness finally caught up to me over my winter break when my responsibilities went from 100 to 0, real quick.
Experiencing a full blown sickness from head-to-toe reminded me of when I was little and would skip school because I could afford to skip school. It brought back a sense of nostalgia remembering what it was like to have an excuse to lay low. With that being said, I have come up with the top 10 things we all want/need while we are under the weather.
1. Sleep
Okay so this one is a given, everyone desires extra sleep whether they're sick or not. But, what I realized this past illness, was that you truly can sleep at anytime of the day when you're sick. I had no idea whether it was night or day when I was sick because I was sleeping for 75 percent of the 24 hours in a given day. Sleeping when sick is often one of the best forms of medication because if you're in pain, you don't have to feel that pain while asleep.
2. Binge Watching Netflix or Movies
The catch to this one is...you don't have to feel bad about it. Once in awhile I will reward myself to an episode of Netflix if I accomplish a task for school or something. But, when you're sick there's literally two things you should be doing: sleeping or watching TV. Being sick allows your Netflix series to consume you to a point where you start to feel like you're a character in the show...
3. Tea & Toast
A classic sick persons meal where you feel like British royalty. Not only because that is the only meal you feel like eating on a weak stomach but also, because when else would you eat and drink Tea & Toast? For me, tea is only drank when I'm trying to relax, like in a bubble bath or right before bed. And, unless I'm hungover or something, toast is too basic for everyday consumption which is why it is a comfort food to me when I'm sick.
4. Shots... of Medicine
Nyquil and Dayquil for the win. God bless the soul who invented these two medicines. Not only does the taste remind you of childhood when your mom would force a spoon down your throat while having a cracker ready for you to chase it with, but it also soothes the back of your throat. Alongside of the quil brothers, Emergen-C packets are a lifesaver. Those packets that you pour into your water are also like taking shots because the taste isn't all that great but the results are effective.
5. Blankie City
When I'm sick, the only part of my body that isn't covered by blankies is my eyes. When you're sick, you want to be warm and nest yourself in the bed or couch like a baby bird. Usually you might use like one blanket to cozy up on the couch but, when you're sick the minimum blankie count is 3.
6. Some Type of Treat
For me and my reccent episode of the sore throat from hell made me desire like 100 popsicles. The coldness felt good on my throat and I also didn't feel guilty about how many I ate because its basically liquid. Other than the occasional popsicle on a hot summer day, having a popsicle is a nice out of the ordinary treat to have while sick.
7. A Kleenex Box at Hand
Because as soon as you get all cozied up, wherever it may be, you're going to sneeze. Blowing your nose until it's red and dry is one of the many glamourous things to expect when you're sick. Having a Kleenex Box at Hand will let you stay dormant for longer. Also, if you don't want to be nasty like me, put a garbage can next to your set up so you're not just throwing used tissues on the floor...guilty. A good thing that accompanies a tissue box is Vicks vapor rub for your nose, chest, really anywhere honestly. The minty vaseline soothes the skin and your sinuses.
8. Someone/Something to Snuggle
For me it's my cat (if she lets me). But I think everyone wants a stuffed animal, a real animal, or a significant other to hold when they're sick. A person is probably my top choice because then you can get a back rub out of the snuggle.
9. Heating Pad
Hallelujah these are so relaxing. When you're sick you often have body aches so, having a heating pad soothes your muscles so you can relax more comfortably. The same goes for a nice hot bath; expect, with a heating pad you don't have to get wet.
10. The Excuse to Look like Shit
This is one of my favorites. When I am sick, I am probably wearing the ugliest pajamas or sweats imaginable. I just grab whatever looks the snuggliest and the more loose fitting but also warm. When you're sick you often want to layer up too which causes a mix matched outfit or for my current look "groutfit" (grey outfit). Also, to who it may concern, you know you love not having to put your makeup on so, being sick gives you a legit reason to do without grooming yourself. Hopefully nobody will see you anyways!
