Is everybody sick right now? It totally looks like that. I came back from my fun trip to Seoul with a cold of death ™ that knocked me out for about a week, during which I lay moaning on the sofa. Here’re my three top tips how to feel marginally human again when you’ve got the worst cold in history.
It goes without saying that those tips shouldn’t replace a consultation with your doc when you’re feeling sick. Use your common sense.
Feel and look better with a cold
Steam bath
Nothing worse than a nose that’s so clogged that you can’t breathe. Nothing better than a homemade steam bath for that! I pop some dried camomile (from the drugstore) in a large bowl and top that up with hot water. Then I hang a towel over my head, breathe in the hot steam and let it unclog my sinuses. Added plus: steam baths are really good for clearing up your complexion (caution: the water shouldn’t be boiling). My granny’s go-to tip was using essential peppermint oil for that, but I find the camomile to be as effective and much more gentle. Lush also makes ‘Toner Tabs’ that you can use for that.
Hot bath
Now don’t do that if you’re running a fever or if you’re already feeling weak, because a hot bath can be strenuous for the body. But if you’re feeling like you’re going to get a cold, it’s awesome. It’s going to relax your muscles and highten your circulation which is good for your body fighting the cold. I use bath oils I can buy at the store (often with eucalyptus) that contain essential oils that also help you breathe if your nose is clogged. Tetesept and Weleda make nice ones I always have around.
Sheet masks
Chances are that you don’t feel like looking after your skin right now. Chances also are that the dry air from the heater is wrecking havoc with your skin, so a bit of hydration wouldn’t come amiss. Nothing better (and easier and really convenient) than a sheet mask for that. Sheet masks are advertised to do all kind of amazing things (anti-aging, whitening, brightening, spot clearing, whatever). But what they really, really excel in is hydration (make sure to use those without any added alcohol to maximize that effect – alcohol is drying!). They’re also super easy to apply and won’t tire you out – just rip the package open and pop one on your face. Have a nice lie-down during the time it does it’s thing, and hey, nice skin with the most minimal of efforts. I like My Beauty Diary masks that are dirt cheap, easily available and really good.
Also, I personally drink a lot of tea. (Ginger with honey and lemon ftw!)
What are your tips to feel better when you’ve got a runny nose and feel and look like crap?
