The common cold can be a frustrating ailment. Not only does it cause sneezing and spluttering, it can come with coughing and difficulty breathing, too. This infection usually comes at the worst possible times as well, and you will definitely want rid of it fast.
But how does one speed up the recovery process when suffering from a cold? This can be a tough task, especially if you have a busy life and need to be well again soon. It can be tempting to force yourself to work through the cold, but this is not encouraged.
If you would like to learn how to speed up recover, read the four ways listed in this post.
Get Plenty of Rest
When suffering from the common cold, your body will be working hard to recuperate. This will take a lot more energy, which means getting plenty of rest should be prioritized. For many people, this will mean taking a break from work and putting any personal plans on hold.
Sitting on the couch with your feet up is often the easiest way to ensure you get enough rest. This could be a good opportunity to read the book your friend keeps recommending or catch up on the latest season of your favorite TV show.
Prioritize Sleep
Although you are supposed to rest, this does not mean you can neglect sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep, or even a daytime nap, can be incredibly beneficial when you are unwell. Experts have found that your body will release proteins called cytokines while you sleep, and these can communicate with cells in the immune system to support recovery.
The more sleep you get when you are ill, the quicker you will recover. Most people will aim for roughly nine hours of sleep per day. This can be during the night as well as several naps throughout the day, but a continuous stretch of sleep is encouraged. It might be difficult to get lots of sleep with a blocked nose, but you can find ways to sleep better with a cold here.
Drink Lots of Fluids
Staying hydrated is another way to ensure you recover quicker. Your immune system will be in overdrive to restore your health, meaning various symptoms will be triggered. These symptoms, such as a blocked nose and sneezing, use up water and can cause you to become dehydrated. Drinking lots can reduce the chances of this from happening.
It can be tempting to avoid drinking fluids if you have a sore throat. However, increasing your fluid intake can actually make you feel better. It will alleviate cold symptoms faster, making you recover quicker. You should aim to drink at least 11 glasses of water, as you should when you are healthy, and avoid any caffeinated drinks.
Hot beverages like tea or water infused with lemon or honey can soothe a sore throat, too. Avoid drinking coffee if you can as caffeinated drinks tend to increase the production of urine, which can impact your hydration.
Use a Saline Nasal Spray
If you find your nose is very blocked and breathing is a struggle, you should use a saltwater spray. Saline nasal sprays can be bought over-the-counter in most supermarkets and pharmacies. These sprays work by clearing away mucus in each nostril, enabling easier breathing.
By using the four tips outlined in this post, you will have an easier time when fighting off the cold and experience a quicker recovery.
