It is always the case. You have a deadline to meet for your studies, interviews to prep for, or simply have something important to do, and the common cold can hit you from all angles. Suddenly your nose is streaming, you feel hot and then cold, and you simply just feel like you can’t function. No matter whether it’s winter or in the throes of a hot summer’s day, unfortunately, all of us can be hit with the symptoms of a cold at any time of the year. This is why I thought I would share with you some of the common symptoms and remedies to help you carry on with your lifestyle.
Increase your intake of Vitamin C
It may sound like a bit of cliche, but increasing the vitamin c you get in your diet not only can prevent a cold from appearing but can help fight it off when it starts to strike. Vitamin C can be gained from oranges and citrus fruits, but you can also take supplements that dissolve into drinks if you struggle to get it naturally enough into your diet.
Drink plenty of water
You may not feel like it, but drinking plenty of water is a great way to fight the cold. It’s important for your body to stay hydrated, especially as your immune system is fighting off illness. If you struggle to drink a lot generally throughout the day, make sure you keep a bottle or glass handy to encourage you to sip more.
Deal with the unpleasant postnasal drip
A common symptom of a cold is the postnasal drip increasing. For those that are unsure, this is when mucus is created in your nose and naturally is swallowed when combined with your saliva. This is a completely normal bodily occurrence that you won’t notice from day to day, but the mucus can be built up and increase when you have a cold, and therefore be more noticeable and feel problematic. Thankfully, keeping your head propped when lying down and also inhaling steam can help break down that mucus.
Soothe that sore throat
A sore throat is another issue we can all face when feeling under the weather with a cold. Thankfully, getting yourself a packet of menthol sweets can often do the trick to soothe and numb the pain.
Sip warm liquids like honey and lemon
Sometimes all you want to do is curl up with a warm drink when you are struggling with a cold, and actually, this is one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. If you can, try and combine local honey with lemon and hot water. This is a great at-home remedy for the common cold, and the vitamins within the drink can help fight off the cold for good while soothing some of the symptoms.
Rest when you can
Finally, resting up, if you can, is a great way to fight off a cold. Get yourself a hot water bottle and pop on your comfiest of clothes. Drink your hot drink and soothe that sore throat and aching head. While it may not always be possible, rest will always be the best medicine to solve this common illness. Whether you rest in a bed, a hammock or on the sofa the choice is yours, just make sure you rest!
Hopefully, these tips will help you to cope with the common cold.