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Five Tips to Stay Sane When You’re Home Sick

Tips to Stay Sane When You're Sick

I wish I could say I was feeling much better by now. But I can’t. This cold, which I have dubbed, cold-maggedon, seems to get worse by the minute. And in the interest of full disclosure, trying to use my brain has been quite a challenge. As someone who is chronically fatigued, I thought a week in bed, with no pressing priorities, would be exciting. I could catch up on my shows (thank you Bravo and ABC). I could go through my crowded inbox. Heck, I could just sit and catch up on the news. But when you can’t breathe, sleep, or hold your head up for more than an hour at a time, none of that is possible.

So here’s what’s been keeping me sane while I am stuck on house arrest/bed rest/quarantine:

1. Bravo and ABC Apps for IPad: I no longer feel guilty about missing a show, because I know it will be waiting for me on my iPad thanks to apps from Bravo and ABC. I’ve now caught up with Scandal, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and learned a lot about entrepreneurship from Shark Tank. See, who says watching television can’t be productive?

2. Bolthouse Farms Fruit Smoothies: I may have had to search high-and-low for these babies, but it was worth it. There’s just so much tea and water I can drink before I go mad. These smoothies have 29 grams of sugar (a tad high), but it’s not added sugar, so I’ll make an allowance. They come in tons of favors, including a breakfast smoothie for those of you who like to eat and run, and a fruit and vegetable blend (perfect for people like me who would rather drink their veggies).

3. Old T-shirts: You wouldn’t think being sick would make you take a walk down memory lane. But it has for me. I went through some of my old t-shirts that had long been forgotten. And I stumbled upon a few of my favorites from my college days. I’m currently rocking my “Beware of Female Spies” shirt, which is from my visit to the Spy Museum in Washington, DC. If you’re planning a trip to Washington, you should check it out.

4. Snapchat: Although I dragged my feet at first when it came to joining the platform, it has become a major source of entertainment — especially when I haven’t seen the light of day in a while. Of course, I’m slightly jealous watching people enjoy the nice spring-like weather while I’m stuck in bed. But it makes me hopeful that I will be able to rejoin the living soon.

5. Fresh Air: I haven’t been outside for much more than five minutes at a time. But this beautiful weather makes it even harder to stay cooped up inside. It’s been a welcome relief to take a few short breaths of fresh spring air. Here’s hoping it’s still around by the time I get better.

What keeps you sane when you’re sick? Help a girl out, please!

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Comments

  7. Hmm this is a tough one! I mostly just SLEEP. A lot. If I’m well enough to catch up on TV, generally I’ll fall asleep watching it. If all else fails, try to get outside, and walk a few steps if you can. Fresh air and sun does wonders for the body!

    xo, alice / T Y P E N U

    Reply

  9. Such a cool post, Vanessa! I LOVE Shark Tank, my husband and I watch it all the time! It’s so crazy when we come across products in stores that we saw on the show. I would have to say my favorite sharks are Robert, Lori and Mark. I’m not gunna lie, Mr. Wonderful does make me laugh sometimes, the stupid things he says! Anyway, thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful day!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    Reply

    • I’ll have to try that C-boost flavor, Yasmin! The smoothies and juices are so good — especially when you’re sick and not in the mood to make something fresh.

      Reply

  12. Ugh, I HATE that dreaded cold and all of the miserable symptoms that come with it. I would totally curl up on the couch with a box of Puff’s Plus tissues and just go in and out of sleep with Bravo, the cooking channel, and HGTV on. Feel better soon!
    xo, jill
    http://www.BornFancy.com

    Reply

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hey there!

I’m Vanessa E. Steil, a board-certified patient advocate, equestrian, and the blogger behind Living in Steil (pronounced ‘style’). Thanks so much for stopping by!

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