The sore throat, cough, and general fatigue often associated with the common cold will ruin anyone’s day. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to make the duration of your cold less miserable.
Here’s how to finally make yourself a little more comfortable using apps, online resources, and innovative gadgets.
about common cold
According to the Mayo Clinic, unlike the more severe flu, the common cold usually involves mild symptoms that go away on their own after about a week. Cough, sneezing, congestion, sore throat and mild body aches are among the typical symptoms.
Besides, there’s a reason it’s called generic. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult may get two to three colds in a year. Chances are pretty high that you’ll have to deal with a cold at some point.
Although there is no cure, there are steps you can take to feel a little better during a cold. If any symptoms worsen or last longer than about a week, visit your doctor for a checkup.
1. Stay Hydrated With Water Reminder Apps
According to WebMD, drinking plenty of water, decaffeinated teas and broths can help you stay hydrated when you have a cold. If you need a little help remembering to keep up with your fluid intake, the best water reminder apps for Android will do the trick.
If you’re making a lot of hot beverages, a smart kitchen appliance like the COSORI Smart Kettle is handy for dialing in your ideal temperature. It can heat up to 180 degrees for the perfect cup of green tea, as well as 212 degrees for black tea and other beverages.
For an extra soothing treat, make a cup of fresh ginger tea with YouTuber Banglar Rannaghor’s recipe. Simmer some ginger and other warming spices with black tea until you feel a little better. (Plus, the steam is lovely for helping open up your sinuses a bit.) Try both versions of the recipe to find your new favorite hot drink.
2. Relax With Wearable Tech
Getting enough rest is an important part of recovering from your cold. In fact, according to Healthline, even sleeping a little during the day is very common (and helpful, too) when you’re battling a cold. Give yourself permission to spend as much time as you need on the couch or in bed.
However, you might need a little help drifting off even when you’re tired from the cold. If your sleeping space is a bit bright, try using a Smart Sleep Mask to create a more soothing environment.
Plus, listen to calming soundscapes in the app to make drifting easier. By creating a quiet, dark place to rest, you’ll have everything you need to fall asleep. (Okay, it’s probably a good idea to have an extra box of tissues nearby, too.)
3. Make breathing easier with a humidifier
One of the most frustrating parts of dealing with a cold is that it messes with your ability to breathe.
Thankfully, saline rinses and decongestants can help you breathe a little more freely when you have a stuffy nose.
In addition, investing in a smart humidifier with cool or warm mist can improve the air quality in your room and provide relief from a dry throat. These devices can be a lifesaver if dry air is making your throat feel worse.
4. Move Around (Just a Little)
For many people, body aches and general muscle stiffness are uncomfortable side effects of chills. Try a very gentle stretching routine, such as recovery yoga from SarahBethYoga. Even a little movement can help bring some relief, so don’t exert yourself too much when you’re sick.
5. Give yourself a mental break
As far as possible, try to avoid exerting yourself too much while recovering from a cold. If you need to take time off from work or school, use some strategies to keep sick days from holding you back at work. Automated email replies are excellent for this.
Play some cool mobile games to marathon-watch on Netflix to pass the time or binge watch the best shows. This is a great time to indulge in a little escapism while you’re relaxing, so give yourself a chance to let go of your usual stresses.
6. Stock up on comfort foods
If you’re up for it, try some of the best apps for healthy soup recipes. A big batch of fresh Tomato-Basil Soup can be just the thing to wake up your taste buds when you’re feeling a little lousy.
If you’re staying home while you recover, a grocery delivery app can bring ingredients directly to you. This is a great advantage for those who avoid crowds and keep their cold germs to themselves. They’re also great for giving cough drops, extra tissues, or whatever else you might need while you recover.
If cooking seems like a bit too much effort, scroll through the best food delivery apps for your area until something strikes your fancy. Getting food delivered when you’re in inclement weather definitely counts as self-care.