Not that any time is really a good time to be sick, but the holidays seem to be the worst time to fall ill. Between school plays, last-minute year-end work deadlines, family gatherings, etc., there’s absolutely no time to be sick. Fortunately, if you do find yourself feeling a little under the weather, there are some things you can do to help improve your physical (and mental) health. Get Back to Feeling Like Yourself The next time you start feeling sick, here’s how to get on the path to feeling better: First, recognize how much water you’re drinking. Have you only had a glass or two today? Most recommend the 8 by 8 rule because it’s easy to remember, which means drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Therefore, your one to two glasses, while good, doesn’t make the cut. Therefore, begin drinking more water each day, which will help to ensure your body remains hydrated. This is especially important if your body is fighting off a sickness. The best way to gauge if you’re drinking enough water is to take a look at your urine—it should be pale yellow or clear. Second, be sure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night, which could range from eight to 10 hours depending on your individual needs. Your body needs sleep to properly recharge and work at its optimal level the next day, in both mind and body. If you have trouble winding down at night, try meditation, reading a book or writing in a journal. This will help your body relax. Also, turn off electronics near bedtime, too, to help you ease into sleep. Finally, eat the proper amount of fruits, vegetables and lean protein in your daily diet. You want to look for foods that are packed with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs in order to stay strong against sickness. Are you ready to begin taking better care of yourself but not sure where to start? Come by our urgent care center to check up on your health and find out where you can improve.
