I always joked that my mother could always have been a doctor or nurse in another life because she was always so great with taking care of us especially when we were sick. However, as we get older, we do not always have out moms or grandmas to take care of us when we are sick, but we can take what they used to do for us and change it to our own personal lifestyles.
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Soup was the staple. She used to do the canned stuff, but now she makes her own in the crock pot. She always would bring us water or juice in a little kid cup (no matter how old we were) and soup with crackers. She takes a rotisserie chicken and cuts up carrots and celery and puts it all in chicken stock with some noodles and a little bit of herbs. She then lets it simmer over a few hours and really get hearty and flavorful. The good thing is this broth is clearer and so it won't upset your stomach and can be good to have especially when you are not able to necessarily eat more intense types of food.
Bring on the Liquids
If we had been having stomach issues she would bring us ginger ale or keep us with clear liquids to keep us hydrated, but not do anything to further upset our stomachs.
When you are sick a lot of it is about replenishing your electrolytes. If you have a fever and are sweating a lot or just run down, the electrolytes can give you some added support and help aid normal body function. The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the "electric tissues" of the body. They rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells.
My mother's new drink of choice is pedialyte, it is mainly used for children, but even being a college student it can be useful. Pedialyte is a liquid that comes in many different flavors that has electrolytes, but not as much sugar as gatorade or other drinks. Now you can water it down or drink it on its own. My mother always says the key is to take in a lot of liquids and really flush out the system. This can be really beneficial for viruses or things that just need to run its course.
Rest it Up
Another thing my mom always said is "you need rest". Well truer words could not be spoken in regards to when you are sick or feeling ill. Sleep is the way for the body to reset and heal, so sleep it off and allow your body time to relax and take it easy.
Moisture is key
When you are sick especially in colder months humidifiers and keeping the air most was another important thing my mother did for me and my siblings when we were sick. Vapor rub is a huge thing, the menthol really helps to open you up and open those nasal passages which can help you breathe and sleep better when you are feeling stuffed. Essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are also amazing to put in diffusers, Eucalyptus is also a great natural antibacterial and so if you go on an airplane or traveling during sick seasons, put a little under your nose and it can help keep you healthy while you travel.
Pre-sickness precaution
We all know the feeling of having our mothers ask if we washed our hands or making us wash them before we eat dinner and when we came back home from running errands and my mother was no different. She always believed in eating healthy and having lots of fruits and vegetables around could help to give our bodies a strong immune system. Airborne is another great thing to take if you know flu season is coming up or you start to feel a little run down. Taking vitamin C can give your body the extra love and support it needs and help to lessen the actual intensity of how sick you may get. Honey and lemon are great antibacterials so put some in your tea or water and give yourself a little boost. Everyone's bodies are different and we all get sick in different ways, so it is all about making sure that you stay as healthy as possible.
Make sick days better
No one takes better care of you than a parent or grandparent and my mother was no different. It is that care and affection that not only do you appreciate as you get older, but then use and change up as you grow older. I know when I have a family of my own I will use these tips and points she used when I was a child to use for myself. No one likes to be sick, and there are many different ways to help make things better and even shorten the recovery time. Just remember; sleep is your friend, hydration is key, and a hug or just someone to keep you company goes a long way.