Charlotte Gallagher explains how it’s possible to beat a cold – and enjoy yourself at the same time!
Feeling under the weather is no laughing matter, especially if a cold sneaks up on you just when you least need it!
Getting plenty of rest and increasing your intake of fluids are key, but sometimes adding a touch of fun to the way you look after your health can boost your spirits and actually aid your recovery.
How to beat a cold the entertaining way!
These are some of our favourite entertaining ways of how to beat a cold so you can get back to normal with a smile!
1. Watch a funny movie
Most of us are usually too busy to watch our favourite films or shows, but being laid up with a cold is the one time you can actually take the time to indulge yourself!
Instead of a weepie or action adventure, why not snuggle up and watch something that’s laugh-out-loud funny. Laughter helps to release endorphins, which can help you feel better and even contribute to boosting your immune system.
There is a growing body of research that reinforces the old adage that laughter is indeed the best medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”
So why not treat yourself to a lighthearted book or watch some stand-up comedians on YouTube and use laughter as a great way to beat a cold into submission?
2. Pump up the beat with lively music
If side-splitting comedy is a bit too much for you, take a gentler approach to getting rid of your cold by creating a playlist of your favourite songs – but keep it upbeat rather than listening to heartbreak ballads!
A study by scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh showed that people listen to music to manage their moods and feel that it’s more gratifying than other leisure activities.
If your throat is OK, you can sing along or, if that’s likely to cause a bout of coughing and spluttering, just listen to the tunes to help boost your mood and beat your cold.
3. Play a game with a friend – online
When you have a cold, it’s best to keep yourself to yourself to avoid spreading the virus to your friends, family and colleagues.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t play a game with friends online! A bit of friendly competition can help take your mind off your symptoms and boost those all-important endorphins so you can beat a cold as quickly as possible. And if it looks like you’re losing, you can always play the sympathy card!
4. Treat yourself to a homemade aromatherapy spa
Yes, I know you can’t smell much when you have a cold, but if you use essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint in a diffuser, it will help to clear your congestion and create a serene atmosphere in your home.
Set up your diffuser in the bathroom whilst you have a lovely soak in the bath with a relaxing face mask to really give yourself the VIP treatment.
5. Take some gentle exercise
You probably won’t feel like doing much exercise when you have a cold, and intense workouts certainly aren’t advisable when you’re feeling poorly – especially if you have a temperature. However, gentle exercises such as yoga or tai chi can help ease congestion and improve circulation.
Have a look at the lovely New Year flow video that yoga and meditation teacher Amy made for us for some inspiration – and relax…
6. Pull on some odd socks!
You’re home and nobody can see you, so why not let out your inner wild child! Pull on those jazzy socks that have been languishing at the back of the drawer – or go all out and wear odd ones!
Every time you look down at your feet, it will make you smile…
7. Look after yourself naturally
If you want to get the best chance of getting rid of your cold naturally, try taking a couple of easy-to-swallow HRI Coldcare tablets twice a day. With extract of echinacea, plus vitamin C and Zinc to strengthen immunity, they provide an easy way to relieve colds and flu symptoms.
For maximum comfort, why not take your mind off your cold by cooking up our immune-boosting butternut and chickpea curry?
Staying safe when you take herbal medicines is no laughing matter, so make sure that you always choose herbal medicines that are licensed under the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme by the UK government’s regulatory body for medicines, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The THR logo on a pack tells you that your herbal medicine has gone through rigorous testing to ensure it is safe and contains the ingredients listed on the pack.
8. Call someone who will cheer you up
When you’re feeling under the weather, calling someone who you know makes you happy is a great way to perk yourself up and get those feel-good endorphins coursing round your body.
If you don’t look too frightful, make it a video call – you could even show your friend your crazy socks!
It’s great to try and inject a bit of fun into your cold-care routine, but remember, it’s crucial to listen to your body and give it the rest and care it needs.
Give these entertaining activities a go – along with proper rest, hydration and natural, herbal medicine – to give yourself the best chance of recovering quickly and getting back to feeling like yourself in no time!
If you are interested in finding out news and information about a natural approach to supporting your health, beauty and wellbeing, why not follow HRI Herbal on Facebook @HRIHerbal.?
