How To Get Over a Cold Faster

Was that a sneeze? No. No no no. You can't get sick. You have a to-do list that's a mile long. You need to know how to get over a cold faster and get back to life.

*This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for medical concerns/questions.

Sorry, there's no actual cure for the common cold. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce symptoms, feel better, and get over a cold faster.

Stay Hydrated - You already know drinking plenty of water is great for your body. But, did you know drinking extra fluids also helps clear mucus, reduce nausea, and replenish fluids lost from fever? Stick with clear fluids and try to avoid caffeine and dairy. Try electrolyte drink powders for extra energy and replenishing power.

Stop Germs From Spreading -  This is one of the biggest steps for how to get over a cold faster - stop reinfecting yourself! You can't change the fact that you have a cold or the flu. However, you can make sure it's not a permanent guest in your house or hops to other members of your family.

Washing hands, blankets, and pillow cases is a great way to stop germs in their tracks. Also make sure you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Even better? Kill the germs fast with hand sanitizer.

Anti-Viral tissues - kill cold and flu viruses before they get a chance to spread.  The active ingredients disrupt the viruses’ protective coating in about 15 minutes. You can be proactive about your germ protection, making sure the virus doesn't linger while providing a protective barrier for other people at home and work.

Salt Water & Saline - Try a saltwater gargle ( ½ teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 oz warm water) to temporarily relieve a sore throat and reduce swelling. Over the counter saline mists can also relieve dry or congested nasal passages.

Cut Out The Stress - Normally your immune system will fight germs and viruses. But, too much stress can reduce your immune system's fighting power by increasing the cortisol in your body.

Get plenty of rest and find things that you enjoy which also calm you. Music, coloring, reading, a guilty pleasure tv show -- whatever soothes your soul can also soothe your body.  While you are resting, make sure to snuggle under a comfy blanket like any of these luxurious throws.

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→ Check out: 10 Effective Ways To Relax After Work

Tea With Honey & Lemon = True Story - Drinking tea with lemon and honey may help calm the throat and loosen mucus that irritates your airways. Honey has been found to calm inflamed throats and ease cough, while astringent lemon juice will help shrink swollen throat tissue.

Bring On The Steam - A hot bath or shower is just what you need. The steam you breathe in helps relieve coughing and congestion, while also dilating blood vessels to help promote blood flow and recooperation. Hot water helps relax muscles that may be achy and tight from repeated coughing and strain. If your body gives in to cold and flu often, consider investing in a Facial Steamer.

Natural Supplements and Essential Oils - There are a few natural supplements and essential oils you can use that, while not a cure for cold or flu, have the potential to aid recovery and just make you feel better.

Supplements that have been found to boost the immune system:

• Echinacea
• Zinc
• Ginseng

Essential Oils that aid during cold and flu:

• Peppermint - use a few drops in tea for stomach upset or place directly on the forehead and temples to soothe headaches
• Oregano - apply to the skin or in bathwater to help with symptoms like cough and sore throat.
• Eucalyptus - Use in a diffuser or a few drops in a facial steam to help with stuffy noses
• Lavender - aids with relaxation and sleep when applied to the skin or placed in a diffuser

And if after a period of time, your symptoms get worse or you just can't shake the cold, head to your doctor or have a chat with an online health provider. 

This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for medical concerns/questions.