5 Tips to Ease a Cold

Unfortunately, there is relatively little you can do to prevent a cold. Colds are contagious viruses that are commonly caught around the colder seasons. The typical signs of a cold are a sore throat, painful sinuses, sometimes a cough, and a headache. ​

​There are varying severities of colds, though; some of them hit much harder than others. And, if your immune system isn’t fighting fit, then you might find yourself fending off a cold for a lot longer than you need to. 

Colds don’t need to be uncomfortable or hit you so hard, and here are a couple of tips for getting yourself in shape before the cold season - and don’t forget the recommended vitamins and supplements.

Gargle ​

It's simple, and some might consider it an old-fashioned tip, but gargling can reduce a sore throat pretty quickly. Gargling with salt water can help to reduce inflammation and keep the throat moist. However, if you need something a bit stronger, then gargling with black tea can be very useful. 

Tea, a type containing tannin, can tighten the membranes when you gargle with it, reducing the tickle you might be feeling. 

Although a firm favorite when it comes to a sore throat is lemon, honey, and hot water - and while you can drink it, when it has cooled, it is great for gargling.

Steamy Shower

However, you should be careful taking a shower that is too hot when you are not feeling great, as you are more likely to faint. A steamy shower can help your nasal passage stay moisturized and reduce any muscle aches. Although, a steamy bath can do the trick, too.

If you’re not in the mood for being under a shower, then having a facial steamer and using it for short periods can work wonders and doesn’t require quite so much effort.

Extra Comfort

You have probably had a few colds in your life, and there is nothing worse than when you wake up and feel completely stuffed and uncomfortable. Most of the time, it is because during the night, our nasal passage isn’t being blown, so instead, the nasal passage is blocked. 

The moment you feel a little bit stuffy, get an extra pillow and sleep a little more propped up than usual. This will help with nasal drainage - and as unglamorous as that sounds, it can help the mornings be a little more gentle on you.

Blow Your Nose

Most of us blow our noses incorrectly, which can cause headaches and earaches. A build-up of pressure causes both of those aches. Instead, get used to blowing your nose more carefully, closing one nostril and gently blowing for the other to clear. Then, repeat the process on the other side. ​

Rest

There are no medals or rewards for powering through a cold - it could be over in just a few days if you take the time to relax properly. Not resting can mean that a cold lasts much longer than it needs to. So help your immune system by lying down and getting the sleep you need. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, rest and relaxation are difficult to get at the best of times, so here are tips: How to Fit Rest and Relaxation Into Your Life. 









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