Note: I am not a doctor. All tips listed below are merely suggestions based on strategies that have helped me in the past.

      As we rapidly approach the winter months, the weather starts to change in all sorts of crazy ways. One day, it’s 70 degrees and sunny; the next, it’s below freezing. This sudden shift in temperature can have a significant impact on our immune systems, thus making us more susceptible to getting sick. 

       Absolutely no one enjoys being stuck in bed with a sore throat, congestion, and a headache. Some individuals may feel great amounts of distress when they get sick due to certain phobias or past trauma. Feeling under the weather can take quite a toll on a person’s mental health. So, in the spirit of the season, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can watch out for your mental well-being even while your body feels achy and tired.

• Don’t be too hard on yourself 

Getting sick can cause some people (like myself) to panic. We want to figure out what caused us to feel unwell so that we may have some closure. It is easy to spiral down into an endless abyss of thoughts such as: 

       “I should’ve washed my hands more often.”

       “I saw an awful lot of kids coughing in the bus last week…”

       “[Insert name of friend or family member] gave this to me!”

        The reality of the situation is that most of us are destined to catch a cold or fever from time to time, whether we like it or not. We do not have control over things like this, which can be a scary concept to grapple with. However, blaming other people (or yourself) is only going to make being sick more miserable than it already is. 

      Instead, try to focus on the present, even if it isn’t very pleasant at the moment. Tend to your physical needs first so that you can be as comfortable as possible. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it! Being a bit kinder to yourself during this time can greatly improve your mood, and you’ll feel much better, too. 

       Speaking of treating yourself well…

• Watch your favorite TV show/movie

   Curl up with some blankets and grab the remote! If you find yourself stuck at home with nothing but time, turn to some of your favorite media for some much-needed escapism. Whether you’re looking to be swept away by a thrilling fantasy adventure, or you want to get sappy with a rom-com, there are plenty of TV shows and movies out there to be explored. 

• Read a good book

If looking at a screen gives you a headache, but you still need stimulation, look no further than in a good old-fashioned book. Literature has been around for hundreds of years—you’re practically guaranteed to find a story that’s perfect for you. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite author! 

• Listen to some soothing tunes

   Music is known to be a major mood booster, so why not turn on a good song when the flu’s got you down? Whether you listen to some chill instrumentals to lull you to sleep, or you want to vent your feelings with a ballad of heartache, there are tons of songs out there to choose from. (However, if you have a sore throat, it may not be a good idea to start belting…)

• Cry

   Let’s be honest…being sick is no fun. Some might find themselves getting a bit more emotional than usual when they aren’t feeling well. This is completely normal and healthy. If you feel the need to shed some tears, then absolutely do so! It is much better to let everything out of your system (besides, holding back tears will only give you a headache). 

• Talk to someone

   Being under the weather can feel lonely. Whether you have to stay home from school because of your symptoms, or you have to cancel plans, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been isolated. However, you do not have to deal with these things by yourself. You can call or text one of your friends or talk to a parent/guardian. There is no shame in reaching out for support. Having a conversation with another person will quickly take your mind off of your current situation, even if only for ten minutes.

      Although a world without sickness would be ideal, it is unfortunately not possible. If all of us have to get sick once in a while, it should not have to be a miserable and distressing experience every time. Make sure to practice self-care and healthy habits in order to feel your best this winter. If you do happen to get sick, that’s okay! You will feel better soon.