This is our first blog post in our "How To:" series, the inspiration for the topic has come whilst I've been bed bound for the past week with a flu. 

After living away from home for the past 6 years I've had to become an adult (le gasp) and whilst I can 95% grasp most of these responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, paying bills etc, the one thing I always seem to struggle to grasp is getting sick and having only myself to look after... well me.

Sometimes it can be tough when all you want is a lil nurturing. 

Here are a few tips we recommend to help the adult in you be the nurturer you need...

1. It's OK to spend the whole day in your PJ's

Whenever I'm sick I very rarely change out of my PJ's or apply any makeup. For me it's all about making sure I'm comfortable. There's nothing worse than being all blocked up with a cold/fever and being stuck in constricting clothes for the sake of wearing something. There ain't no shame in spending the whole day in your PJ's make-up free, just like there's no shame staying in your PJ's with a full face of makeup. 

2. Hydration and Rest is Key

When anybody tells me they're ill the two main things I say is "make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated." If you remember in my Monthly Favs you will have seen that I used my water filter jug a lot during my illness. Along with that I've been listening to my body and napping when I can (never underestimate the power of a good nap!) afterwards i've felt more refreshed. Along with that I always try and up my Vitamin C intake (Oranges, Capiscum (Red or Green), Broccoli, Strawberries etc).

3. Wrap up warm

The first thing I do when I start getting ill is to always try and sweat out whatever I have. This means making sure I'm in warm, dry pj's, bed socks, sometimes a jumper, and then my duvet and throws (one of them is made from merino wool so I wrap myself up in that before putting my duvet on me), a hot water bottle can help as well.

4. It's OK to be selfish

It's ok when you're ill to make it all about you (to an extent). If you don't want to leave your bed all day, then don't (although if you have work I'd make sure you can call in sick), If you need to call in sick...do it! There's no need to feel guilty. The best thing for your body is rest. Even when you're on the mend and most of the aches and chills have gone, it's still ok to give yourself a bit more time to be feeling fit. 

5. It's OK to ask for help

If you're living with friends or a partner or a sibling, it's ok to turn to them and ask for help. Normally at uni when i'm ill i'll keep to myself as I don't want to risk infecting the whole house, but I may ask Jess to pick up some cough syrup or cold and flu tablets if she's out. This time it's Easter break so I'm up staying with my boyfriend who has been a massive help looking after me. 

During this time when you're ill I find Netflix and binge watching shows a nice break from feeling sorry for yourself. It also doesn't require a lot of energy, but remember to not be watching continuously, or reading a book can be another distraction. 

Hope you find these tips helpful!

What do you do when you're ill? We'd love to know!

S.

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