1) Steam things up: Steam helps loosen mucus. Get into a nice hot shower and allow the steam to really get inside your system and soak it in. When you get out, top it off by putting a warm compress (a washcloth will be fine) over your eyes.
2) Tea time: Tea has very strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. Like steam from the shower, the warm liquids soothe the throat and loosen excess mucus production.
3) Up your vitamin C: One study reported that taking .2 grams or more daily of vitamin C shortened the number of days a cold lasts by 8 percent.
4) Swear off dairy: Milk and other dairy products make phlegm in the throat thicker and possibly more irritating.
5) Spice up your life: Spicy foods increase blood flow in the body and, just like a vapor rub, can clear up your sinuses.
6) Skip the sweets: Sugar can decrease the activity of the immune system for up to five hours or so. Say goodbye to chocolate and hello to natural sweeteners like Stevia.
7) Squeeze in some exercise: I know I know, hitting the gym is the last thing you want to do. Youwant to lay in your bed for eight hours straight and watch a Friends marathon. But exercise betters your immune function and removes toxins from the body.
8) Use moisturizing tissues: You already feel like junk, there’s no reason to look like it too. Buy the tissues with moisturizing lotion so that you don’t take out your anger on your nostrils.
9) Put an extra pillows under your head: Laying upright will drain the nasal passages correctly.
10) Get some sleep! Sleep is the best medicine there is. Take some time for yourself, kick back, and shut out the world for a bit. Believe me, they’ll be happy when you’re back and not spreading your sickness. (The Stir)
