The best thing you can give your body to overcome sickness is rest. Usually, this means spending a few days in bed to let your body recover. However, spending all day, every day in bed can quickly become boring—especially if you have a chronic illness that confines you to your bed for extended periods of time. Below is a list of things to do when you’re sick that can help keep you entertained and your body relaxed while it recovers.
1. Take a Nap
Don’t feel like you have to get your entire to-do list crossed off when you’re sick. Give yourself the luxury of taking a nap. Even if you take a quick 30-minute nap, you’ll feel a little bit better when you wake up.
2. Curl Up with a Cozy Blanket
Keep yourself warm and comfortable by curling up with a cozy blanket. We recommend the hand-sewn minky blankets from Sew Sweet. Not only will they keep the chills at bay, but they also look great as decorative throws in your living room or bedroom.
3. Have a Movie Marathon
Whether you’re a fan of The Bachelor or the Star Wars saga, curl up in bed and watch all the episodes or movies in your favorite series. There’s nothing more comfortable than snuggling underneath the covers and watching TV all day.
4. Draw or Color
Grab a few sheets of paper or an adult coloring book and start drawing. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get lost in a coloring book with a good movie or some music on in the background.
5. Listen to Podcasts
There are thousands of podcasts available in every genre. Whether you’re into true crime, politics, literature, or fantasy, there’s a podcast for everyone. Plus, you can stream most podcasts for free on iTunes or Spotify.
6. Call or FaceTime Friends or Family
It’s important to stay connected to the people you love. Take some time to give your mom a call or FaceTime your best friend and just talk. This keeps you from becoming too isolated and lonely.
7. Find Something That Makes You Laugh
Search Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for videos or memes that make you laugh. Finding a hilarious comedy show or podcast and getting out some giggles can help take your mind off your symptoms.
8. Get Lost In a Good Book
Almost every list of things to do when sick includes watching movies or TV shows. However, if you’re more of a bookworm, pick up your favorite book or guilty pleasure read and spend a few hours reading.
9. Do a Puzzle
Dump out a 500 or 1,000 piece puzzle and get to work. Put on some music or have your favorite movie playing in the background for an even cozier setting. Plus, it’ll help keep your mind sharp.
10. Soak In the Tub
When you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a relaxing soak in the tub. Add a bath bomb, bath salts, or bubble bath to make it luxurious and let your troubles fade away. Plus, things like Epsom salts or essential oils can help ease your symptoms.
11. Plan a Trip for When You’re Feeling Better
If you’ve been on bed rest for a few weeks, plan a trip somewhere! Even if you can’t go right away, you’ll give yourself something to look forward to after you’ve recovered or a few months down the road. Plan a future outing with your family to your favorite restaurant or to the nail salon with the girls for some mani-pedis. Think about places you’d like to visit and plan a way to make it happen.
12. Write
Even if you’re not much of a writer, try writing a short story or making a journal entry. Writing is a great way to distract yourself from the struggles of each day and can help you express your feelings. If you’re new to writing, start by making a list of what you’re grateful for or look up short-story prompts online.
13. Learn a New Language
Why not try learning something new while you’re cooped up in bed like a new language? There are dozens of apps available that can help you get started such as Duolingo or even language podcasts.
14. Go Through a Box of Old Memories
Take a trip down memory lane by looking at old photographs or mementos. Reliving some past memories is a perfect distraction and can remind you of the life you’ll get back to once you’re recovered.
This list is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do when you’re sick, but it’s a good start. Whether you’re in bed for a day or two or a few weeks, pick a suggestion from above and give it a try.