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Essential Items For Days You Are Feeling Sick And Under The Weather.
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items A simple list of items that can help you feel better when you may be feeling your worst. We all have those days when we aren't feeling well. Here are some of the items I have at home that help me feel better when I am under the weather. ****Note I am...
Sections
6
Food
Drinks
Comfort
Medicine
First Aid
Other Essentials
Food
When you're sick, your body is like a soldier fighting a battle, and food is the ammo and fuel it needs. If you don't eat, your immune system—your main defense—runs on empty, making it harder to kick the sickness. Eating gives you the energy (calorie...
I like this soup when I am feeling overly nauseous, but I need to get some food in me, which usually helps lessen my nausea. This soup is more on the brothy side to settle the stomach but also has noodles.
Lipton Soup Secrets Extra Noodle Soup Mix - 4.9oz/2pk
I loved this soup even as a kid when I would have to stay home if I was under the weather. It is light but still has little star shaped noodles, which make this soup fun and tiny bits of chicken, which would make a decent lunch on a sick day.
Campbell's Condensed Chicken & Stars Soup - 10.5oz
I always have these on hand. These have just the right amount of salt to help settle the stomach. They also go well with soup!
Premium Saltine Crackers, Original - 16oz
Mrs. Grass soup is great, as the noodles are light and smaller, plus, it is more on the brothy side, easier on the stomach.
Wyler's Mrs. Grass Noodle Soup Mix, 4.2 oz (3-Pack)
Drinks
When you’re under the weather, drinking water and other fluids is absolutely essential—it’s like the oil for your body's engine. If you have a fever, you lose tons of water through sweat, and if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea (sorry maybe TMI), you...
Ginger is known for helping settle the stomach. That's why ginger ale is one of my go-to drinks on a sick day.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale Soda - 12pk/12 fl oz Cans
Good old Sprite is another one of my go-to drinks. It is light, not syrupy, and has that right amount of lemon lime crispness to help settle the stomach.
Sprite Soda - 12pk/12 fl oz Cans
My favorite tea is to help me unwind and de-stress after a rough day. Helps soothe the mind and body.
Yogi Tea - Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea - 16ct
It's one of my favorite Gatorade flavors. Ot has notes of blue raspberry and citrus. My go-to help hydrate.
Gatorade Cool Blue Sports Drink - 28 fl oz Bottle
Comfort
Feeling comfortable when you're sick is a big deal because it stops your body and brain from being stressed out. When you're cozy—maybe tucked under a warm blanket in a quiet room—your brain gets the signal to calm down, which lets your immune system...
Who doesn't love a nice cozy blanket to snuggle with when you're not feeling well. This one is large and very soft! It also comes in a variety of colors to choose from!
Full/Queen Microplush Bed Blanket Metallic Blue - Threshold™
These blankets are so soft! Would highly recommend getting one of these for everyday use and for your under the weather days.
The Big One® Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw Blanket
These UGG socks are super soft and comfy! They are made with quality material and will keep your feet warm. They also come in a variety of colors to choose from!
UGG Women's Teddi Cozy Crew Sock
Another pair of UGG socks to keep your feet warm and cozy after a nice relaxing bath! These are super soft as well!
UGG Womens Darcy Cozy Sock
Love BEARPAW socks! They are super soft and keep your feet warm! Made with great quality material that will hold up after washes. You'll feel like you are walking on a cloud!
BEARPAW 4 Pair Cozy Soft Lounge Crew Socks
Love this hoodie! It is thick and comfy! Feels like a warm hug. I love all the pastel colors to choose from. The lavender color is my favorite, as purple is my favorite color!
Pastel Hoodie — Comfrt
Another great hoodie from Comfrt! Just like the other one I listed, it is comfy, cozy, and so many colors to choose from!
Minimalist Hoodie — Comfrt
These tees are lightweight and have a cooling sensation, which might feel nice if you are running a fever. These tees could be paired with a pair of comfy sweatpants to make the ultimate comfy outfit!
Cloud Lounge Tee — Comfrt
I love these Nike men's sweatpants! These are soft and thick. I live in Minnesota, so these work not only great in winter months but are my go-to lounge sweatpants and sweatpants I wear to complete a comfy outfit for my under the weather days.
Men's Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Joggers
Medicine
Medicine is important when you're sick because it does two things: sometimes it's the direct weapon that kills the germs causing the problem, like antibiotics taking out bacteria. Other times, it's just a support crew that makes you feel a whole lot...
I have chronic back pain from my scoliosis. These patches are literally the only thing that help me get through a major flareup.
Icy Hot Medicated Patch Back - Extra Large - 3ct
This is really one of the only things that get me through the pain. If it be headaches, muscle aches, back pain, or even menstrual cramps, this is my go-to to get me through the pain. Obviously, don't take it all the time and maybe consult with a doc...
Excedrin Extra Strength Pain Reliever Caplets - Acetaminophen/Aspirin (NSAID) - 200ct
Another go-to medicine during my menstrual cycle. Helps me get through some painful cramping.
Midol Complete Menstrual Relief Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Relief Gelcaps - Acetaminophen - 24ct
Aleve helps as well when I have minor headaches and muscle aches.
Aleve NSAID Tablets with Easy Open Arthritis Cap, Naproxen Sodium, for Pain Relief - 200ct
I also take this to reduce a fever and to lessen body aches.
Motrin IB Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Tablets - Ibuprofen (NSAID) - 100ct
I will sometimes take this before bedtime if my allergies are really bad or if I have a minor allergic reaction to something (like a rash or hives).
Benadryl Ultra Allergy Relief Tablets - Diphenhydramine - 48ct
When it comes to extreme cold, sinus issues, and flu season, this stuff gets me through the night, and I have a good night's sleep, giving me plenty of rest.
Vicks NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Medicine Liquid - Berry - 12 fl oz
This stuff clears up the sinuses and mucus very quickly. You will definitely notice a difference once you take this. Always a go-to when I have a really bad cold or the sinuses are acting up.
Mucinex DM 12 Hour Cough Medicine - Tablets - 40ct
The only cough drops that help soothe my throat and coughs. It's tastes better than some other flavors, yet it is still medicated to be effective. Even though the smoothie flavored ones taste good, they just don't work for me.
Halls Cough Drops - Honey Lemon - 80ct
This spray works really well for a sore throat. I have used this since I was really little when I had strep and had to use it again when I had COVID as I was in so much throat pain, it felt like I was swallowing razor blades and this helped take the ...
Chloraseptic Max Strength Sore Throat Spray, Wild Berries 4 Oz
These work great to open up the nasal passages, and I think they would also work well to help curve nausea.
Vicks VapoInhaler Non-Medicated Portable Nasal Inhaler - 2ct
Literally, the only lotion that gets rid of my eczema. I clears it up anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending on the severity.
Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Eczema Relief Lotion for Dry and Itchy Skin - 3.5oz
First Aid
Just some first aid essentials that I keep stocked in my medicine cabinet, and highly recommend.
I love these bandages! My favorite part about them is they actually stick great to your skin even if they get wet. They also come in a variety of fun colors and designs!
Welly Flex Fabric Assorted Bandage Pack Refills - 100ct
I only use this when I have to, but it does clean wounds nicely and it seems like it heals them quicker at least from my perspective, but I only apply it once in the beginning just to clean the wound.
Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP - 32oz - up&up™
This is a great essential ointment to have on hand to keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and to enhance the healing process.
Neosporin 24 Hour Infection Protection Antibiotic Ointment - 0.5oz
A great multipurpose ointment that I keep in my medicine cabinet.
Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream - 1oz
Other Essentials
Here are some other items I recommend and items that would be great to add to your medicine cabinet or just everyday items to stay healthy.
It is important to stay hydrated and to drink lots of water when sick. A 40 oz Stanley to hold your water should do the trick. At least I have one of these by my side when I need some hydration!
Stanley 40 oz Stainless Steel H2.0 FlowState Quencher Tumbler Rose Quartz 2.0
This is a great heating pad for muscle pain and menstrual cramps.
VALGELUIK 17x33 Heating Pad, 6 Heat Settings
This is like a 3 in one sleep mask that works great for multiple purposes. You can use the mask as is or add a little weight by adding the weighted piece, which can be both warmed and cooled to help alleviate stress and headaches. It also comes with ...
Asutra Natural Sleep Mask Set with Weighted Lavender Silk Eye Pillow & Cooling Gel Mask - 2pc
I love this humidifier for the winter months when it gets dry and stuffy in the house. I put this on a table beside my bed at night, and it has been a great help to my overall sleep and a booster for my sinus issues. Some perks are it is quiet, there...
Levoit 200S Dual Smart Top Fill Humidifier: Cool Mist, Ultrasonic, No Filter, 25 Hr Run, 100-300 sq. ft., Bedroom & Baby
I love lavender essential oil. It not only calms and relaxes me, but it has also helped me overcome nausea. I currently have this brand of lavender essential oil, which smells great. I usually just like to smell it straight from the bottle, or I'll p...
Nature's Truth Lavender Essential Oil 15mL
This one has a great refreshing scent of Eucalyptus. Another great one to add to a shower, bath, or diffuser. Helps open the nasal passages to clear sinuses as well! Like the lavender scent, this one is soothing and calming.
Nature's Truth Eucalyptus Essential Oil 15mL
Massages can get expensive over time, and having this alternative in the comforts of my own home has been a real treat. This massage chair pad has helped me so much when it comes to back and neck pain. It really comes in handy when I need to relax my...
COMFIER Shiatsu Neck Back Massager with Heat
Oh my goodness, these Epsom Salts have helped relax my muscles immensely! I went in the bath feeling painfully tense and came out feeling completely relaxed and the tension gone, almost like that feeling you get after a massage. Never knew Epsom Salt...
Pure Epsom Salt Soak, Sleep Blend with Melatonin, Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oils - Dr Teal's | Ulta Beauty
Wow, this smells great! A relaxing and soothing scent that will also open up your nasal passages if you are having sinus issues or are feeling sick. This creates a relaxing bath that helps in more than one way.
Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Relax - Dr Teal's | Ulta Beauty
Another Dr. Teels Epsom Salts, that works amazingly! I thought I would add this option as it's only a lavender scent, and there is no melatonin or a chamomile sent in this one if you are not into that sort of thing. This was the first Epsom Salts I t...
Soothe & Sleep with Lavender Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution - Dr Teal's | Ulta Beauty
Aquaphor lip balm works great for dry, chapped lips.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick for Dry Chapped Lips - 0.17oz
Here is an alternative Aquaphor lip balm if you prefer the more liquidy version over the solid
Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair Balm - 0.35 fl oz
Vaseline is another great lip balm to use on dry, chapped lips.
Vaseline Original Lip Therapy Stick - 2pk/0.16oz each
I have heard that Blistex works great as well.
Blistex Intense Moisture Lip Balms - 0.26oz/2pk
Nivea is great as well! My brother used to use this brand a lot, and it really helped repair his chapped lips if it was from being outside in the winter, playing football or etc. I remember this being his go-to.
Nivea Moisturizing Lip Balm - 0.34oz/2pk
Vaseline is a great option when it comes to dry hands. This one is a nice unscented lotion for skin hydration!
Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Advance Repair Body Lotion - Unscented - 2 fl oz
Another great lotion for skin hydration. Also, unscented. I use this one a lot as it is not greasy.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin – 3 fl oz
Another lotion that can help dry, cracked, and irritated hands.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant and Moisturizer for Dry and Cracked Skin Unscented - 2pk/0.35oz
When I was in the hospital, they actually had this lotion. It was light, non-iritating, and soft on my skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Dry Skin - Unscented - Travel Size - 2 fl oz
Another Cetaphil that works great for moisturizing the body and face.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Dry Skin - 3.4 fl oz
This is one of my favorite lotions. It is very moisturizing and not greasy.
Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream - Neutrogena | Ulta Beauty
Between the body lotion and this hand gel version, is my go-to currently. It's light and not greasy. Really helps moisturize.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Normal to Dry Skin - 3oz
I always have Purell on hand to make sure my hands are properly sanitized after touching door handles, buttons, carts, items at the store, and etcetera. Keeps your hands clean from either contact with germs or spreading germs.
Purell Refreshing Hand Sanitizer - Trial Size - 2 fl oz
You can even get Purell in the wipes version.
Purell Hand Sanitizer Wipes - Trial Size - 20ct