How to Deal With a Cold

The day after my root canal (not as bad as I thought!), I was hit by a cold. Normally I get hit pretty hard and feel like dying for a week or more, but I was determined to beat this cold. I actually spent time plotting how I would claim victory, and this is the plan! 

1.Tylenol Cold- AM and PM
This is pretty basic, but Tylenol will help control your symptoms to keep you functional and comfortable.

2. Cepacol
I had absolutely no idea that these numb your throat, but they make the world of difference! I found that taking one every 2-3 hours really soothes your throat, cuts out the “swallowing knives” feeling, and nearly eliminates coughing fits. A modern miracle if I have ever witnessed one!

3.Water and Tea
Drown a cold, and whatnot, water and tea make the world of difference to your throat and cold. I’ve been drinking quite a bit of lemon tea with honey, and luke warm water to keep my throat moist and hydrated.

4. Yoga
There is yoga for EVERYTHING, including colds! This sequence really helped me focus on my (snotty- sorry, but a cold is a cold) breathing, and loosen up my muscles from staying curled up.

5. Salt Water Rinse
I found that gargling salt water went a long way with my throat. It gets rid of any gunk in there, and helps with the inflamation. Easy and cheap, just a cup of warm water with a tsp of salt.

6. Lotion Kleenex
Holy Batman, Lotion Kleenex is the greatest thing in the world. Enough said.

7.Sleep as much as possible.
I’m normally in bed by 1015 during the week anyways, but I made sure to be in bed every night by 9pm, going to sleep. I would have a Cepacol, do a salt water rinse, brush my teeth, prop up my pillows, grab a Tylenol Cold PM, and then I was out like a light. I found that doing all of these things before bed made a HUGE difference when I woke up the next morning!

What are your secrets to getting over a cold??

Until tomorrow,
The Historian!