I’m proud to partner with Zicam® as part of a sponsored series with Socialstars. All ideas and opinions are my own.
The winter season is creeping in and the common cold will be tagging along with it. I’m a busy mom and I also run a business so I simply can’t afford to be down for several days. My family relies on me, and even more so during the busy holiday season. Because of this, every year I do my best to prepare for the inevitable. Last winter we were lucky to avoid any major illnesses, but the common cold, not so much. And although I can’t stop it from happening, I like to keep a few things on hand to help us get through it a bit more comfortably.
Today I’m sharing ways to deal with a common cold which includes a few items that I like to keep handy if one strikes. Hopefully you won’t need to deal with a cold this season, but if you do, at least you’ll be prepared!
5 Ways to Deal with a Cold
Rest your body
Make sure that you rest your body and focus on getting well. Ideally, you’ll want to sleep as much as possible. When I’m not sleeping, I like to stay in bed reading a book or watching one of my favorite TV shows. As a mom, I know it’s tempting to get up and follow your normal routine, but you’re only going to prolong the recovery process. I know it’s not easy, but don’t be afraid to speak up and ask your family for help. If it’s a loved one that is recovering, make sure they do the same for themselves.
Eat chicken soup
Not only does a hot bowl of chicken soup tastes great, the warmth and salt from the soup can help soothe a sore throat. There’s no solid research that shows it can counter a cold, but a hot soup packed with nutrients can be a great way to boost your immune system.
Stock up on essentials
There are some key items that I like to keep handy every winter season. These may not prevent you or your family from getting a cold, but they’ll be handy if you get one. Some must-haves you should have readily available:
- Cool Mist Humidifier
- Hand Sanitizers
- Facial Tissues
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Thermometer
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids will help you stay hydrated and hopefully break up some of the congestion. I personally prefer to stick with water and hot tea. A hot cup of tea might not have any proven benefits, but it does help soothe my throat when I’m not feeling well.
Use Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
If taken at the first sign of a cold, Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are the only nasal swabs clinically proven to shorten colds. They are formulated with plant-derived active ingredients that include cooling menthol and soothing eucalyptus. Zicam® Cold Remedy homeopathic Nasal Swabs are zinc-free and reduce symptom severity by 45 percent by the mid-point of a cold if taken immediately! I currently have a few of these in my medicine cabinet and gave some to my husband to keep at work.
When I’m sick, it helps to know that others are thinking of me, so a simple Get Well card goes a long way. Zicam® has partnered with Card Isle so you can create and send your own personalized eCard to let someone know that you’re thinking about them. I used the Zicam® Cold Connections Collection to create a fun Thank You eCard for a loved one that helped me through a recent bout of sickness.
What are some of your must-haves to help you deal with a cold? Please feel free to comment and share!
this sounds really good. have got to try it
Good advice. Will try these when cold hits.
love this product
i will use
I’m going to give Zicam a try next time one of my family gets cold. Thanks for the tip. 🙂
When I’m sick I love to wrap up in my favorite blanket sip on some hot tea
Make sure you have plenty of soft kleenex on hand before getting sick.
Some good cold meds. And soup and someone to take care of me.
I haven’t gotten sick in a very long time. But I will remember all of these ideas and will be trying I am if I ever do get sick.
The way I survive a winter cold is to rest and drink plenty of water. I have plenty of chicken soup stock ed up and ready to go.
I have seen so many home cures in my life. these sound as good as any
Hot lemon juice with honey makes the perfect drink when I’m sick. The steam opens my nasal passages, and the hot sweet lemonade soothes my throat and makes me feel better all over. Adding a little ginger always opens up my lungs too!
I like to stock up on soup , tissues and some OTC cold remedies sleep and watch tv . I guess I’m like the rest of you , but honestly I haven’t tried Zicam yet but will have to . It sounds likes it really works.
I agree, alot of rest, and a big pot of chicken noodle soup.
All of these ideas are great and we’ll thought out.. I keep home made chicken and beef soup made in the freezer for when/ if we get sick.. I will definitely have to sample Zicam … I see coupons for it all the time..
I’m glad to have a new suggestion to shorten colds, like Zicam nasal swabs. I keep Epsom salts and my essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, clove and rosemary, to bathe in when I’ve got a cold. It’s so soothing and helps rid my body of the cold more quickly.
This all sounds great……and a Huge Comfort……Hope we all get by without getting ill but knowing this will make it a little better…
I sweat it out,and always wipe my sweat before going outside in the cold weather. It helps, for I’ve yet to catch a cold or flu viruses in 22 years. I’m always washing my hands with a hand sanitizer too. Yes,I suppose you can say I have an obsessive compulsion to germs. And believe you me,I am constantly exposed in a great metropolis.
When I am sick, I have to have my doggies in my bed, eat soup, take Emergen-C, Zicam and rest!
Love the chicken soup idea with the Zicam swabs, a good match
There are a few things I have around to deal with a cold when it strikes my family. I’m a big fan of Vicks Vapo Rub for one. Also, I really like the Alka-Seltzer Cold effervescent tablets, I believe those help alot. Finally, we drink lots of fluids and of course chicken noodle soup. However, I would like to try this Zicam I’m hearing about because I have not tried it yet. Will let you know when I do. Sounds like a good deal!!!
sounds good to help shorten a cold
These are very helpful thing for dealing with a cold.
soup is always good when your sick if you feel like eating
Sipping on hot decafe tea .I agree with everything here to help while you have a cold.
These all sound like good ways to deal with a cold.
When I’m sick, I definitely need my heating blanket, favorite pillow and a good book to read. I also stock up on some tissues and some soothing tea’s and soups. Last but not least, some OTC cold remedies. I usually go with a product that has relief for my symptoms. I will have to give Zicam a try!