This article was co-authored by Zach Pontrello. Zach Pontrello is an Embodied Leadership & Relationship Coach and the Founder of One Thought Growth & Sovereign Man Academy. His expertise lies in helping people build better relationships with themselves and with their partners, focusing on communication and honesty. Zach received his degree from John Carroll University.
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Being sick isn't fun, and it's even less fun when you're sitting at home with nothing to do. To have fun when sick at home, focus on activities that interest you while also allowing you to rest and relax. For example, you might read a good book, take a hot bath, play a one-person game, or work on some creative endeavor. By sticking with low-key activities, you can help your body heal faster while also driving away your boredom.
Steps
Keeping Quiet and Calm
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1Try to sleep. Sleep is the surest way of helping you to mend faster. It can help to read a little to tire you out. Sleep in as long as you want. There's no need to get up early when you're sick.[1]
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2Have a quiet time where nobody is around to be loud. Shut off the TV and don't use electronic devices.Advertisement
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3Relax as best you can. Do some yoga, stretching, or meditation. Don't do anything that feels uncomfortable or increases the symptoms of your sickness.
- Go rest outside! If it's not cold where you live, go out and get some fresh air and sit! It's really peaceful and you can look at any wildlife you see. You can even just relax on your porch.
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4Gather all of the things you will want in the day. This includes tissues, cough drops, snacks, TV remotes, etc. Set up camp on the couch and be lazy all day. Watch some of your favorite TV shows. Watch the special extended episodes for a change. Or, just watch a movie. If one of your favorite shows isn't on, record something beforehand, or use a TV service like Netflix or Red Box.[2]
- Watch programs on BBC iPlayer or other on-demand TV services. Catch up on programs that you have missed.
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5Wear your favorite comfy pajamas. Be sure to keep warm enough (or cool enough) and don't wear anything that feels constricting or itchy.
Quiet Things to Do
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1Take the time to think about things that have been on your mind recently. It will feel good to finally sort some stuff out.
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2Start reading a good book. Think about the plot and characters and what it is about the story that moves you.[3]
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3Read a magazine. National Geographic Kids or Nickelodeon might be a little childish, but reading them will make you feel better because they will give you something to do without having to think too hard.
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4Have a conversation with yourself. It may sound weird but it's really interesting to hear what you have to say to yourself.
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5If you're just feeling really tired and sick and don't have the energy to be on computer or start doing some kind of activity, just lay on the couch or bed. Drink something warm like a honey and lemon drink, and have a stack of old magazines available.[4]
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6Pet watch. If you don't want to do anything just watch your pets!
Easy Things to Do
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1Take a hot bubble bath, or a nice steamy shower. A nice warm bath will help make you feel better, and feel relaxed.[5]
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2Make a pillow and blanket fort and sleep in it. But if you're feeling really bad, don't try this step until you're feeling better.[6]
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3Play games on your computer. Don't overdo it though; if it makes you feel worse, stop.
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4Take Random, Fun Pictures of yourself, the outside world, your pets, whatever! You could also take pictures for wikiHow articles.[7]
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5Do your nails and toenails. Are they extra long? Give them a cut. Are you into adding nail polish? Time to refresh the polish.
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6Walk a little outside, or just sit outside. Sometimes it helps just to get some fresh air.
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7Shoot foam darts at your favorite TV shows. Boom! Headshot!
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8Text your friends. They could have interesting gossip that you missed at work or school, or you can complain about how sick you are.
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9Play your favorite game. Try playing a board game by yourself, or go for a one-person game like Solitaire.
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10If you can move about, cook something at home. It helps you take your mind off, and you have something nice to eat afterwards.
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11Play on your phone, iPod, etc.It keeps you busy. However if you get a headache or don't feel well, just rest a bit, then call a friend instead of texting or chatting on computer.
Creative Ideas
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1Draw. Even if you're not good at drawing, it can be fun to mess around.
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2Look through old pictures. They may bring back good, old memories when you're laying in bed sick.
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3Google your family tree. Find long lost ancestors.
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4Listen to music. Don't put it too loud, though; it's not good for you, especially when you're sick.
- Learn every word to your favorite song. Google the lyrics and sing it a few times.
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5Finish any home projects you haven't done yet. Now would be a good time to sort your trading cards or track down your missing slipper. However, you are sick so don't overexert yourself.
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6Find stacks of paper. Make paper airplanes or other origami figures.
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7Catch up on schoolwork. It may not be wonderful, but you'll be happy when you get to school and find you aren't behind.
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8Start planning what you're going to do when you're better!
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9Write out your dreams. Draw or write out your dream house. Add little details like carpet patterns, or colors. Draw or write out the theme or plot of your favorite book or movie. You could draw a picture from your favorite scene in Harry Potter, or write out what you would do in the character's situation. List ideal features in your dream pet or boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. Describe your dream outfit or job. Make a collage with all of your dream pictures and/or lists and paragraphs, to make up your dream life.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I make staying at home fun?Zach PontrelloZach Pontrello is an Embodied Leadership & Relationship Coach and the Founder of One Thought Growth & Sovereign Man Academy. His expertise lies in helping people build better relationships with themselves and with their partners, focusing on communication and honesty. Zach received his degree from John Carroll University.
Embodied Leadership & Relationship CoachThink about what you enjoy the most and try to surround yourself with those things (or cues that remind you of those things). It's important to create an environment that encourages you to have the fun that you're seeking! It can also help to dedicate a specific amount of each day to these fun activities, and to try and find growth within that area. -
QuestionI feel so sick, I have the stomach flu, and I am hungry, but I don't want to eat anything. What do I do?Community AnswerTry to drink as many liquids as possible. Often, warm liquids are more soothing than cold liquids. A lot of people drink soup or tea to try to soothe sore throats or any other symptoms that you're having.
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QuestionWhat can you eat that is nice when you have a stomachache?Community AnswerSaltine crackers are great for stomachaches because they neutralize acid and are not too harsh. See further: How to Cure a Stomachache.
Warnings
- If you are vomiting, or have a virus causing you to vomit, it's handy to have a bowl, bucket, or even a bin close by. This also helps you to clean up quickly when you aren't feeling so well.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- When you have a stomach illness, you may dry heave. Keep water around.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't overwork yourself (play sports, run around, and similar activities). It could make you feel worse.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Try not to get your family sick while you're around them. It's hard not to do activities with family members, but this is usually how we spread and share our germs.⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Kleenex
- A glass of ice water
- Your own pillow
- Blanket (fluffy ones work the best)
- A good book
- A computer or laptop. Laptops are good because you can use them in bed.
- Television
- Radio or CD player close by, especially if you're in bed, as you don't need to concentrate your brain or eyes too much to listen to music/audio books.
- Bucket - in case you start to vomit
- Bowl of hot soup
- Tea - if you have a sinus discomfort, try Throat Coat™ tea. If your stomach hurts, try peppermint.
- If you have a fever, keep a cool rag and a thermometer by you.
- A fan to keep you cool
References
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ http://uncustomary.org/50-things-youre-sick/
- ↑ https://themighty.com/2017/03/things-to-do-sick-in-bed/
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ http://uncustomary.org/50-things-youre-sick/
- ↑ https://themighty.com/2017/03/things-to-do-sick-in-bed/