We all know what it means when you wake up with a runny nose, inexplicable chills, and fatigue that even days of sleep couldn't fix: You're sick. It's an unfortunate but almost inevitable outcome of the season. Of course, it always seems to happen around the holidays, especially if you're the one in your household who puts up the outdoor Christmas lights. However, while being sick isn't a very enjoyable experience to say the least, the boredom that comes with being stuck in bed (no matter how cozy) is one of the worst parts. We're not going to force you to go through this alone—we've come up with a list of things to do when you're sick that won't exhaust you but will help stave off the restlessness.
Whether you're cuddled up on your comfy couch or rotting away in bed, there are plenty of activities you can do for entertainment during this time of illness. Of course, binge watching your favorite comfort TV show is on our list of ideas, but what about when you're so sick that any amount of noise feels like someone's banging a hammer around the inside of your brain? Well, lucky for you, we have ideas for those times as well.
There are different levels of being home sick in bed, and you deserve to have options for all of them. Read on for 14 sick-day-friendly activities you can partake in anytime you're feeling under the weather.
Get Cozy
First things first, make sure your bed isn't the thing that's making you feel sick. Once that's out of the way, grab all the things you could possibly need (water bottle, heating pad, snacks, remote, phone) before settling in with your favorite blanket and simply resting.
FaceTime Your Family
There's just something about talking to someone you love when you're feeling down in the dumps that makes the situation a bit better. And who knows, maybe you can get some sympathy points and they'll bring over your favorite take-out.
Nourish Yourself
There's a reason grandmothers everywhere swear by chicken noodle soup. Heal your body with this age-old cold remedy, even if you don't have much of an appetite. If you can't find the motivation to search for a recipe, use this one from Delish that's sure to warm you up.
Watch a Movie Marathon
If you suffer from guilt anytime you take a moment for yourself, use this time to combat that feeling and indulge in a movie marathon. You already can't get up, so why not throw some easy, heartwarming holiday movies up on the TV and watch away?
Grab a Book
It's normal to go through phases of not being able to put a book down and then not even looking in your bookshelf's direction for weeks at a time. Use your unfortunate situation to your advantage and pick up the books you bought months ago and haven't cracked.
Begin Journaling
Still stuck in the nonreading phase? Pick up a pen and start writing about everything you've been experiencing over the past few days. Sometimes looking at what's on the inside can help you see the outside world more clearly.
Update Your Space
If you're feeling up to it, consider a little redecorating. Don't push yourself too hard, but being stuck at home and staring at all your decor can fire up your creativity.
Listen to Something
There's nothing like a good playlist or your favorite podcast (like our very own Dark House) to distract you from the here and now. Throw on your headphones or connect to your speaker, and forget about being sick for a while.
Binge a New Show
Turn on your preferred streaming device and settle in for the ultimate binge-watching marathon. Staying home sick is an automatic pass to indulge in a day of leisure, and if that means watching hours of Fixer Upper reruns, so be it.
Browse the Internet
The best and worst part of the Internet is the same thing: You can find hours of entertainment on there. Whether you're shopping for the best Amazon Prime deals or looking up Hilary Duff's new home brand, it'll take you a while to get bored.
Go for a Walk
If you've been resting in bed surrounded by tissues all day, it might be a good idea to get some fresh air. Not quite ready for a walk? Grab a chair and breathe in the great outdoors from the comfort of your backyard.
Complete a Puzzle
Give your brain something to focus on other than feeling ill and start working on a fun puzzle. If it's big enough, it'll take up a good chunk of your time and keep you busy.
Take a Bath
There's nothing like the warm embrace of bathwater when you're all stuffed up. The steam will help clear your sinuses, and you'll get to snuggle up in bed feeling clean.
Sleep
When you're home sick, sometimes all you need is sleep. Consider this official permission to doze the day away.
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