How To Stay Positive When You’re Sick

The past couple of days have been rough – a fever, chills, sweats, it hasn’t been fun. While it might just be flu symptoms for some, I also have an autoimmune disease, where symptoms like this can lead to greater issues for me and exacerbate inflammation in my body. I definitely know what it is like to not have the physical strength to leave the house. Even deeper than that, I used to be so depressed from being sick all the time, I would hide in my home all day with the windows drawn, which in essence, made me even worse. One thing I’ve tried to remind myself over the years, is that whether I am battling the sniffles or something larger – sickness is that of the body but it doesn’t have to control my mind. While I let my body heal, there are some small steps I have taken to keep a positive mindset that can hopefully help ease your mind, on your own personal road to recovery.

Visualize the bad floating away from your body. When I was really sick and hospitalized for nearly a month (story time on another day), I spoke to a hospital psychologist and she helped me understand the importance of positive thinking and visualization. She told me to close my eyes, visualize all of the “bad” cells/bacteria floating away from my body in big, colorful balloons. One by one, any toxin in my body was slowly drifting away and what was left was just what my body needed. While that may or may not have happened in reality at that very moment, it certainly helped my anxiety and normalized my thoughts so I was envisioning a “lighter” and healthier me.

Find peace in cleanliness. It sounds so minor but when you have a mess surrounding you, from tissues, unfolded clothes, or dirty dishes, it can affect your psyche. A messy home = messy mind. You may be feeling physically weak but putting away your clothes or taking small steps to tidying your area, can lead to large gains in peace of mind.

Eat nutritious foods. When I’m sick, I do one of either extremes: 1) Don’t eat anything or 2) Eat crap. A happy balance I’ve found for me is eating cooked vegetables, soups, smoothies, and food in its most simple and basic form. A favorite soup of mine that has been on repeat has been this Splendid Spoon carrot turmeric soup I eat for either breakfast or dinner. Additives and artificial sweeteners have always exacerbated sick feelings and symptoms for me. While it might be satisfying during that moment, just thinking of the after effects makes it not worth it.

Take a shower. Ok this might sound gross but when I’m sick I don’t bathe as frequently. It’s crazy how drawing a bath or washing your hair can make such a huge difference on your mood. Epsom salt and lavender baths are a personal favorite of mine since it soothes and relaxes body aches. So get in that tub, light some candles, and put on some relaxing music!

These tips might sound so basic but honestly it’s the small steps in my every day that have helped keep negative, “poor me” thoughts away.

If you’ve got any simple tips on what keeps you in a more positive mindset when you aren’t physically feeling the greatest, please share in the comments below!

Wishing you all so, so much good health!

xo