Having the flu can make the world feel heavy and slow. Your body aches, your energy disappears, and even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. When you’re sick, the goal isn’t productivity or pushing through — it’s rest, comfort, and giving your body the space it needs to heal. Here are gentle ways to support yourself and feel a little better while your body does the hard work of recovery.
How to Feel Better When You’re Having the Flu
Let Yourself Rest (Without Guilt)
Rest is not optional when you have the flu, it’s essential. Your body is fighting something, and that takes energy. Let yourself sleep more than usual, lie down during the day, and cancel plans without apologizing. Healing happens faster when you stop resisting rest. The more you rest and sleep, the faster you will start feeling better again.
Hydrate Often, Even in Small Sips
When you’re sick, staying hydrated helps your body recover and prevents headaches and dizziness. Water, herbal tea, broth, or warm lemon water are all gentle options. If drinking feels difficult, take small sips throughout the day, it all adds up. Place a large water bottle next to your bottle or couch, so you don’t have to get up.
Eat What Feels Comforting and Easy
This isn’t the time to worry about perfect meals. Choose foods that are warm, simple, and easy to digest. Soup, toast, oatmeal, crackers, or fruit can be enough. Listen to your body, eat when you’re hungry, and don’t force it when you’re not. When you are sick, it is so important to listen to your body what it needs.
Create a Cozy Healing Space
Turn your bed or couch into a little recovery nest. Soft blankets, pillows, dim lighting, and calm music can make being sick feel less miserable. A cozy environment helps your nervous system relax, which supports healing. The cozier your bed or couch is, the easier it is for you to relax and let your body rest.
Lower the Pressure on Yourself
You don’t need to reply to messages, keep up with routines, or “stay on track.” Being sick is already enough. Let go of expectations and remind yourself that this phase is temporary. Doing nothing is sometimes exactly what you’re meant to do, especially when you are sick. You don’t have to look good when you’re sick, you don’t have to follow your strict diet, you don’t have to do anything at all.
Take Warm Showers or Baths (If You Have the Energy)
Warm water can soothe body aches, clear your head, and help you relax. Even a short shower can make you feel more human again. It can give you a little bit of extra energy again. Dry off, change into clean comfy clothes, and crawl back into bed. it can be surprisingly comforting.
Keep Your Mind Gentle and Quiet
Avoid overstimulation if you can. Too much scrolling, loud noise, or bright screens can make you feel worse. Try watching something familiar and calming, listening to an audiobook, or simply resting with your eyes closed. Let your mind heal along with your body.
Be Kind to Yourself
Being sick can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to being productive or busy. Remind yourself that your body isn’t failing you, it’s protecting you. Talk to yourself gently. Healing takes time, and you’re allowed to take it.