Dealing with a cold is always a hassle. Our lives are too hectic to be weighed down by stuffiness and sore throats. If you are currently suffering from the common cold, here are some tips for beating the virus out of your system!

1. Hot tea

Drinking plenty of hot tea will sooth your throat and provide you with fluids that will ultimately help your body beat the cold. Any type of non-caffeinated tea will work; however, ginger, peppermint, or any antioxidant tea is best. Add honey (or agave) and lemon to loosen congestion and sooth a sore throat.

2. Water

It is best to drink as much water as possible when dealing with a cold. Water is essential every day, but it is even more important to drink an adequate amount during times when our bodies are fighting viruses. My motto is, the water bottle should never leave your hands and it should never be empty. Make sure a bathroom is readily accessible.

3. Soup

Soup can be a great source of vitamins and essential nutrients while also relieving sore throats and congestion. It is best to eat soup that is low in sodium and that contains an abundance of vegetables. If you are a college student, try to stay away from Ramen when sick. As much as it may be easy, the high sodium levels dehydrate you, revoking all of the benefits of drinking that immense amount of water that I previously mentioned. Keep a box of vegetable stock, instant noodles and a frozen bag of mixed vegetables in your food storage. You can easily make healthy soup that will kick the virus out of your system.

4. Vitamin C

Emergen-C, Vitamin C tablets, and orange juice are extremely helpful. Vitamin C is good to take even when you aren’t sick, so it is beneficial to get a bottle of the tablets and start taking them every day. Vitamin C will strengthen your immune system and help you fight the virus faster.

5. Take a steamy shower

Taking a hot shower or bath will help you feel clean and the steam can help drain your congested sinuses. While it is not a direct cure for your cold, it will help relieve the symptoms temporarily.

6. Rest

The only thing that helps a cold get better is rest. It may seem impossible to get enough rest due to our hectic lives, but it is absolutely essential to healing your body. There are, however, ways to get work done while resting: do homework/ studying in your bed on the computer, strive to go to sleep a few hours earlier than normal and take NyQuil to help you sleep through the night without interruptions.

7. Clean

Since you're sick, your entire space is occupied with the same bacteria that is infecting you. Wipe the area down whenever you get the chance. Clorox wipes do wonders. If you are living with other people, be respectful and wipe down doorknobs or other common areas that you touch in order to avoid infecting them. Once you feel better, it’s best to clean your sheets as well.

8. Eat garlic

Garlic can boost your immune system, similar to vitamin C. You can take garlic in tablets or find a way to incorporate it into your diet with each meal. You may be stinky, but it will help you recover faster.

9. Meditate

Alleviate your symptoms by taking a moment to focus on deep breathing. It may be hard to breathe at all when you are sick, so take time to practice breathing exercises. This can help you relax and destress, which is also essential in helping your body fight the illness.

10. Use a humidifier

Again, it may be extremely hard to breathe when the nasal cavity is congested, but a humidifier may help while you sleep to avoid waking up so frequently.

Follow these few tips and tricks and you will be feeling better in no time!