The fall season is upon us, with winter to follow shortly after. Soon we will all be bundled up in our coats, scarves and hats, with dripping noses and chapped lips. Though seasonal changes bring joy and new adventures, they also tend to bring another component: sickness.
In the coming months, bugs, colds and flu will be floating around in the air and sticking to everything we come in contact with. When a friend or family member gets sick, it is difficult to see them lie in bed stifling their sniffles and running a fever. What can you do to make them feel better? Check out these five ways to cheer up someone who is sick in the upcoming months.
1. Listen first, then respond
The greatest thing you can do to comfort someone you love who is not feeling well is simply to listen. Often when a friend or family member is ill, we try so hard to make them feel better that we push solutions they might not be comfortable with. For example, maybe we think it is best that they sit up, when really they just want to sleep.
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The first thing you can do to cheer someone up who is not feeling well is to listen to what their needs and desires are before trying to fulfill them. Do not simply tell them what they need. Ask questions and be a comforting ear to cheer them up before trying to respond and “fix” their problems.
2. Take on their to-do list
Being sick can be incredibly stressful because our schedules are so full, so trying to take time off makes things come to a grinding halt. Keeping up with kids, work and chores while you are sick is exhausting. If this is the case, listen to what your loved one is stressed about, then ask if there is anything you can take off their to-do list.
Maybe you could pick up the kids from school this week while he takes a nap. Or perhaps you could stop by the office to drop off paperwork for her coworkers. Simple things like this will help enormously in taking the stress off the ill person. Then he or she can relax more and focus on getting better, rather than worrying about everything else.
3. Bring food and drinks
When it comes to sickness, comfort food and hot drinks are some of the best medicine. Ask what you can cook for your loved one to cheer them up. Or, if food is not a good option for their stomach at the moment, try a hot, refreshing beverage.
Herbal tea is a choice for comforting the ill and helping them feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Water is always a useful option. When we are sick, it often results in intense dehydration. Keep your friend or family member hydrated and feeling better by encouraging them to drink water consistently.
4. Do something simple they love
Being sick can be boring. Try to engage your loved one by watching a movie with them, reading a book together or playing a game. If it is something they enjoy and they are up for it, it is a helpful option.
Have fun and make sure they do not get too bored while they are sick, and they may start cheering up and feeling better more quickly.
5. Give them space
One of the most valuable things you can do for a sick friend or family member is to give them space. They probably do not want to get you sick, and having a conversation may be difficult.
Make sure all of their needs are met, then leave them to rest. When they have space and time to relax, they may start feeling better.
With seasonal changes coming up, illness is in the air. If your friends or family members get sick, try some of these tips to cheer them up and help them feel better.
