Most people come down with the symptoms of the common cold at least once in their life. Others feel as though they are constantly suffering from a cold. Whatever category you fall into, chances are that when you are suffering, you’re willing to do anything to feel better.
You could go the standard route and take your medication, but the good news is that there are plenty of other home remedies that may make you feel better without having to take the time out to see your doctor. Of course, if you feel worse or your cold doesn’t respond to these methods, you should definitely see your physician for more help.
Pump Up Your Hydration
No matter what else you hear, doctors around the globe highly encourage people to stay hydrated while they suffer from a cold. Not only does proper liquid intake prevent you from becoming dehydrated if you’re vomiting, but it also helps thin mucus in your lungs and sinuses so that you don’t feel as congested. Of course, water is a prime way to stay hydrated, but you can also try broth or juice. Avoid coffee, soda and alcohol as they can have the opposite effect.
Go To Bed Early
Yes, you have lots of things to do each day, but if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to make a point of going to bed a bit early. If you’re really down for the count, you may need to skip work and stay at home to sleep. When you rest, your body is able to fight the cold and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Getting plenty of rest speeds your recovery time and gets you back on your feet. If you have a fever, be cautious about covering up with a lot of blankets because you can overheat. Add an extra pillow under your head to prevent a stuffed nose from waking you up all night long.
Get Steamed Up
If you’re feeling congested and under the weather, the steam from a hot shower can help. The steam will loosen the congestion you’re experiencing and clear your nose and lungs so you can breathe better. A nice, hot shower is also soothing and can help you relax and get some rest as you recover.
Care For Your Sore Throat
A sore throat is part and parcel when you have a cold. You don’t have to suffer though. There are several things that you can do to relieve the pain and feel better. Gargling with salt water is a tried and true method you can usually rely on. Sucking on ice chips or cough drops also helps because it gets your saliva flowing, which keeps your throat from drying out and feeling painful. Even a hard candy can help in a pinch.
Go Over The Counter
Unless you have a very bad cold, you can typically treat your symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications. Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and pains, cough medications can 
help ease hacking, and mucus dissolvers can help you from feeling congested. Be sure to follow dosing directions very closely because even over-the-counter medications can cause scary side effects if you overdose. At the same time, not taking enough of the medication won’t give you the results you want.
The common cold is never comfortable or convenient, but there’s no reason why it should take over your life. By taking the above measures to make yourself feel better, you can get through your cold and back to your life.
