Stress Management For Flu Sufferers

Getting the flu is no fun. A mild case of the flu leaves you with questions like, 'I could probably drag myself out of bed and get things done, but then will I make myself more sick? And if I do just stay in bed and rest, will all of the things on my To Do List conspire to make me crazed and stressed?' (And, as I've written before, stress is not great for your immune system!) A serious case of the flu has the decency to clear these questions from your mind, as you're too sick to even consider doing anything other than lying in a feverish, nauseous heap, but of course, that brings stresses of its own. Fortunately, having just recovered from the flu myself, I used some of my 'down time' to catalog activities for you to try if you get the flu--activities that can improve your stress management abilities now, and to use in your daily life when you feel better. (See? You can get something useful accomplished while still supporting your body's immunity. You're welcome!)

For Mild Flu Cases
If you're feeling 'under the weather', these are some of the most useful stress relief techniques. They work well if you're sick and need to rest in order to get better, but probably could keep going in life if you needed to.

• Meditation

• Visualizations

• Pmr

• Journaling

• Cognitive Restructuring

For More Serious Flu Cases
If you're feeling too sick to get out of bed, these techniques can still be practiced, and might make you feel better. They are helpful techniques to know when you're sick, and after you recover.

• Breathing

• Mindfulness

• Music

For Very Serious Flu Cases
If you have serious flu symptoms, it's best to see a doctor. Here are the guidelines for when to call your doctor, and when to go to the hospital. It's unlikely that you'll need to do this, but it is important to know when to seek medical care.

What To Do If You're Sick