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Being sick isn't fun, and it's even less fun when you're sitting at home with nothing to do. To have fun when sick at home, focus on activities that interest you while also allowing you to rest and relax. For example, you might read a good book, take a hot bath, play a one-person game, or work on some creative endeavor. By sticking with low-key activities, you can help your body heal faster while also driving away your boredom.
Steps
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Try to sleep . Sleep is the surest way of helping you to mend faster. It can help to read a little to tire you out. Sleep in as long as you want. There's no need to get up early when you're sick. [1] X Research source
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Have a quiet time where nobody is around to be loud. Shut off the TV and don't use electronic devices.Advertisement
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Relax as best you can. Do some yoga, stretching, or meditation. Don't do anything that feels uncomfortable or increases the symptoms of your sickness.
- Go rest outside! If it's not cold where you live, go out and get some fresh air and sit! It's really peaceful and you can look at any wildlife you see. You can even just relax on your porch.
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Gather all of the things you will want in the day. This includes tissues, cough drops, snacks, TV remotes, etc. Set up camp on the couch and be lazy all day. Watch some of your favorite TV shows . Watch the special extended episodes for a change. Or, just watch a movie. If one of your favorite shows isn't on, record something beforehand, or use a TV service like Netflix or Red Box. [2] X Research source
- Watch programs on BBC iPlayer or other on-demand TV services. Catch up on programs that you have missed.
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Wear your favorite comfy pajamas. Be sure to keep warm enough (or cool enough) and don't wear anything that feels constricting or itchy.
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Take the time to think about things that have been on your mind recently. It will feel good to finally sort some stuff out.
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Start reading a good book . Think about the plot and characters and what it is about the story that moves you. [3] X Research source
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Read a magazine. National Geographic Kids or Nickelodeon might be a little childish, but reading them will make you feel better because they will give you something to do without having to think too hard.
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Have a conversation with yourself. It may sound weird but it's really interesting to hear what you have to say to yourself.
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If you're just feeling really tired and sick and don't have the energy to be on computer or start doing some kind of activity, just lay on the couch or bed. Drink something warm like a honey and lemon drink, and have a stack of old magazines available. [4] X Research source
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Pet watch. If you don't want to do anything just watch your pets!
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Take a hot bubble bath , or a nice steamy shower . A nice warm bath will help make you feel better, and feel relaxed. [5] X Research source
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Make a pillow and blanket fort and sleep in it. But if you're feeling really bad, don't try this step until you're feeling better. [6] X Research source
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Play games on your computer . Don't overdo it though; if it makes you feel worse, stop.
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Take Random, Fun Pictures of yourself, the outside world, your pets, whatever! You could also take pictures for wikiHow articles. [7] X Research source
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Do your nails and toenails. Are they extra long? Give them a cut. Are you into adding nail polish? Time to refresh the polish.
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Walk a little outside, or just sit outside. Sometimes it helps just to get some fresh air.
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Shoot foam darts at your favorite TV shows. Boom! Headshot!
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Text your friends. They could have interesting gossip that you missed at work or school, or you can complain about how sick you are.
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Play your favorite game. Try playing a board game by yourself, or go for a one-person game like Solitaire.
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If you can move about, cook something at home. It helps you take your mind off, and you have something nice to eat afterwards.
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Play on your phone, iPod, etc.It keeps you busy. However if you get a headache or don't feel well, just rest a bit, then call a friend instead of texting or chatting on computer.
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Draw . Even if you're not good at drawing, it can be fun to mess around.
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Look through old pictures. They may bring back good, old memories when you're laying in bed sick.
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Google your family tree. Find long lost ancestors.
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Listen to music . Don't put it too loud, though; it's not good for you, especially when you're sick.
- Learn every word to your favorite song. Google the lyrics and sing it a few times.
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Finish any home projects you haven't done yet. Now would be a good time to sort your trading cards or track down your missing slipper. However, you are sick so don't overexert yourself.
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Find stacks of paper. Make paper airplanes or other origami figures.
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Catch up on schoolwork. It may not be wonderful, but you'll be happy when you get to school and find you aren't behind.
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Start planning what you're going to do when you're better!
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Write out your dreams. Draw or write out your dream house. Add little details like carpet patterns, or colors. Draw or write out the theme or plot of your favorite book or movie. You could draw a picture from your favorite scene in Harry Potter, or write out what you would do in the character's situation. List ideal features in your dream pet or boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. Describe your dream outfit or job. Make a collage with all of your dream pictures and/or lists and paragraphs, to make up your dream life.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I make staying at home fun?Zach Pontrello is an Embodied Leadership & Relationship Coach and the Founder of One Thought Growth & Sovereign Man Academy. His expertise lies in helping people build better relationships with themselves and with their partners, focusing on communication and honesty. Zach received his degree from John Carroll University.Think about what you enjoy the most and try to surround yourself with those things (or cues that remind you of those things). It's important to create an environment that encourages you to have the fun that you're seeking! It can also help to dedicate a specific amount of each day to these fun activities, and to try and find growth within that area.
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QuestionI feel so sick, I have the stomach flu, and I am hungry, but I don't want to eat anything. What do I do?Community AnswerTry to drink as many liquids as possible. Often, warm liquids are more soothing than cold liquids. A lot of people drink soup or tea to try to soothe sore throats or any other symptoms that you're having.
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QuestionWhat can you eat that is nice when you have a stomachache?Community AnswerSaltine crackers are great for stomachaches because they neutralize acid and are not too harsh. See further: How to Cure a Stomachache .
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Tips
- Make sure not to eat a lot of junk food; it will make you feel worse. Try to eat some healthy fruit, you get the satisfaction of the sweetness, but not the dumpy feeling.Thanks
- Open a window to get some fresh air so the room isn't so stuffy for you.Thanks
- Ask your family to help you. If you're not feeling well at all and wouldn't like to get up, you can probably ask them to bring you something to read, eat, or do.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Sitting up in a chair can help you feel better, especially if you're really congested. If you feel better after taking some medicine, it's okay to walk around a bit, but keep in mind you are still sick and don't overdo it. Watching TV isn't the best thing to do when sick because of the brightness and volume and fast changes. Listen to some gentle music and think about something you like instead.
- If it's close to any of your favorite holidays, go dig in your art box and find some construction paper and make a paper chain! They are fast, easy, and cheap decorations to make whenever you're not feeling great.
- When I'm sick, sometimes I find it soothing and relaxing to listen to the rain outside. If it isn't raining, I have an app that makes nature sounds.
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Warnings
- If you are vomiting, or have a virus causing you to vomit, it's handy to have a bowl, bucket, or even a bin close by. This also helps you to clean up quickly when you aren't feeling so well.Thanks
- When you have a stomach illness, you may dry heave. Keep water around.Thanks
- Don't overwork yourself (play sports, run around, and similar activities). It could make you feel worse.Thanks
- Try not to get your family sick while you're around them. It's hard not to do activities with family members, but this is usually how we spread and share our germs.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Kleenex
- A glass of ice water
- Your own pillow
- Blanket (fluffy ones work the best)
- A good book
- A computer or laptop. Laptops are good because you can use them in bed.
- Television
- Radio or CD player close by, especially if you're in bed, as you don't need to concentrate your brain or eyes too much to listen to music/audio books.
- Bucket - in case you start to vomit
- Bowl of hot soup
- Tea - if you have a sinus discomfort, try Throat Coat™ tea. If your stomach hurts, try peppermint.
- If you have a fever, keep a cool rag and a thermometer by you.
- A fan to keep you cool
References
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ http://uncustomary.org/50-things-youre-sick/
- ↑ https://themighty.com/2017/03/things-to-do-sick-in-bed/
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/cold-and-flu-treatment-checklist
- ↑ http://uncustomary.org/50-things-youre-sick/
- ↑ https://themighty.com/2017/03/things-to-do-sick-in-bed/
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- "This really helped, when it said read something or do something enjoyable, I felt happy knowing this was one of the things I was doing during my "day off." Furthermore, I would recommend this site to everyone. " ..." more
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"This really helped, when it said read something or do something enjoyable, I felt happy knowing this was one of the things I was doing during my "day off." Furthermore, I would recommend this site to everyone. "
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"When you're sick and you're not able to do much, this is a great site for tips. Being sick is no fun, but there are healthy ways to pass the time until you're better! Thanks!"
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"Turn the lights down and listen to relaxing music. That helped to get me to fall asleep, which cured my headache. Then I had some peppermint tea, which solved my stomachache."
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"Writing down my dreams and things that are easy to do helped. It made me think that I can do simple things; because of my condition, I cannot overdo it."
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"This helped because I don't really feel like doing anything, and now I can without hurting myself more."
