How to Build Your Sick Day Kit: Everything You Need

Now that the chillier days of the year have arrived, it’s time to be extra vigilant in the fight against those pesky viruses ready to wreak havoc on your health. But if you find yourself in a losing battle against sickness, make sure you’re armed and ready to face it head-on. Arm yourself with a well-packed sick day kit.

How to Build Your Sick Day Kit

See what you already have on hand and make sure you pick up what you may need so that you are not scrambling when you are under the weather.

For Tummy Troubles:

No matter why your tummy is hurting there are some tried and true items that will help it settle down and get you some rest.

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help ease the pain of an upset stomach. Keep a couple of packets in your kit to help reduce unpleasant cramping.
• Heating pad: Heating pads are an inexpensive and cheerful way to soothe and calm your stomach. They also give you that warm comfy feeling that will make curling up on the couch much more pleasant.
• Ginger: I dice up a thumb-sized piece of ginger and throw it into a pot of water to boil gently for 20 minutes. This ginger tea always soothes my tummy issues.

For Cold and Flu:

Once school starts back up I am hyper vigilant with colds and flus. My kids seem to bring them all home and it takes weeks to run its course in our home. Stocking up on the following is a huge help.

• Tissues: This one is a no-brainer. There’s nothing worse than running out of tissues when your nose is leaking like a faucet. Keep your nose happy with a pack of your favourite soft tissues and keep your family happy by leaving the toilet rolls where they belong – in the bathroom.
• Soup packets: No one wants to cook when they are sick and drinking soup is a great way to make sure you’re getting the liquids you need to stay hydrated.
• hydraSense: Clear your nose fast with a hydraSense saline nasal spray for your nasal cold symptoms. Just spray, blow and you’re clear. hydraSense is medicine-free, so you can use alongside your other cough and cold medication.
• Redoxon: Redoxon is a great way to get your vitamin C dose year-round whether you are sick or not, but it is especially helpful when a cold throw off your usual diet. Just one tablet gives you 10 oranges worth of vitamin C**! Redoxon also gives your water a fun fizz and flavour in case you’re getting tired of gulping down plain water all day.

For Headaches:

I don’t get headaches often which is why I like to make sure I know exactly what to do when they do arrive. I get floored when the pounding begins and my essentials are always close by.

• Keep an over-the-counter pain reliever to help take the sting off your headache.
• Essential oils: While essential oils may not have any scientific claim to healing, a nice peppermint, lavender or rosemary oil can help you.
• Ice pack: An ice pack can help temporarily take the sting off a headache. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth before applying for more comfort.

While many of us prepare for beating sick day symptoms, we often forget to make a plan for getting back on track once the symptoms subside. Here are a few things you can keep on hand to get you back into your regular routine.

Getting Back on Track:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Nothing can truly rejuvenate your system like a full night’s rest. This may sound simple, but sleep plays such an important role in your overall health by reducing stress, improving mood and increasing energy. Try setting a diffuser 30 minutes before you go to bed, so you can be fully relaxed for a long, peaceful sleep.
• One A Day multivitamins: When you are sick you may feel like you’ve been unable to eat much of anything, which means you may not be getting the important nutrients your body needs. One A Day Gummies Plus Immunity Support contain zinc and vitamin C to help maintain immune health in a great-tasting gummy.
• Motivational playlist: A great playlist will lift your spirits and get you motivated to start moving again. Try popping your headphones in and boost your energy levels with a solid workout. Whether it be yoga, hitting the gym or going for a jog, a good tune will put you in the proper mindset for a great sweat, so you feel as good as new!

And there you have it – almost everything you need to make sure you’re prepared to fight the good fight, or at least make your sick day more bearable. Remember, if your symptoms are severe or you find they are getting worse instead of better, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.

Do you keep a sick day kit at home? Let me know your must-have items!

Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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