Let’s face it – sometimes when you’re sick, about all you can do is try to get as comfortable as you can and wait for it to pass. Here are some tips on maintaining your sanity until you’re healthy again.

Make yourself comfortable. It could be a long haul, so settle yourself in somewhere comfortable, like in bed or on the couch.

Surround yourself with everything you’ll need. Remember when you were sick as a kid, and your mother put you on the couch with the TV remote, a book, a glass of orange juice, and a plate of toast? She had the right idea! Gather together everything you think you might need over the next few hours, to minimize having to get up again, and keep it within easy reach of your nest.

Sleep it off. Other people swear by vitamin C, but I swear by sleep. Sleeping while you’re sick does two things: first, it conserves your strength and allows your immune system to do its work, and second, it takes you away from the misery of being sick.

Take the drugs. Some people don’t like to take drugs without just cause, but if you’re sick enough to be confined to your couch or your bed, I say that’s cause enough! If you simply have a cold, medicine will help by keeping down the pressure in your sinuses, which could back up into your ears and give you an ear infection otherwise; if you have anything more serious, Tylenol or Motrin can prevent your fever from becoming dangerously high.

Drink plenty of fluids. Being sick can dehydrate you, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. This can also help flush your system.

Distract yourself. Getting your mind off of being sick is just as important as the rest of it. Do something you enjoy: watch TV, read, talk on the phone, surf the net… Whatever makes you feel less miserable.

Remember, being sick won’t last forever! Pretty soon you’ll be well again, and you’ll forget how you feel right now. In the meantime, do what you can to keep yourself as comfortable as possible!