Being sick can be frustrating, especially when you’re stuck at home with little energy to do much. While your body needs rest to recover, boredom can make the day feel even longer. The key is to find activities that are low-effort yet engaging enough to keep your mind occupied. Here are five sick-day activities that will help you pass the time while allowing your body to heal.
1. Binge-Watch Comforting Shows or Movies
When you’re feeling unwell, sometimes the best thing you can do is curl up with a cozy blanket and let yourself escape into a good TV show or movie. But not all shows and movies are ideal for sick days. Choose something lighthearted, relaxing, and easy to follow.
Best Types of Shows & Movies for a Sick Day:
- Comedy: Laughter can be a great mood booster when you’re not feeling your best. Try watching sitcoms like Friends, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or The Office.
- Feel-Good Movies: Uplifting movies like The Princess Bride, Paddington, or Legally Blonde can be comforting when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Nature or Travel Documentaries: If your head feels too foggy to focus on a storyline, nature documentaries like Planet Earth can be soothing and enjoyable without requiring much mental effort.
Make sure you keep snacks and fluids nearby so you don’t have to keep getting up while you’re watching.
2. Read a Book or Listen to an Audiobook
If you’re not up for watching a screen all day, diving into a book or listening to an audiobook is a great alternative. Reading can help distract you from discomfort while also keeping your mind engaged.
Sick Day Book Suggestions:
- Easy-to-read fiction: Lighthearted novels, romance, or mystery books are great for a sick day. Books by authors like Sophie Kinsella or Agatha Christie make for entertaining reads.
- Comics or graphic novels: If reading full paragraphs feels exhausting, opt for comics or graphic novels. Calvin and Hobbes, Saga, or Marvel/DC comics are fun options.
- Audiobooks: If you have a headache or don’t have the energy to hold a book, audiobooks are a fantastic alternative. You can close your eyes and let the story unfold without effort.
3. Do Simple Creative Activities
If you’re feeling well enough to engage in something creative, low-energy activities like drawing, coloring, or crafting can be soothing. Creativity can be a great way to pass the time while also improving your mood.
Easy Creative Ideas for Sick Days:
- Adult coloring books: These require minimal effort but can be very relaxing.
- Doodling or journaling: Even if you don’t feel like writing much, jotting down your thoughts or sketching can help you pass the time.
- DIY crafts: If you have supplies on hand, small crafts like knitting, making friendship bracelets, or scrapbooking can be fun ways to keep your hands busy.
Don’t push yourself too hard—if you start feeling too tired, it’s okay to take breaks.
4. Play Relaxing Games or Puzzles
If you enjoy gaming, there are plenty of low-energy video games and puzzles that can be enjoyable without requiring intense focus or effort.
Sick Day-Friendly Games:
- Mobile or tablet games: Games like Candy Crush, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, or Stardew Valley are relaxing and easy to play.
- Puzzle games: Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles can help keep your mind engaged while you’re resting.
- Cozy video games: If you prefer gaming on a console, games like The Sims, Animal Crossing, or Minecraft are perfect for a low-energy day.
Gaming can help pass the time without requiring too much movement, making it an excellent choice for a sick day.
5. Practice Gentle Self-Care
A sick day is the perfect time to slow down and take care of yourself. When you’re not feeling well, small self-care activities can make a big difference in how comfortable and relaxed you feel.
Self-Care Activities for a Sick Day:
- Take a warm bath or shower: If you have body aches, a warm shower can help soothe sore muscles and clear congestion.
- Drink warm tea or soup: Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can help with nausea, while broth-based soups can be comforting and hydrating.
- Do light stretching or meditation: If you have the energy, gentle stretches or a short meditation can help relieve tension and make you feel more at ease.
- Listen to calming music or podcasts: Soft music or relaxing podcasts can help you unwind without requiring too much effort.
Most importantly, make sure to get plenty of rest so your body can recover faster.
Final Thoughts
Being sick isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be completely miserable. With the right activities, you can keep yourself entertained while still allowing your body to heal. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite shows, reading a good book, or engaging in simple creative projects, there are plenty of ways to make your sick day a little more enjoyable.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and take care of yourself so you can get back to feeling better soon!
