Being sick is the worst. You’re lethargic, uncomfortable, and dealing with more symptoms than you can count. Plus, you’re coordinating with doctors and picking up medicine while dreading your return to work or school. It’s completely exhausting.
That’s where friends come in. They can provide the support and care you need to make it through. Then, when they’re sick, you can return the favor. If your friend is going through it with an illness, you’re not limited in the kind gestures you can make. Here are a few to consider that can brighten their day when they’re feeling anything but joyous.
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1. Restock Their Get-Well Supplies
Getting sick is never convenient. It seems you’re always preparing for a big presentation or on the cusp of a birthday party when it hits you. And then, you’re down and out for sometimes days on end. That doesn’t leave much time to stock up on supplies, which is exactly where good friends come in.
If you know what sickness your friend is dealing with, focus on related supplies. That could be tissues and cold medicine for a sinus infection or stomach meds for the flu. Then, add a few extra comforts to help them while they’re on the mend. A comfortable pillow or blanket can make lying in bed more comfortable. Skin care products like a face mask or under eye patches can soothe and boost relaxation.
In situations where their illness is less clear, turn to some of the most popular get well soon gifts. Soup, cookies, and other comforting snacks are always popular. If you’re not the best cook in the world, there are tasty pre-packaged boxes that have everything someone who’s under the weather could want. Your friend will know you’re thinking of them, and you’ll have the ease of buying the perfect supplies.
2. Share Entertainment Recommendations
When you’re healthy, the idea of lying around catching up on the latest hit show sounds pretty great. When you’re sick, though, entertainment is your lifeline to help time go by faster. Each minute that passes is another minute closer to you recovering from whatever illness you’ve caught. So, sending some recommendations is always a good call if your friend is in the thick of it.
Try to branch out from just what’s trending, too. Give them insight into your favorite show when you were a teen that just hit streaming platforms. Share your favorite documentary that’s interesting but doesn’t require too much brainpower. If your friend is up for reading, lend them page-turners or share audiobook links.
Your entertainment suggestions aren’t going to magically cure whatever illness they’re dealing with, of course. They will, however, help the time pass in a more pleasant way. Plus, when they’re feeling better, you have something else to pour over in your next conversation.
3. Offer to Care for Their Kids or Pets
No matter what kind of sickness your friend has, they’re probably physically drained. Naturally, their body is working overtime to fend off the illness they caught. That doesn’t mean their responsibilities rest, though. So, if your friend has kids or pets, now is the perfect time to offer your helping hand.
What that looks like is up to you. Take the dog for a walk around the block so they can get some fresh air. Assuming your friend isn’t incredibly contagious, go over and play with their kids outside. Even half an hour of your time can be well-spent getting the kids or pets a bit worn out.
Taking a big responsibility off their plate gives them time and space to recover. They’ll rest up and recoup some energy while the weight of being a less attentive parent is lifted from their shoulders. And that’s among the nicest gestures you can make.
4. Plan a Post-Recovery Celebration
Being sick on a weekend is a special kind of pain. Instead of lounging poolside or hitting up the latest new restaurant, your friend is stuck uncomfortably in the confines of their house. The fear of missing out becomes very real when it’s easy to see how much fun others are having on social media. That’s why it’s such a great move to plan something to look forward to once your sick friend recovers.
How big or small of an “event” you throw is up to you. But think about what your friend likes doing most when they’re not under the weather. If they’re a foodie, book a reservation for a spot they’ve wanted to try. If they’re outdoorsy, plan a hike you can take once they recover. Or go the creative route and try a pottery or cooking class to learn a new skill.
The goal is to have something on the books that they can be excited about when they’re feeling their worst. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel proving their sickness won’t be forever. It’s also a great excuse to see your friend and catch up. Before you know it, it’ll be like they were never sick at all.
Health is on the Way
When your friend is fighting to breathe through their nose or fending off a headache, they feel awful. Their spirits are down, and they’re running out of shows and tissues quickly. But taking time to plan a creative mood-booster for them can be exactly what they need. Instead of focusing on their seemingly endless symptoms, they can bask in the love they feel from you. That surely makes being sick not so bad.
