The following is a paid advertising feature for Kleenex®.

Every year some amazing things come around like clockwork – Christmas, New Year and my birthday being some of my personal favourites. They’re moments to celebrate, to see loved ones and catch up with old friends. One thing that crops up every year, though, and can perhaps be seen as slightly more unwelcome – cold and flu season! In my experience, there comes a point every winter when my body tells me it’s time to recharge, but that’s not to say I want to stop doing everything I love doing.

When I do feel a bit under the weather, I find it’s the time when my home comforts really come into their own and help me to keep going by making everything that little bit more comfortable – meaning that I can get on and enjoy my day as much as possible.

With that in mind, here are my top 10 home comforts for when you need that extra bit of TLC.

Fresh Natural-Fibre Bedding

Is there anything quite as wonderful as getting into a bed with freshly changed linens? I think not. If you’re working from your bed and are needing to get things ticked off, consider putting some fresh sheets on the bed (or get a loved one to do it for you) and bask in the comforts of clean linens. This will get you in the zone to power through and not let your cold get the best of you. If that’s something you simply can’t bear to even face, then perhaps just change your pillowcase – it’ll be the least you can do if you’re going to be looking at spending some quality time in your bed.

My personal favourite (and Wayne’s too) is linen bedding. There is just something rather exceptional about linen bedding. Plus, the natural fibres (rather than synthetic) will help regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm when you need it but allowing your bedding to breathe when you get too warm.

Feather-Down Pillows and a Cosy Throw

Something else for that lovely snuggly feeling is having some extra-cosy throws and blankets at the ready. If you are feeling chilly, then those extra layers really will feel like a comforting hug.

Another favourite is feather and down pillows which will plump up nicely and support your head and neck whilst providing breathable comfort.

KLEENEX® TISSUES

If I’ve got a cold, there is genuinely no other thing I reach for except Kleenex® and I nearly always have the single pocket packs in my bag just in case for when I’m out and about. No one wants to use a scratchy, thin tissue and I’ve used Kleenex® for as long as I can remember when I have a runny nose.

The Balsam range is my go-to because when you are constantly rubbing a sore nose, the added protective balm means it’s gentle so you don’t end up with a red, raw nose. One good tip I learned a while ago? Keep your empty tissue boxes to hand to put your used tissues into when you have a cold!

Water at the Ready

When you wake up in the night, then a carafe filled with fresh water on the bedside table is an absolute must. Water is always good for us but is super important to keep continually hydrated when you’re under the weather. A carafe will mean you aren’t constantly making trips back and forth every time you need a refill.

A Pot of Tea

I admit, it’s rare for me to get out the teapot when I’m making myself a cuppa but when I’m not feeling my best, it means I have a fresh hot pot just waiting for me when I need something to warm me up without having to make single cups. I swear by lemon and ginger when I’m feeling under the weather and green tea is another favourite. 

Hot Water Bottle

There is so much joy and comfort in a hot water bottle and I use the one you see above pretty much all winter long. When I’m under the weather, however, the hot water bottle is pretty much as attached to me as any one of my limbs and the cosy soft cover provides additional comfort. That radiating heat feels so nice and the warmth lasts for hours. I just couldn’t be without mine!

Essential Viewing and Reading Materials

If you’re feeling a bit restless, then there’s nothing quite like a tablet or laptop for a good Netflix binge. I tend to watch easy-going feel-good films and TV series to lift my spirits a bit – the cheesier the better. And of course, an essential stack of magazines is always a welcome addition – nothing too heavy, just something I can dip in and out of. There’s something quite indulgent about being able to catch up on my TV and reading, even when I’m not feeling my best.

Furry Friends

Isn’t it funny that your pets always seem to know when you’re feeling a bit rubbish? Whether we anthropomorphize our pets or not, my animals are almost always a source of comfort when I’m not feeling my best. Better than a hot water bottle even, a bit of a cuddle with your favourite furry pal is so nice and it’s been scientifically proven that they calm and relax us, lowering our stress levels and increasing our immunity. 

Staying Prepared

We never really know when we’re going to get hit with a cold or flu bug, so I have a little plastic box in our cupboards which contains a ‘remedy pack’ with all the essentials like vitamins and thermometers. I go through it every few months to throw out anything that’s out of date and replenish supplies. Honestly, take the time to have a few things on hand just in case – your future self will thank you!

Another consideration is to batch cook and freeze meals ahead of time. While freshly-made chicken soup and dry crackers are something I often crave when I’m not feeling my best (a throwback to my childhood), these items aren’t always at the ready when you need them the most. So simply having some foods that just need re-heating from the freezer is a great way to be prepared. 

So those are my must-have home comfort necessities when I’m feeling sick. I’d love to know what you have in your home that you reach for when you’re feeling under the weather! Let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: This is a paid promotion by Kleenex®, but as always, I only work with brands I really like and think you’ll like too. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Swoon Worthy.