{"id":315410,"date":"2026-02-10T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/girlslife.com\/?p=315410"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T20:25:08","slug":"this-is-how-to-spend-a-sick-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wellness\/health\/315410\/this-is-how-to-spend-a-sick-day\/","title":{"rendered":"This is how to spend a sick day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315414 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-slider.jpg\" alt=\"A person stands indoors taking a mirror selfie. Dressed for a rest day, they wear a white hoodie with black polka dots and BOSTON written on it, and pink striped pajama pants. Sunlight streams into the tidy room, adding warmth.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-slider.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-slider-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-slider-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-slider-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s be real: Being sick is annoying, uncomfortable and usually comes at the *worst* time possible. But if you\u2019re already stuck at home, you might as well lean into it. A sick day doesn\u2019t have to feel miserable or boring\u2014it can actually be a much-needed rest for your mind and bod. Consider this your guide to catching some R&amp;R&#8230;and feeling better ASAP.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315415 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-rest.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in pink satin pajamas sits on a bed, enjoying a restful reset with a gray mug in hand. She smiles softly at the camera, surrounded by white bedding and pillows in her cozy, well-lit bedroom.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-rest.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-rest-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-rest-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-rest-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Rearrange your day<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"1066\">The most important part of any sick day is letting your body heal. That means canceling plans, logging out of IG (no doomscrolling today, tyvm) and accepting that it&#8217;s OK to spend today being lazy. Give yourself permission to sleep in, nap randomly, catch up on your favorite shows and move slowly. If you\u2019re someone who feels weird doing nothing, remind yourself that resting now usually means you\u2019ll feel better faster.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1263\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315416 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-mug.jpg\" alt=\"Seven white ceramic mugs with small brown heart patterns are arranged on a light surface, inviting you to reset and relax\u2014perfect companions for a cozy rest or a comforting sick day.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-mug.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-mug-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-mug-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-mug-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1263\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Warm drinks = instant comfort<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1299\" data-end=\"1624\">There\u2019s something about holding a warm mug that makes you feel instantly better. Herbal tea with honey, hot water with lemon, broth or even warm apple juice all help you stay hydrated while soothing your throat and stomach. Keep your drink close and sip throughout the day\u2014it\u2019s an easy way to feel cozy with minimal effort.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1299\" data-end=\"1624\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315417 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-cozy.jpg\" alt=\"A neatly made bed with maroon and pink zigzag bedding invites you to rest in front of a gray headboard. Above the bed, a framed pink heart artwork hangs while two wall-mounted lamps with black ribbons help you stay cozy.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-cozy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-cozy-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-cozy-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-cozy-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"1299\" data-end=\"1624\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Build a cozy setup<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"2002\">Turn wherever you\u2019re resting into your personal pillow fort. Grab extra pillows, a soft blanket, tissues, lip balm and your charger so you don\u2019t have to keep getting up. Dim the lights, open the curtains just enough for some natural light (vitamin D always makes you feel better) and make the space feel calm and cozy. If you\u2019re up for it, lighting a candle or turning on a soft lamp can make your room feel less like a sick cave and more like a cozy hideout.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"2002\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315418 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-tv.jpg\" alt=\"A teddy bear wearing glasses sits in bed, facing an open laptop. The screen\u2019s reflection in the glasses shows the words \u201cGilmore girls.\u201d It\u2019s a cozy, dimly lit scene\u2014perfect for a restful sick day and a gentle reset.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-tv.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-tv-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-tv-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-tv-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"2002\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Comfort shows only<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2192\" data-end=\"2466\">A sick day is not the time for intense plots or emotional breakdowns\u2014this is comfort-show territory only. Rewatch your favorite childhood series, a light reality show or something you\u2019ve already seen a million times so it doesn\u2019t matter if you fall asleep halfway through.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2192\" data-end=\"2466\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315419 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-self-care.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long blonde hair wearing a white, puffy headband smiles slightly and rests her chin on her hand. She is dressed in a dark top, enjoying a quiet rest indoors against a plain wall\u2014a perfect moment for a gentle reset.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-self-care.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-self-care-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-self-care-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-self-care-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"2192\" data-end=\"2466\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Low-effort self-care<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2930\">Self-care on a sick day doesn\u2019t mean face masks and everything showers (unless you have the energy for that). It\u2019s about tiny things that make you feel a little better without draining your energy. Washing your face, brushing out your hair or putting on lotion can make a surprising difference in how you feel. If you feel up for it, a quick warm shower can help with congestion and body aches.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2930\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-315420 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-food.jpg\" alt=\"A plate with white rice, chickpea and tofu curry, and a piece of naan bread on a wooden table\u2014perfect comfort food for a rest or reset on a sick day.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-food.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-food-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-food-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sick-day-food-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2930\"><span style=\"color: #ff3399;\">Eat what sounds good<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3364\">This is not the day for food rules. Stick to simple, comforting meals that are easy on your body, like chicken soup, toast and jam, crackers, oatmeal or whatever your bod can tolerate. If your appetite&#8217;s a little off, smoothies or protein shakes are a great way to get your nutrients in without having to chew on food.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3364\"><strong>More wellness tips right here&#8230;<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>\ud83d\udc97\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wellness\/your-bod\/312933\/what-to-expect-during-each-phase-of-your-menstrual-cycle\/\">What To Expect During Each Phase Of Your Menstrual Cycle<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>\ud83d\udc97\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wellness\/eat-right\/313063\/7-healthy-after-school-snack-recipes\/\">7 Healthy After School Snack Recipes<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>\ud83d\udc97\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wellness\/health\/286926\/the-beginners-guide-to-feeling-confident-at-the-gym\/\">The Beginners Guide To Feeling Confident At The Gym<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3364\">Top Image:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DSct4Ckkfgn\/?img_index=15\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@katiefang<\/a><br \/>\nBody Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DKuVc_-IdV5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@shopmauve.in<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DM_VjhITmBo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@roseyceramics<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DT2Iza2jRgL\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@its_all_about_the_house<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C_jepX-IVTv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@thinkergilmore<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C8kLOYetOkz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@yuiskinofficial<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DUMCSgPkcet\/?img_index=10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@avakolker<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let&#8217;s be real: Being sick is annoying, uncomfortable and usually comes at the *worst* time possible. But if you\u2019re already stuck at home, you might as well lean into it. A sick day doesn\u2019t have to feel miserable or boring\u2014it can actually be a much-needed rest for your mind and bod. Consider this your guide [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2399,"featured_media":315417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[277,61297],"tags":[279,62376,152,57939,62075,151],"class_list":["post-315410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-wellness","tag-health","tag-health-day","tag-self-care","tag-self-care-day","tag-sick-day","tag-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/315410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2399"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=315410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/315410\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/315417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=315410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=315410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=315410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}