How to beat your cold before Christmas – The quick recovery tips you need

You are reading Winter Well, our seasonal guide to caring for your body, mind and soul during the winter months.

If you're reading this, you're probably stuffed up, feeling lightheaded, and groaning as you look at the date. A cold is never fun, but getting sick right before Christmas is doubly frustrating.

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet that will get rid of a cold within 24 hours. A cold usually lasts about a week. However, there are some best practices that can help you get better as quickly as possible.

Here's what you need to know when you have a deadline to meet.

Get the basics right

According to the NHS, the following points are crucial for a faster recovery from a cold:

You can also relieve pain or fever with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and clear a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets, which your pharmacist can advise you on.

“Be careful not to take cough and cold medicines if you are taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets,” adds the NHS. “Cough and cold medicines often also contain paracetamol and ibuprofen, so it is easy to end up taking more than the recommended dose. Some are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women.”

What to eat (and what to avoid)

There is little evidence that supplements speed up recovery from colds, but it's never a bad idea to fuel your body with good food to feel its best.

Dr. Dhaval Desai, director of hospital medicine at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, previously told HuffPost that people should prioritize “good calories” when they have a cold.

He noted that good calories include protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, chicken, Greek yogurt, peanut butter) and some carbohydrates for energy. He also recommended avoiding processed foods that don't have much nutritional value and caffeinated beverages.

Dr. Judith Flores, a pediatrician in New York and medical expert for the National Hispanic Medical Association, added that you should avoid alcohol because it can not only disrupt your sleep (which is important for recovery) but can also interfere with the effects of any over-the-counter medications you are taking.

If you have a cough, honey can help relieve symptoms. Studies have shown that honey can help relieve coughs in children and adults, but remember that it is only suitable for children over one year of age.

Provide comfortable activities

Since rest is the best way to beat a cold quickly, it's advisable to cancel all plans before Christmas if you want to be healthy again before the big day (your friends will also thank you if you keep your germs to yourself).

Treat yourself to a nice hot bath or an extra-long shower and skip the workout. Although the steamy environment won't cure your cold, a hot bath can relieve muscle aches, congestion and headaches, according to experts.

Winter calls us to take greater care of ourselves and each other this time of year, from our health and homes to our heads and our hearts. Whether you're looking for motivation or hibernation, HuffPost UK's Winter Well series will help you through the short days and longer months.

Related…