Getting sick is a difficulty in itself, but more so when you’re living on your own. On one hand, you need to focus on resting and recuperating. On another, you’re the only one who can take care of yourself at the moment. You need to eat when you’re hungry, for example, but you either have to order pre- cooked meals or prepare the food beforehand on your own. This situation can make it difficult for many Filipinos who live independently to focus on their recovery. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, here are some of the things you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting through garden-variety illnesses while managing your own household.
Know When to Ask for Assistance
The first thing you should do is determine whether you need further assistance in the form of another person, perhaps a medical professional, or not. Because you’re living by yourself, the chance of being immediately found by others should your condition grow worse is low. If you think you will need a companion or medical attention later on, let others know before you lose further control of the situation. Even if you’re confident that you’ll fare well on your own, it’s still important to know who can offer you immediate assistance in case you need it. Let these people know about your condition so they can check on you every now and then.
Keep Food, Fluids, and Meds Nearby
It’s a good idea to see if you have enough food, water, and medication in your living quarters. If you don’t have food that you can prepare easily, it may be in your best interest to use food apps and order your meals ahead of time. The same can be applied when it comes to over-the-counter medications. You can check out options for medicine delivery Philippines pharmacies often offer. If you can find a drug store near you that extends this service, then there’s a good chance that you can get your medications within the day.
Inform the Concerned Individuals
There are certain responsibilities that you still have to fulfill even though you’re sick—if you’re able to, that is. One of these is informing the people who depend on you about your condition. Send a message to your employer and the people who are expecting to meet you so that they can account for your absence. Letting your managers know about your illness will give you peace of mind, as it ensures you won’t get in trouble for going AWOL. Aside from your colleagues, inform your friends and family members as well so that they can check on you from time to time. Perhaps they can even offer you practical assistance as you recuperate.
Rest and Sleep Whenever Possible
It might be tempting to take care of chores while you’re spending the day at home and without worrying about responsibilities at work. However, it’s best to resist this urge and focus on resting. Once you’re done taking care of your basic and urgent needs, try to sleep and give your body the resources it needs to fight infections and recover.
Set Up a Comfy Recovery Area
The area in your home where you’ll be spending a good deal of your time should be primed for rest and recovery. If you’ll be spending most of your time sleeping, you should have a comfortable bed and perhaps blackout curtains that can help you limit the heat and light coming into the room during the daytime. It’s also smart to have a table near your bed where you can put your food, water, medication, and a first aid kit. If nausea and diarrhea are among the symptoms of your condition, you should also have vomit bags nearby and easy access to the toilet.
Avoid Using Digital or Work Devices
Keep your smartphone close to you when you’re sick. You’ll need it to get in touch with people in case you require their assistance. That said, try to limit your time using it, as this can prevent you from getting sufficient sleep. Remember that you need to rest fully so you can return to your best form as soon as possible. Also, spending a lot of time looking at your phone while in an awkward position, such as when you’re lying down in bed, can make you prone to muscle strain, tightness, and spasms.
Observe Appropriate Hygiene Practices
Even if you live alone, you still have to observe good hygiene and sanitation practices—especially when you’re sick. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after eating, as well as after coming in contact with potentially contaminated items. If you’re meeting other people, such as when you’re receiving deliveries, wear a mask when appropriate. Plus, be sure to store food and water correctly to prevent bacterial growth.
You may be living alone, but that doesn’t mean you have to tough it out all by yourself when you’re not in the best of health. If you’re not certain that you can take care of yourself while you’re ill, ask for help. But if you’re confident that you can look after yourself, follow these tips to make your recovery process more manageable.
No comments