How to Stay Productive When You’re Home Sick

Being homesick is no fun. You feel miserable, bored, and lonely. But don’t despair; there are some things you can do to make yourself feel better and pass the time. Here are some ideas:

Call Your Mom

There’s no one like Mom to make you feel better when you’re homesick—no matter how old you are. Give her a call and chat for a while. She’ll probably have some words of wisdom, comfort, and encouragement for you. Hearing a familiar voice when you’re feeling low is always lovely.

Nourish Yourself

There’s a reason grandmother everywhere swear by chicken noodle soup. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to digest. Plus, it can help with hydration and inflammation. If you don’t have any soup on hand, you can order some online or ask a friend or family member to drop some off for you. Crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, yoghurt, and oatmeal are other good foods to eat when you're sick.

Have a Movie Marathon

One of the perks of being homesick is watching whatever you want without anyone judging you. So why not binge on your favourite movies or shows? You can choose something funny, uplifting, nostalgic, or thrilling. Whatever makes you happy and distracts you from your symptoms. Just remember to take breaks every now and then to stretch and drink some water.

Get Cozy

First, set up your space. The last thing anyone wants to do when they’re sick is to keep getting up. Ensure you have everything you need within reach, such as tissues, water, medicine, snacks, books, and remote controls. Then, get comfortable on your bed or couch with some pillows and blankets. You can also light a candle or use a diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere.

Start a Journal

Take a break from reading and pick up a pen. Looking inward can be an easy way to boost your mood when you’re homesick. You can write about anything that comes to your mind, such as your feelings, thoughts, dreams, goals, memories, or gratitude. Journaling can help you process your emotions, clear your mind, and express yourself.

Upgrade Your Space

If you’re feeling up to it, you can use your time at home to improve your living space. You don’t have to do anything significant or strenuous, just some simple tweaks that can make a difference. For example, you can declutter your closet, organize your drawers, rearrange your furniture, change your bedding, or add some plants or art.

Read a Book

A sick day at home means you have all the time in the world to dedicate to a good book. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading can transport you to another world and stimulate your imagination. You can also learn something new or gain a different perspective on life. Pick up a book that’s been on your shelf for ages, or download one from your library app.

Listen to Something

Sometimes, you just want to close your eyes and listen to something soothing or stimulating. You can put on some music that matches your mood or helps you relax. You can also listen to a podcast that interests you or makes you laugh. Or you can try an audiobook that tells you a story or teaches you something new.

Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, remember that being homesick is not your fault or permanent. You will get better soon and resume your normal activities. In the meantime, be gentle with yourself and don’t feel guilty about caring for yourself. You deserve it.

I hope this blog post gave you some ideas on what to do when you’re homesick. Remember that being homesick is an opportunity to rest and recharge your body and mind. So don’t stress too much and enjoy the downtime.

What do you like to do when you’re homesick? Let me know in the comments below!