The dreaded flu - how to look and feel better

Yes, spring is just around the corner but I am just recovering from the flu that has been going around and it has been a truly awful experience. I thought I'd managed to dodge it but noooo the sneaky bugger bowled me! It was honestly one of the worst bouts of flu I have ever had. Headaches, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, sore chest, runny eyes, tired.... not to mention dull skin and hair, dull eyes just everything dull dull dull. I hate going down with the flu and try to keep doing normal day to day things (whilst still trying to relax) to help me try to feel better so I thought I'd share a list of things I do to try and feel and look better when I have the flu.

I'll start with how I make myself feel better. This is on top of copious amounts of cold and flu drugs and lemsips! If you feel (slightly) better on the inside it is easier to try and (fake) looking a bit better ;)

Hydrate hydrate hydrate I can't even stress how important it is to keep up the H2o when you're sick. I get so bored with drinking water and often I can't even stomach it but I MUST! I have to drink out of a bottle as if I smell the water in a glass it will put me off instantly (yes, i'm weird!). I also like to drink plenty of loving herbal tea - chamomile is an absolute favourite. It's so calming.

Aloe tissues + Paw Paw Ointment The absolute worst part about being sick is that constant runny nose. Aghhhhh! Hello tissues that feel like sandpaper. I always have plenty of aloe tissues in the back of the cupboard just to help aleviate the dreaded red raw flaky nostrils. To help combat I apply Lucas' PawPaw Ointment to my nostrils (even before any redness has started to show) and this helps A LOT. So soothing and lovely - I can't get enough of this stuff.

Keep those germs at bay It's so easy to just fester in your favourite trackies and hoodie, or sit with the same blanket and pillow for days but change is your friend! Those pesky little germs are hiding everywhere so keep changing your clothes, change your pillowcase and keep washing your hands! I find having a nourishing hand cream on hand helps too.

Eat up Yes it's hard (and it's a lot easier when you have someone else to do the cooking!) but eat up. I stick to plain toast, plain mashed potato (hold the milk and butter) and plain pasta. Plain plain plain. Plain works best!

Keep your skincare routine up It's sometimes easy to let this go by the wayside when you're feeling like you're going to pass out if you move... I tend to get dull looking skin when i'm sick so I keep up my skincare routine to help avoid this. A good mask is always nice too, just to help you relax and help hydrate your skin.

Relax and recooperate with some entertainment I know this is often hard to do when you're sick but it is SO important to try to take a back seat and relax. Get plenty of sleep, read a good book, watch some crap television (hello Will & Grace marathon!) or stalk pinterest (or facebook, whatever floats your boat!) Social Media is a massive win when you're stuck on the couch for a couple of days.

So you have to get to work? Get to an important social engagement? Just get to the shops? I have a few little tips to get you looking better (even if you still don't on the inside!)

Wash your hair I am very very guilty of leaving out washing my hair when I'm sick but sometimes you really just have to force it. It is such an effort to blow dry your hair when everything is aching but trust me, you feel soooo much better when your head isn't an oil slick. Dry shampoo is also a god send - I love Polished London, Blighty Brunette - no more white patches!

Go easy on the base thank you to the flu for this lovely uneven skin tone and redness! This is when I pull out my Nude mineral cover powder (after applying a hydrating moisturiser and a great primer) it let's my skin breathe whilst evening out my skin tone. A heavy foundation is not what the doctor ordered!

Brighten up I go for a lovely peach coloured blush, just to give me a little healthy glow. Or go for a sheer layer of liquid highlighter (Nude's soft focus illuminator is great). Treat your eyes to an eye cream and follow with some concealer (damn those dark under eyes!!). Banish the puff with a gel eye mask, pop it in the fridge for a couple of minutes before applying and bam! See ya later puff!

Waterproof those eyes No body wants their mascara running down their face when watery eyes hit so coat your lashes in some waterproof mascara. If you don't own one, try Anastasia Beverly Hills waterproof top coat - it makes any mascara waterproof. Also avoid any heavy eyemakeup - it will end in tears (literally).

Love your lips Exfoliate your lips (Lush's lip scrub is to die for) and use a soft neutral colour - now is not the time for a bold lip. Apply balm liberally if you're like me and have dry lips!

So those are my tips! Do you have any tips to help feel and look better with the flu?