Self-Care: Putting Together the Ultimate "Get Well" Basket for Yourself

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., Abreva, Emergen-C, Lipton, Robitussin and Theraflu. All opinions are mine alone. #SickDayTips #CollectiveBias

As women, we tend to put everyone else needs before our own. If the kids get sick, they can stay home from school and recuperate in bed, or if your husband/boyfriend gets sick, well he will probably be absolutely useless until he's okay. But what about you, what happens when you start feeling those first moments of ick that mean a cold or flu is on the way? Do you get a day off from work, from child-rearing, or from life? The answer is probably no.

Women usually don't get sick days and today I am here to talk about why it is important for us to care for ourselves too. Yes, we can care for the kids and we can care for our partner, but when you really think about it: you can't take care of anyone else right if you haven't cared for yourself first. Self-care is important, especially during cold and flu season when we will be fighting all the germs that everyone is bringing home and those we come in contact with at work.

This is where my Ultimate "Get Well" Basket comes it I start by making a trip to Ralphs for the must-have products that are not just going to care for me once I am sick, but also a few that will help me keep illness or other yuckies at bay.

These products are:

• Abreva® Pump Cold Sore and Fever Blister Treatment: This product is not for temporary symptom relief, but healing. It delivers the best results when used at the first sign of a cold sore (e.g. the tingle that one feels on his/her lip). I work with students and teachers all day, and being constantly in people's faces means I have to fight a cold sore at the very first tingle.
• Lipton Daily Support Tea: An excellent source of Vitamin C, this herbal infusion helps support your body's natural defenses.* Carefully selected botanicals are blended with green tea and natural essential oils that make every cup delicious. I am an avid tea drinker in the fall and winter months and having a range of teas that help support my body's' natural defenses is a definite plus. Plus there is nothing nicer and more comforting during these colder months than a delicious cup of hot tea.

• Robitussin® Maximum Strength Honey Cough & Chest Congestion DM - New! The real honey you want, the powerful cough relief you need. Gluten Free. No Artificial Colors. True Source Certified Honey. My grandmother is a true believer in the power of honey, which is something she has passed on to us. We've grown up taking a side of honey with whatever medication we were taking for a cold and/or a cough but now we don't have to.
• Theraflu Power Pods Daytime Severe Cold Pods are compatible with most single-serve coffee makers. These fast-relieving pods work on even your most severe symptoms and fit right into your routine with their single-serve packaging. Press. Sip. Relief. You're on your way to relieving your temporary: aches, pains, headaches and other symptoms related to a cold. I purchase the day version but there is also a night version to help you knock out your symptoms while sleeping.

Other things to include in your basket:

• A pair of warm fuzzy socks or cute slippers
• A mug for drinking Theraflu Power Pods Daytime Severe Cold Pods or Lipton Wellness Tea - this is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a mug that makes you happy
• A magazine or new book that you've had on your reading list
• A tripod for your phone so you can enjoy a good movie or show, hands-free
• A warm blanket or cozy sweatshirt to keep the chills away

Now we're ready to do some self-care and relaxing when that first sign of illness or discomfort comes through. And because we packed our Get Well Basket with the best of the best, we are prepared to fight anything from a cold sore to full-blown flu while also arming our bodies to fight the good fight against illness.

Feeling a little run down and like the cold germs are just around the bend? A cup of Lipton Daily Support Tea, a good movie and some downtime is just what the doctor ordered.

This season doesn't have to be known as the cold and flu season exclusively, it's also the season of well being, especially when you take active steps to care for yourself first. As someone who doesn't get time off for a sick day, I like to stay ahead of the game by being prepared and this Get Well Basket is packed with those items I need to do so.

Visit here for more sick day tips and inspiration to help you stay well.

Theraflu-(c) 2019 the GSK group of companies or its licensor. Theraflu is for use in adults 12 years and older. Use all products only as directed. Read label and follow directions. Abreva, Emergen-C, Robitussin - Use only as directed. Read label and follow directions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.