Skip to main content

How to Work from Home While Sick

Working from home while sick doesn’t need to be a waste of time.

As much as you feel the need to power through cold and flu symptoms and head to the office, sometimes the best thing to do is to stay at home. When work needs to get done, it can be a tough call, but not going in can benefit both yourself and those around you.

Minimize your symptoms, maximize productivity

Getting work done at home while being sick can make things more challenging, but you can make the best of the situation. Try these productivity tips to get the most out of your sick day at home:

1. Have the right mindset 

When sick, it can be easy to take liberties such as staying in bed longer or wearing lazy-day clothes. Mindset is important if you want to maximize productivity from home. Make sure you start your work the same time that you normally would and even get dressed as if you’re going to the office. Of course, comfort is important so if you usually wear a full suit, you can bend the rules somewhat.

2. Stay prepared for symptom relief

Before you sit down to start the workday, combat symptoms by gathering any items that can bring relief. Have some chicken soup at the ready and a gallon of vitamin C rich orange juice in the fridge. Have a box of tissues on hand and a trash basket nearby. Keep your favorite Theraflu product on hand to help you manage your symptoms. 

Chicken soup with carrots

Have some chicken soup at the ready and a gallon of vitamin C rich orange juice in the fridge. Have a box of tissues on hand and a trash basket nearby.

3. Take time to rest 

Try working for 25 minutes and then breaking for five. Repeat this throughout the day. Lie down on the couch, get some fresh air, meditate, or do whatever it is that helps you relax. Set timers so you stay on schedule.

Lie down on the couch, get some fresh air, meditate, or do whatever it is that helps you relax. Set timers so you stay on schedule.

Woman napping on couch

4. Take a midday hot bath or shower

A midday hot shower or bath break can do wonders to relax and revitalize you. If taking a bath, add in some bath salts that absorb through the skin and help release toxins.

While these tips can help make a sick day at home more productive, remember that sometimes the smartest thing to do is to listen to your body and focus on getting better. If you need to rest, then do so, and keep Theraflu products on hand to help quiet symptoms and make yourself more comfortable.

Recommended Articles

Man on couch with cool forehead compress and thermometer

When to Call in Sick

Find out when you should stay home from work if you’re sick. Learn suggestions from Theraflu on how to determine if your symptoms are contagious.

A man is with his 2 children in the bathroom, they are brushing their teeth

Share Your Home, Not Your Cold

Feel safe in the comfort of your own home with Theraflu’s simple tips and tricks for cleaning and sanitizing your home for the upcoming cold and flu season.

A doctor is giving a person an injection

Healthy Ways to Travel During Flu Season

Get helpful tips from Theraflu on traveling during flu season, including getting a flu shot and keeping your hands clean, so you can travel with confidence.

woman exercising at the gym

Should You Work Out When You’re Sick?

Learn if you should work out when you are sick. Discover Theraflu’s tips on exercising so that you can look your best even when you’re not feeling your best.