Has a cold got you down? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville wants to talk about some ways you could be making your cold worse—not better! Quit Making Yourself Sick For starters, your stress is not helping your cold at all! In fact, stress is making your cold worse, since it weakens your immune system. Therefore, breathe in and out slowly. Yes, you may be missing a big test at school, a huge meeting at work or your child’s recital. But it will be OK, and this, too, shall pass. If you keep stressing, though, it may take you longer to get back to feeling like yourself. Also, when falling ill, let yourself be sick. Don’t push yourself too much. Doing so will only add stress to your immune system, preventing you from getting well as soon as possible. Rest and relaxation are key while fighting a cold. Finally, quit smoking already. Smoking is bad for you even when you’re at your healthiest. Can you imagine how horrible smoking is for you when you’re sick with a cold? Your cough worsens, and your lungs become even more irritated. Use your cold as a reason to quit smoking for good! Has it been a couple days, and your cold isn’t getting any better? Visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville before your cold gets worse!