Stretch it out. Do some light yoga or take a walk, Dr. Martin says. "Anything that gets your heart rate up and your blood flowing will help circulate your white blood cells throughout your body, oxygenate your muscles, and raise your temperature slightly, all of which will help you get healthier," he says. (The perfect flow: yoga poses to treat and prevent cold and flu symptoms.)
Give your nose some TLC. You'll be tempted to blow it vigorously because mucus tends to thicken as a cold progresses, but don't. "If you blow hard, you'll irritate the mucus membrane more," Dr. Martin says. The result: Your congestion will last days longer. Use a saline spray just before blowing to soften the mucus and make it easier to expel without excess huffing and puffing.
