The biggest advice I can give anyone who wants to rid their body of a cold is to get a lot of rest.  People will say this to you, but getting rest is not only to help your body feel more comfortable among the aches and pains of your cold, but it actually helps your immune system.  Take a day to do absolutely nothing–it will end up saving time in the long run.  Watch TV if you like, but don’t move.  Definitely don’t go to the gym.  If you have a job or school, take one day off.  Spend the entire time on your bed or sofa, in a well-heated room.  Get up only to eat and use the bathroom.  Once you fall asleep, you’ll be surprised at how long you can stay asleep!  It could be up to fifteen hours, and when you wake up, you might feel surprisingly better!

Whatever you do, don’t drink alcohol.  I don’t mean “don’t get drunk”, which is obvious, but don’t even have a glass of wine with dinner.  Alcohol lowers your immune system.  It’s possible to engage in perfectly healthy drinking, but not while you’re sick.

Stay away from caffeine, too.  Caffeine will prevent you from getting your full amount of needed sleep.  Tea, however, can be nice and relaxing, so go with an herbal tea, which has no caffeine, or even try some of that tea that’s formulated especially for throat or sinus support. Definitely don’t drink soda.

People say you need orange juice when sick, but all you really need is the Vitamin C that comes from orange juice, which is also present in grapefruit juice and multi-vitamins.  You don’t need to go out and get orange juice–simply taking your multivitamin will do the trick, but it is important to drink lots of water.  You might have to pee more often, but staying hydrated is key to a healthy immune system.

Your cold might not necessarily disappear in one day, but it certainly is possible.  Your symptoms will definitely be diminished!  However, keep in mind that a heavy fever or body aches could be a sign that it’s not just a cold, but could actually be the flu.  A more serious illness than a cold will not go away in one day and you might need to see a doctor to get medication for it.