List of Items to Buy When Sick

David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For some reason — everyone was out sick yesterday. It’s weird.  Not only in my office but in others too — did I miss a national holiday?  Nope — it turns out the change of weather does strange things to people and makes us sick!  Yep — I have a list for this.  This one comes from my friend and colleague Jess Lieberman, a fellow list maker.

Sick List

by Jess Lieberman

Problem: You played hooky from work today and are stuck in bed sick. You know the only way to get better is to stay in bed and sleep. But, the only way you can sleep is if you go out and get medicine! Quick. You have 20 minutes to run out and grab everything you need while you have the energy. Be organized and make yourself a sick list while still in bed. Once done, grab the keys and go. Just don’t forget to throw your travel tissues in your bag!

1. Figure out where you NEED to go. What is necessary and what can wait? To help me better identify, any chore that will speed up my recovery is a must. Your dry cleaning can wait!

2. If you are going to multiple places, write down each location in order from furthest to closest. That way, you will not waste time driving/walking/taking a train.

3. Map out the store! Make a list of each item you need, but categorize it per aisle that it is in. Here is an example of my “CVS sick list”. You will notice that I attempted to organize this strategically – the first places I went were further from the cashier. That way, I was not running in-and-out of aisles all day long.

Pharmacy

• Antibiotics

Over the counter medicine

• Cough drops
• Cold and sinus medicine

Toiletries

• Tissues (four boxes; 1 per room)
• More mini tissues for bag

Food aisle

• Saltines
• Fruit Snacks
• Pretzels
• Microwaveable soup
• Gatorade
• Ginger Ale

Cashier counter

• Magazines
• Mini anti-bacterial gel
• Mints/gum
• Chap stick
• Candy!! ☺

Jess Lieberman has been working at a NYC Public Relations firm since 2007 but making lists since 2000. What once started as a way to stay organized in school turned into a daily approach for work and everyday chores. Whether shopping, packing or cleaning, all can be better accomplished with a pen, paper and five extra minutes to plan ahead.