It depends on what kind of cough it is. There's more than one type--trust me, I'm asthmatic, I've experienced pretty much all of them.
If you're coughing to the point it's painful, and/or it hurts to breathe, see a doc. If you're coughing up coloured crap, see a doc--this usually means you've got a bronchial infection, you don't want pneumonia. If you're having trouble inhaling or speaking, or you lose your voice, go see a doc. If it's just one of those dry-throat annoying hacking coughs, suck on hard candy or a cough drop and see if it goes away. If this lasts for more than a few days, go see a doc.
So...bottom line is if it persists go seek medical attention.
As for relaxing, Jenfucius's suggestions are really good. Chicken soup helps, as do mellow videogames (think Chessmaster and Civilisation, not Tekken) and a decent DVD collection. I've also found the 'fuzzy' state that comes from being sick can be conducive to meditation, if you can find a way to turn the mental static off. Sleep is always good. And if you're sick for a few days or a week, it's not going to push you back into the Stone Age, so don't worry too much.
Get better soon!
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As the water grinds the stone, We rise and fall As our ashes turn to dust, We shine like stars... --Covenant, "Bullet"
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