It’s that time of the year y’all! #NoHealthNovember is back at it again with its infamous cold, and you can count me among the unfortunate victims. Yes, it is me you hear coughing like I’m about to die during lecture. Yes, it is me you hear making elephant noises during exams, while I try to blow my nose. Yes, it is me who sneezes every two seconds in the library, and for that I apologize dearly.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re next. That should hardly be a surprise to you, considering that almost every one on campus right now is like me. #WeAllinThisTogether.
But there is some good news! As someone who catches a cold several times during the winter (sucks to be me right?), I’ve gotten pretty good at getting through them. While these tips don’t straight up cure the sickness overnight, they do make that cold feel a little less nasty and your life a little less shitty. That counts for something, amirite?
The first thing you need to do is drink a lot of tea. This thing right here is a life saver. While it is common knowledge that drinking water is a must when you have a cold, I personally prefer carrying a thermos full of tea wherever I go. The hot beverage will help to clear the sinuses and reduce nasal congestion. I like to add honey and lemon to mine to further soothe my sore throat.
Speaking of congestion, get yourself a Neti pot. Yes, it might look weird AF at first, but this nasal irrigation method is amazing for a more in-depth sinus clearing. The Neti pot thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. The saline solution used for this method gets rid of allergens and irritants present in the nose, which will result in less congestion. You can get one in any drugstore.
While we’re still in the weird ally, garlic isn’t just a vampire repellent! It is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. For colds and flus, it also provides decongestant and expectorant effects. I have my granny to thank for this one, as she lovingly forced me to chew raw garlic when I was younger. I get it, it can be pretty nasty to eat a whole garlic glove on its own, so you can always incorporate it into your food. (Garlic bread anyone?). Or simply put some in water overnight and drink the whole thing at the start of you day . You will feel like a charm (beware of the stank breath though).
Now this is an obvious one, but let me just tell you that it is one of my cold HOLY GRAILS. Nyquil is the real MVP for helping me sleep at night. If you’re not using this syrup, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? And if you are, then KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FAM! No, but seriously, without getting all doctor on you, Nyquil is great because it makes all those horrible symptoms (coughing, stuffed nose, sore throat, headache and so on) disappear for like 8 hours during which you can finally be at peace. While the taste is a little less awesome, I can’t be mad because this shit lit! Go get you some before I raid all the pharmacies.
My absolute fav. Let’s be honest – this tip is relevant even without a cold. Taking a bath is great for relieving some of that muscle ache and just relaxing, especially right before bed. It works wonders on me everytime.
You will probably say Duh! to this one, but trust me, you need to hear it. GET SOME REST. Take it from someone who is currently recovering from a cold in the middle of midterms/finals season. It isn’t always easy since you will find yourself constantly debating whether you should use this night to work on that essay or if you should go to bed since you’re so sick. My advice: your health > school. So you want to make sure that you are fully rested before you tackle all that work. Plus, who can say no to sleep?
And there you go champ, you are now fully equipped to kick some cold’s ass! You’re welcome!
Images obtained from:
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http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-posterior-cervical-lymph-nodes.htm