Winter is painted as the perfect season. There’s holidays, colder weather, cute outfits, warm drinks—what’s not to love? While winter comes with so many positives, it also comes with a giant negative, the season of sicknesses.Â
Being a college student during winter, you are surrounded by coughs and sneezes. Getting sick is almost inevitable. It is even harder being sick away from the comfort of your own home.
Here are 6 ways to tackle being sick in college:Â
1. Call Home
I know when I am sick, I want nothing more than to be at home, in my own bed, with my family. However, being a college student, that luxury is not always an option. An alternative to being at home is to call home. Call your mom, dad, siblings, or whoever feels like home to you. Just hearing their voice and getting their advice will make you feel better than you did before the call.Â
2. Utilize That Medicine BinÂ
Most college students have a stock of medicine somewhere in their dorm, apartment, or house. Dive into that stock when you are sick. It may not seem like taking medicine does much, but it will minimize the symptoms without you realizing. Medicine like Dayquil and Alka Seltzer Plus will do wonders for that pesky cold or flu. Also, to prevent getting sick, take Vitamin C supplements such as Emergen-C. Immunity shots with ginger or tumeric are also good to drink while you are healthy to strengthen your immune system.Â
3. Rest as Much as PossibleÂ
Being a college student is draining. Going to classes, studying, and being an adult takes up a majority of free time. However, prioritize yourself when you are sick. Focus on your studies, but take care of yourself when needed. Email your professor and explain your situation if you cannot make it to class—it will not be the end of the world. Stay in bed as much as possible and get plenty of sleep; your body fights against illnesses while sleeping. In fact, studies prove that people who get inadequate sleep are more prone to getting sick. Therefore, to prevent future illnesses, make sure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep every night.Â
4. Stay HydratedÂ
Water seems to be the solution to all problems in life. When you are sick, you are more likely to become dehydrated. To keep your body at full capacity, make sure you are drinking lots of fluids, including water. Drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are good to drink alongside water while sick to provide you with electrolytes. Moreover, drinking water consistently helps to lessen the likelihood of contracting a sickness. So, use that trendy Stanley or Hydro Flask to it’s full potential and stay hydrated.
5. Take Advantage of Your Campus Health CenterÂ
Most college campuses have an onsite health center or clinic for students. You can be seen by a medical professional and get prescriptions at a lower cost. If your illness becomes unbearable, make an appointment at your campus health center. They are there to help and have an abundance of resources to aid in a quick recovery.Â
6. Lean on Your Friends
College teaches you to be independent, but sometimes you need help, and that is okay. Lean on your friends when you are sick: ask them to bring you medicine, food, water, or anything else you may need. Just make sure you do the same in return if they get sick.Â
Getting sick while in college is not a fun challenge whatsoever, but it is part of life. Make sure you stay hydrated, get lots of rest, and ask for help when needed. Do what you need to do to feel comfortable and recover quickly. Put yourself first!