With midterms, slightly cooler weather, and the start of flu season, it is almost impossible to escape the illnesses that plague campus (pun intended). Yet ,there are tools that can help you get through your cold, flu, period, migraine, life and make the suffering a little more bearable. Taking notes from moms everywhere, here are seven things you should consider stocking up on to get you through the sniffles.
Gif via Tenor
1. Heating Pad
While they can be a bit of a splurge, heating pads are really life changing. Whether you have muscle aches or period cramps, a heating pad can drastically cut down on the pain. The investment is lifelong, or at least worth it for the years you will get out of it. Warning: the heat can be so relaxing that it may cause naps, but if you’re sick, you probably need to sleep anyway!
2. Thermometer
When I’m sick I lose all concept of whether or not my body is hot or cold, making thermometers a crucial addition to your first aid kit. Much like heating pads, thermometers will last you for a while so they are well worth the investment. They can also help you gauge whether or not you should go to the doctor or if your illness is getting worse.
Photo via The Bump
3. Slippers
This sounds silly, but having the comfort of pillows on your feet can make life seem a little bit brighter when battling an illness. Especially if you live in the dorms and have carpeted concrete as your flooring, using slippers can make you feel a little lighter on your feet and encourage you to get up and get some more fluids in you.
Photo via Ali Express
4. Tea
Seriously. Drink tea. Not only are some teas high in antioxidants and vitamins but they can also be incredibly soothing. Sore throat? Soothe it with tea. Lost voice? Add some honey. Migraine? The low amount of caffeine or caffeine free options make tea a huge help. Sinus pressure? Get something spicy. Tea can cure so much so it is highly recommended.
Gif via PopKey
5. Peppermints
Peppermints are my go-to cough drops. Not only do they not have the medicine in them, and therefore no limit to how many you can consume in a day (oops), but they are also good for your tummy. While too much of anything is typically bad for you, using peppermints can often soothe an upset stomach and a sore throat. I usually alternate between Halls, Ludens, or Ricola Throat Drops and peppermint candies for all day relief.
Photo via Blogspot
5. Medicine
Make sure to figure out what OTC medication you might need and stock up so you won’t have to go to the store when you suddenly wake up feeling awful. We are talking Dayquil, Nyquil, Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, Aleve, Excedrin Migraine, Tums, Gas X, Sudafed, Benadryl, Vitamins, Airborne, Emergen-C. Obviously edit that list to what you typically need, but having a mini drug store in your room or apartment can make life a whole lot easier when you suddenly come down with something. No one wants to have to throw on clothes just to go to CVS when they’re sick, so save yourself the hassle and have some ready and on hand. Plus, you can always lend some to your neighbors and the shelf life of most medicine is pretty long so you know it will come in handy.
6. Chocolate
Read: anything that makes you happy. It is important to eat fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water, especially when you are sick. But it is also important to treat yourself a bit, so get yourself a little chocolate or candy or even a magazine. Whatever it is that makes you happy and can motivate you if you need to keep working through your illness – get it!
Gif via Know Your Meme
Having to take care of yourself when you are sick is not fun, but if you are prepared it can make life a lot better. Invest in some of the things on this list and hopefully you can navigate your cold like a pro. And remember, consider going to student health, drink plenty of water, sleep tons, and skip class if need be – plus, you will get fewer people sick – your body wants to rest and recover. Hang in there!
Gif via Tumblr
Gif via Giphy