It’s autumn: the leaves are falling, pumpkin spice is reviving, and everyone is being quarantined within the constraints of their bed due to the infamous, Skidmore plague. It’s not quite the common cold and it’s not quite the flu either, it’s simply indefinable. Therefore we’ve just come to lovingly know it as the Skidmore plague.
Symptoms may include:
· Headaches
· Sore/scratchy throat
· Coughing
· Congestion
· Runny nose
· Irritation to bright lights
· Overall achiness
· Excessive exhaustion (Note: This is the difference between not wanting to get out of bed and actually being unable to do so.)
Luckily however, there are ways to avoid what the Skidmore plague and here’s how:
1. Sleep
That’s right. Stop pulling all-nighters and start getting some rest. You know you’re the one who’s really guilty of your own sleep deprivation.
2. Stop Tapping the Keg
In addition to getting some sleep in your system, try taking some alcohol out of it. Alcohol disrupts your sleep, and if you want to avoid getting sick then try to lessen down on the substance a bit.
3. Wash. Your. Hands.
We’re not in elementary school; we’re in college. Seriously, it’s gross not to – germs are everywhere. Also, soap smells good. Deck out your bathroom and avoid the plague by buying a cute, little, fresh bottle of Method hand soap.
4. Tea
Skip your morning coffee for a little while and get your caffeine via tea. It’s super soothing. Also make sure to season it with honey (it’s antibacterial) and lemon (it cuts mucus).
5. Emergen-C
Because, a little extra vitamin-C never hurt anyone.
6. Clean Your Dorm
Spring-cleaning is not the only time you should tidy things up. There’s a plethora of choices to feel like a cleaner person: dust your desk, change your sheets, do your laundry, wash your water bottle. Being in a clean environment means you’re a cleaner, less germy person.
7. Shower with Full Steam
Steam is great for your skin and sinuses. You’ll leave the shower feeling renewed. Crank that shower faucet to full blast!
8. Zinc Lozenges
Invest in these, because they are straight up magic.
9. Eat Veggies at D-Hall
Keep eating the daily served ice cream and cookies, but also stock up on some veggies.
10. Netflix and Chill
Finally, put down your homework and relieve your stress. The more stressed you are, the more vulnerable you are to illness. So take some time out of your week, and just allow yourself a Netflix and Chill session.