So you’ve got the flu… or cold… or any illness of the sort. This time of year, it’s inevitable that the fluctuating Texas weather will make one person sick, starting a domino effect of college students sick by the handfuls. I thought I was going to make it through the semester without a cold, but alas it hit me. As a person who loves to be productive and struggles with rest (like many other teenagers and young adults do in our society), being sick really tests my limits, my patience, and my creativity. It can feel lonely to stay at home and rest, feeling like the world around you keeps going while you’re stuck in a sicky mood. So here are a few things that have kept me sane – consider trying some of these out :)
- Taking naps: I don’t typically nap, but allowing my body to naturally fight a virus is tiring. I don’t put an alarm or anything on, I’ll rest for as long as I need to.
- Watching New Girl: My all-time favorite show reminds me of the quality time I spent with my mom during quarantine. It’s nostalgic and makes me laugh, what more can I say?
- Talking to my mom: The only thing I hate more than being sick, is being sick without someone to take care of me, so I called her to ask for her healing chicken noodle soup recipe.
- Cuddling with my cat: A real-life stuffed animal. And if you don’t have a pet, a squishmallow or two will do.
- Cleaning: Because I never have time to clean – vacuuming, washing my bathroom, and doing dishes have become my way of feeling somewhat productive.
- Gentle yoga/stretching: I certainly miss my yoga sculpt and pilates classes, but knowing that high-intensity workouts aren’t what my body needs right now, I ease back into movement through online yoga.
I’m on day four of feeling hazy, sore, and sleepy, but I’m hopeful that tomorrow will be better. Even writing this article has made me feel a bit more at peace, knowing that this cold is temporary. Soon, I’ll get into the groove of working out, going to classes, and celebrating the holidays with loved ones.