Why does it seem like every year before Thanksgiving break, we’re sick and each of the professors think their class is the only one we’re taking? It’s that time of the semester when students are feeling run-down and completely ready to relax at home for the holiday.
We are not here to tell you how to not get sick this season because, ultimately, that’s unavoidable. But we have come up with some ways to manage being sick while also taking care of schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
First thing’s first, listen to your body – most of us can feel when we’re about to come down with something; don’t ignore it.
Tiffany Mathews, coordinator of health and wellness, advised students to aim for eight hours of sleep per night, especially when feeling under the weather.
Next, start drinking. No, we mean water. It’s important to keep hydrated. Water is like a fuel to your immune system because it flushes toxins from your body and breaks up the mucus in your system when you have a cold.
Mathews added when you’re feeling sick, avoid certain energy drainers like caffeinated drinks and “artificial energy.” Mathews also noted that when sick avoid the people who require a lot of your attention. Your energy should be spent on your recovery, not others’ needs.
Here’s something else: wash your hands! The Center for Disease Control recommends singing “Happy Birthday” twice through for an effective wash. Wash them after the bathroom, wash them before you eat, and for all purposes, don’t be putting them in your mouth.
Next, disinfect your living area. Take a disinfecting wipe to your phone, your door handles, TV remotes, sink, and any other item your healthy roommates might touch. Also, throw out your dirty tissues!
“Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left,” Mathews said.
And when you’re over your sickness, throw out your toothbrush and get a new one.
Obviously, these tips are not going to extinguish all illnesses for everyone. So, if you find yourself sick as you’re attempting to manage you workload and classes, we have some more ideas.
The most important question is, “Do I go to class or not?”
Now that you’re sick, you may regret those days you skipped in the beginning of the semester just because you felt like it.
Rodger Martin, a Keene State College journalism professor, said he gets upset when his students take absences early on in the semester.
Martin stated, “Don’t miss class early, so if you do get sick, you can handle it.” He continued and said if you are contagious, don’t attend class.
Peggy Rae Johnson, a theatre and dance professor, agreed it’s best to not come to class and spread your sickness.
Johnson said in reference to absences, “A lot of students use up their options, so they have no choice but to come to class.”
If you can afford to miss class, choose wisely. By now, we know what classes might be manageable to miss. If you’re going to skip, e-mail your professor, even if you think they won’t care.
We know, the crunch time before Thanksgiving is stressful enough as it is, and getting sick during it can seem like the end of the world. So, take some of our tips into consideration and remember what’s important: you. Don’t run yourself into the ground with your schoolwork if you’re already not feeling well.
Mathews said, “De-stress to help yourself recover,” because at the end of the day, you need to make sure you’re putting yourself and your health ahead of your work. Grades only stay in the book for so long—your health is something you’ll always take with you.”
Keep calm and carry on, Keene State.
Julie Conlon and Kim Borkowski can be contacted at jconlon1@ksc.mailcruiser.com and kborkowski@ksc.mailcruiser.com