Let’s face the facts, when you are sick the only person in the world you want by your side is your mommy. Even though mom shoves that bitter spoonful of cough syrup down your throat and makes you drink her homemade tea remedy, she always manages to make you feel 110% better. Sometimes, however, it’s difficult to get that comfort from mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup when you’re stuck in your freezing cold dorm room with a roommate who couldn’t care less if you feel like you’re on the verge of death. Here are some tips on how to survive those stress induced colds that every student dreads to endure.
Sleep
Although your school work is very important, your health is even more important. If you catch a cold before an upcoming test, try to schedule time for sleep in between cramming. Even a 30 minute nap could leave you feeling refreshed and able to tackle those biology study guides.
Exercise
Sweat it out. It has been proven that exercising while sick can shorten the length of cold, but make sure to use the Above-the-Neck-Rule. If your symptoms are located above the neck (stuffy/runny nose, slight cough, or headache) moderate level exercise is beneficial. However, if your symptoms are below the neck (vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea) it is suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to let the illness run its course.
Don’t be Afraid to Call
Although your parents’ schedules may be extremely busy, I’m sure mom, dad, or even grandma is willing to take a couple minutes out of their day to help you recognize the difference between Mucinex and Benadryl. If they can’t, calling the UCF health center is a good alternative. I’m sure the nurses on campus have heard their fair share of ridiculous health questions, your question couldn’t be the stupidest question they’ve heard.
Ask for Help When You Need it
Although you may be too prideful sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help. You’d be surprised to know how many friends are willing to come to your aid when you truly are sick. Some may bring you chicken noodle soup, drive you to the pharmacy, or even go to the doctor with you. Us Collegiettes need to stick together during these times. Supportive and thoughtful friends are like substitute moms!
Ask Mom to send a Care Package
Care packages are like heaven in a box. My mom sends me magazines, my favorite lip gloss, and even cute little hand written notes throughout the year to remind me she still cares. However, some moms aren’t as crafty and thoughtful as others, so direct your mom to www.spoonfulofcomfort.com when you want to make her feel sorry for you. This website has a variety of college care packages, even a Chicken Noodle Soup package! If you haven’t already made the assumption The Soup package has a gallon of homemade chicken noodle soup, a pair of cozy socks, a fluffy pillow, cookies, and plush throw blanket to help you survive that cold.
Go to the Health Center
I don’t know about you, but I do anything to avoid going to the doctor; especially if it’s someone other than my family doctor. But sometimes it needs to be done. If that nasty cough has been around for more than two weeks, go to the doctor! It may be painful to go without mommy holding your hand, but you are going to have to go by yourself eventually.
The UCF Health Center: (800) 613-8544
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00am -6:00pm Sat: 10:00am- 2:00pm Sun: Closed
Now that you have the tools to kick that cold, use them! Being sick away from home sucks but with these tips you can survive it and stay healthy this fall.