By: Paige Scofield, Campus Life Editor
It’s that time of year. Colds, flus, bugs, viruses and bacteria are all around us. Being surrounded by many people in your classrooms and in your dorms can cause you to become more vulnerable to getting sick. Not to mention how stress can affect your immune system.
According to the American Psychological Association, “Stress of any significant duration – from a few days to a few months or years, as happens in real life – can ravage the immune system.”
Living in the dorms can be difficult. Being in close proximity with your hallmates and roommates who might be sick themselves, while trying to avoid the sniffle bus, can be a feat.
Despite this, the worst part of catching whatever may be going around is not being home with your parents, siblings or significant others who would take care of you with a full medicine cabinet.
But, part of growing up is learning how to take care of yourself – however annoying that may be. Medicine can be expensive when you’re living on a college budget, so here are some tips you can consider using when you’re on a budget and under the weather.
1) Go to the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus
The Student Health and Counseling Center has free cold packets that are available to all students. They contain cough drops, medicine and other small things you might need. If your illness starts to become concerning to you, don’t hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment with the on campus doctors.
2) Drink fluids
According to WebMD, drinking plenty of fluids helps break up your congestion, makes your throat moist, and keeps you from getting dehydrated. Most people should drink at least eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day. This includes water, tea and sports drinks.
3) Go for a steam
You can help your stuffy nose loosen up by breathing in steam. Turning your shower on to hot and closing the bathroom door can create a steam room rather quickly. Sit in your bathroom for 10 minutes or so to help reduce stuffiness. While doing this try to take deep inhales every few minutes, and blow your nose once you’re done to help the process.
4) Stay warm and rested
Give your body a chance to fight off sickness, while giving yourself a break. Relaxing helps your body direct its energy towards fighting off your sickness. So snuggle up under a blanket and watch a movie, so your body can patch itself up.
5) Prop yourself up
Sleeping with a plugged up head can be uncomfortable and awkward. Propping your head up with an extra pillow can help relieve congestion, and make it easier to breathe while trying to sleep.
6) Soothe your throat
Herbal tea is one of the best home remedies to soothe a sore throat. There are many varieties of tea, but those that help with sore throats are: licorice spice, peppermint and ginger honey lemon. So drink up!
7) Eat eat eat
Your body needs energy to fight off sicknesses, so make sure you’re giving it the nutrients it needs to become healthy. When you’re sick eating might not always be appealing, but try to eat three solid meals a day so you can fight the good fight.
Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
