y
Archive for February, 2012
We’ve all been there. Congestion, sore throat, runny nose, possible fever, it’s the common cold. Though it’s not detrimental, you can still go to class and do homework (to a degree), when you’re away from home at college, sometimes all you want is your mother/father to take care of you. After dealing with a cold last week, I have some suggestions.
1. Remember that it’s partially a mental game. I am fully aware of the science behind the cold and to a certain extent you must let a cold run its course. At the same time, you have the option to make it seem like it’s no big deal. I constantly remind myself there are worse things because that will alleviate some of the symptoms, even if it is only for a short period of time.
2. Take medicine to help you, but only if you really need it. I am not advocating for over medicating or medicating for something minor like barely some sniffles. However, if you have multiple symptoms causing you to not perform or be functional, then take something. I know taking a little medicine before I went to class alleviated the symptoms enough that I could still focus to a certain extent.
3. Trust that it only lasts a few days. It’s not the end of the world. It’s a discomfort for a few days, but you will get a bit better everyday. As long as you get enough sleep, drink plenty of fluids, continue eating normally, and try to live the way you do when you aren’t sick, you’ll have a much better time with it. It’s a blip on your radar and you can handle it on your own. I promise, if I can do it, you can do it. 
