As a student, it’s hard to take breaks for significant periods of time, especially during exam season. When we get sick, it may not feel like an option to put everything on pause in order to take care of ourselves. We at the Global Health team are bringing this post to you today to remind you that investing time into rest and recuperation is not only necessary, but also the best way to get you back to acing those exams. Here are a few tips for getting better quickly once you’ve fallen sick.
Tip/Trick #1
Stop poking your face:
It is important to steer away from constantly touching your face because it is an easy way to unnecessarily spread germs and bacteria. If you touch a contaminated surface and then later rub your eyes you could be putting yourself at risk of potential infections. Pathogens can transfer from small objects such as phones to your face easily so try your best to wipe down devices such as phones and headphones. After cleaning, you should also wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry your hands clean. Taking safety precautions like such not only helps keep yourself safe while sick but it also prevents others from being sick too.
Tip/Trick #2
Eat healthy
When you’re sick, you crave chips, McDonald’s or pizza… But you should avoid it because your body needs healthy nutrients to have energy and feel better. Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, tea and soup! Ensure variety in your food. Think about eating fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Try new things. Don’t forget to eat fibre because it slows down digestion. Opt for hot meals if you’re cold. Watch videos on Youtube to get some nice cooking ideas.
Tip/Trick #3
Monitor yourself
It is key to monitor your symptoms when you are sick to determine the severity of your sickness. If you are coughing and sneezing, try to take precautions in order to prevent spreading germs. For example, you can cough into the bend of your elbow and sneeze into a tissue. Doing so will help reduce the risk of your housemates also getting sick. Monitoring your temperature is also crucial when you are sick in order to determine if you have a fever and also keep an eye out for chills at night. Furthermore, if you are having serious health complications such as breathing difficulties, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately!
Tip/Trick #4
Try to get plenty of sleep!
While you’re recovering, try to limit all nighters and putting extra stress on your body. Take things slow and don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not performing at your best. Try to make time for stress relieving activities, such as reading a book or listening to an audiobook. Reading stimulates the brain, helps to boost memory, reduces stress and helps you sleep better. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night will help give your body the strength to fight off your sickness.
We wish you a speedy and painless recovery, and the best of luck with your exams! You can do it!