Ahh, here it is again. The wonderful season of fall, pumpkin spice, colorful leaves, and cozy everything is headed our way. And just like every year, it has brought the season of colds and sickness right along with it. Why does something so good have to bring something so not good?
As someone who spends a great deal of time with children, I am exposed to a plethora of germs constantly. I also think that I have a challenged immune system… but that is not the point. When the lovely cold comes around, there are a few things to remember.
First of all, take care of yourself. We should be taking care of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health all year long, but this time of sickness makes this even more important. Allow time to rest, relax, and get rejuvenated. It is better to take a step back and get well so that you can get back to it, than to try and push through the muck while you’re under the weather.
Take some medicine; drink some juice. I am not a big fan of orange juice- at all really. When that cold hits, though, you will surely see me in the juice section at Wal-Mart. A crucial part of getting over a cold or other little bug is to refuel your body with the nutrients it needs. This gives you the chance to help your body fight back. So head to the store, get some medicine and some OJ, and stay home for a bit.
Third on the list: if someone offers to take care of you, make dinner, or clean, LET THEM. Not only does this give you the opportunity to rest, but it also eases some of the stress that can come from providing for yourself or a family all the time. So if someone wants to make you some soup, graciously accept (if you don’t, send them my way!).
Whenever you have the chance, get some sleep. Your body does some of its best recovery work while you are sleeping. This will help you feel better rested, get rid of some of those dark circles, and give yourself time to get over whatever you may be fighting. A quick little nap may be just what you need to get through the day and 9 hours of sleep can go a lot further than your usual 6.
Being sick is never something that I look forward to, but it isn’t the end of the world either. Making sure that you take care of yourself, fuel your body, and get some sleep and rest can go a long way in the recovering process. That being said, a little fall cold is probably not a good reason to shirk schoolwork, call out of work for a week, or become a hermit. Allow yourself time to heal and then get back out there. Continue to take care of yourself, making sure that you don’t share what you’ve got with the next person, and enjoy the season that you’re in.
Writer Bio
Shelby is a Senior Elementary Education major with a Spanish minor. She works as a barista and spends mornings in a 2nd grade class as a student teacher. As an Air Force brat, she has moved all around the United States and traveled to several other countries. In her free time, Shelby loves spending time with her family, adventuring with her boyfriend, and making memories with her friends. In every area of her life, God comes first, although she has to remind herself to trust Him in every situation. Through writing, Shelby hopes to show people the great grace of her Savior and how to live life to the fullest.
