How to get through finals week with a cold

I have a horrible immune system. I'm sure I've missed 1/3 of my classes (if not more) this semester from the common cold or the flu. The drastic weather changes and lack of washed hands in class could get anyone sick! It just happens to be me, every... single... time. I've become a pro at writing papers and studying for tests while combatting a runny nose and fever. If you're going through the same thing I am, prepare yourself for those long hours at the library with these few tips!

1. Get some sleep!

But sleep is for the weak, right? Wrong! Studies have compared two groups of people, one group sleep deprived and the other drunk, putting a puzzle together. It turns out we act the same as we would drunk without sleep! And on top of that, the group that was drunk finished the puzzle first because the other group fell asleep. So to ensure you don't ruin your notes with drool, or fall asleep during an exam, try to get 7-9 hours of sleep. 
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2. Take a study break, but not for too long

Did you know the best way to study is to focus for between 40 and 90 minutes? Afterwards, it's good to take a 10 minute break where you do some kind of exercise. You're already exhausted from being sick, so don't exhaust yourself more by studying too hard. After you've done gone through a round of flash cards, get up and stretch, walk over and talk to a friend, but not for too long. 25 minutes or more will get you out of "your flow". 

3. Tea is your new best friend

No, I'm not talking about iced tea. Hot tea is where it's at! Especially with a dash of honey. Loose leaf tea contains natural antioxidants that will help reduce swelling that causes pain and fevers. The warmth of the tea will help sooth your throat as well. And don't forget tea has caffeine in it! Everyone needs caffeine during finals week. I would recommend green tea, ginger tea, or peppermint tea. Just don't drink camomile or it'll put you to sleep!

4. Make yourself a library care-package

Your time in the library is very precious. You don't want to spend the whole time getting up, going to the bathroom to find something to blow your nose on. So do yourself, and everyone else in the library, a favor and bring a box of tissues with you. Also a plastic bag to put your used tissues in. Other items in your library care package may include, but are not limited to: hand sanitizer, cough drops, OTC medicine, a blanket, eye drops, saltine crackers, tea bags, etc.

5. Make a "To-Do" List

I know, it sounds silly, but it really does help! I make my To-Do Lists weekly to give myself a time frame to complete it in. When making your list, write down your assignments along with the date it's due. This way you can decide which is more important to get done first before you call it a night. It also helps to bullet under each assignment the tasks needed to finish it. For example:

COM 414 Final Project (12.02)
     -Finish Annotated Bib.
     -Make presentation
     -Have friend read over for spelling/grammar errors

Crossing things off your "To-Do List" will also relieve stress... and man, is it satisfying.

So grab your books, a box of tissues, and a cup of tea. You can do this!