It’s that time of year again. Frosh Week has just ended and likely left you a little burnt out. Unfortunately, these circumstances can take a toll on the immune system, leaving you susceptible to getting sick, especially when you’ve been sacrificing sleep.

Having experienced the post-frosh week sickness first-hand, here are some of my tips and home remedies that have helped me recover.

The basics

– Never sacrifice sleep when you’re sick; you’ll just make your illness worse. Your body needs all the energy it can get to fight off the virus. Nap whenever possible. If need be don’t be afraid to give yourself a sick day.
– Take a break from the gym. Your workout will be ineffective and your body needs rest.
– Keep hydrated. Fluids help flush your body. Keep drinking fluids, be it water or herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint.
– Keep your living space clean. If you’re using un-sanitized faucets and touching germ-ridden surfaces, you’ll be at a greater risk of catching something. Lysol your door handles and frequently-used appliances.
– Enjoy a hot shower. It will briefly clear your sinuses and the warmth relieves you of the chills.

Home remedies

– If you’ve got heartburn, try mixing ½ a teaspoon of baking soda with water; and a few drops of lemon juice. This will help reduce the acidity in your stomach, as baking soda is an alkaline, which neutralizes stomach acid (source: Besthealthmag.com)
– If you have an upset stomach, opt for bland, easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, or toast with honey. Avoid foods that are harder to digest, such heavy meats or greasy take-out.
– Home made NeoCitran:
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon honey
3/8 lemon, juiced
Source: allrecipes.com
– Don’t underestimate the power of honey. A tablespoon or two of honey will ease soar throat, heartburn and upset stomach. Try having honey in your tea for a sore throat remedy.

Vitamins

Don’t over do it! Read the label and see what you can take in one day.
– Vitamin D: This is the vitamin that you get from the sun. It will replenish your energy, and put you in a better mood.
– Vitamin B12: That will reduce your stress, boost your immune system, and increase your energy.
– Vitamin C: Perhaps the most important preventative vitamin. Drink some orange juice at breakfast or get chewable supplements. I have found vitamin-C powdered packets to be effective and convenient when I’m on the go and feel a cold coming on.

Tell me about your experience. What did you use to shake your sickness?