It always seems to hit at the worst possible time: sickness of some kind. This past Monday, I woke up feeling a little sick, and by the next day, I felt like I had the flu or some terrible equivalent. I was sneezing and sneezing and feverish and everything hurt. But the worst part, is that as an “adult”, I had to deal with it and go about my day as if it were any other.

I wanted nothing more than to crawl back to bed, but I had to get to class, I had to go to work directly after, and when I got home, I had to do homework. There was just no other option available—I couldn’t call out because I needed the money, and I couldn’t skip class because we get like 2 days that we can miss and I’m not trying to get dropped from a class I need as a senior just because I felt horrible.

Anyhow, if you happen to be in the same predicament, here is a short list of the things that helped me through the long, long day of sickness coupled with unavoidable responsibilities.

1. Tea, tea, and more tea

I probably went through a whole box of tea in the space of two days because of how I just constantly drank it. Not only will it soothe your throat if it is sore, and help (I think) with sinuses thanks to the warmth and steam, but you will be sure to stay hydrated if you drink lots of tea.

2. Soup

It basically serves the same soothing purpose as tea, except in food form.

3. Sleep

I know I am contradicting myself somewhat here because I said my day was full of responsibilities and thus sleep was not really an option, but it really is the best thing for when you feel horrible. If you can find a way to squeeze it into your schedule, whether it means going to bed early or catching a nap, I highly recommend it.

4. Routine

When I showed up to work I regretted not calling out, but since I was already there, I forced myself to get into the swing of things, despite my aching body and head. Oddly enough, after I settled into the work (though I did take my time at it due to the exhaustion that sickness inevitably brings), I felt a little better. I think getting my mind off of how I felt helped, somewhat.

5. Hot Shower/Bath

It will make you feel at least slightly better, I promise.

This is a pretty short list, I know, but there’s only so much that can be done when one has no choice but to suffer through sickness and daily responsibilities, especially when there is no one there to take care of you, so this is my feeble attempt at helping!