Sickness is not an easy thing to overcome. A cold can come and go, or it may seem like it’s never going to let up. By taking proper care of yourself, you can help rid your body of whatever virus you may have, or at least reduce its effects. Whether you have school or plans with a friend, there are times when you just need to take a break for a while.

Recovering from things like the cold, flu, or fever will take multiple days depending on the severity. One of the most common symptoms of sickness is a sore throat. Gargling salt water is a fast and easy way to get rid of your sore throat. Until it gets better, eat soft or warm foods, like soups. Swallowing a spoonful of honey will also help to alleviate a sore throat. The honey will flush out your throat and soothe your cough, according to WebMD. Taking hot showers will also reduce congestion. For sinuses, use saline spray to loosen up your nose. It’s also incredibly important that you drink plenty of water, because it breaks down congestion and flushes your immune system, and because water is important to basic function even when you are not ill. Getting some fresh air and some sunlight will provide you in vitamin D, and it’s refreshing to step outside and get a whiff of nature.

If your sickness doesn’t let up and you have to go to school, there are ways around skipping school. You won’t want to miss assignments or deadlines, so follow these instructions to make school easier for you, and safer for others. Instead of going back to school right when it starts again, wait for the worst of your cold to pass. It’s not the end of the world to skip a day or two. But when you think you’re well enough, it’s time to go back. It always helps to take medication like Nyquil before bed, and Dayquil in the morning before school. They’re meant to last long term; they’ll ensure you’re well-rested, and will keep you going throughout the day. It helps to take other medications that specifically help for your illness. Drink lots of water at school, and blow your nose often. Cover when you cough or sneeze, and always tell your teacher if you need to go home.

By doing all of these things, it will help you to become healthier so you can go on with your daily life as normal. It might be tempting to just miss school, but you’ll have to go back eventually, so it’s better to miss as little as possible so that the workload won’t pile up on you.