Being sick sucks. We’ve all been there – the cold that doesn’t end, the headache that will not go away, and the eyes that do not stop tearing because of seasonal allergies. Just what is the purpose of pollen, anyway, other than to destroy our nasal cavities?

Fortunately, we always have our sanity right? Well, not exactly. When our bodies are physically sick, our ability to function and perform diminishes as well. We cannot think as well in class, we cannot lead as well in our organizations and we certainly cannot write clearly thought-out papers. It is like our bodies are revolting against us at the exact moment that we are in dire need of being well: two tests, three papers and countless Blackboard posts cannot get studied for and written by themselves!

Unfortunately, most of us respond to the above situation by drinking too much coffee, staying up late and waging a battle of the wits with our illnesses (which we inevitably lose).

It creates this never-ending cycle: Become sick, increase stress levels, become sicker, become more stressed – until you eventually burn out.  Part of caring for yourself is caring for your body AKA your temple. If your temple is crumbling, the rest of you is ceasing to function as well.

Take it from a seasoned warrior against my physical needs – you’re not going to win. Instead of over-stressing and wearing your body down even more, take the day or two off that is necessary. Trust me, I spent an entire month sick with this debilitating cold, all because I was too stubborn to go to the doctor or take two days off to recuperate.

The increase in stress leads to a decrease in productivity, and an overall decrease in your wellness. If running a newspaper, going to class and being sick has taught me anything, it has taught me that nothing can be so important that you cannot take some time away. The world continues to turn while you lie in bed with tea, and it will continue to turn when you are back on your feet again. It is an inevitability of life.

As the semester draws to a close, it is easy to fall prey to the cycle. We wear ourselves out finishing papers, planning for the future, and transitioning our organization that we forget to take care of ourselves. If anything, learn from my mistakes, decrease your stress levels and increase your longevity. Your body and your grades will thank you.

George Burns once said, “If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress, and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”

To contact The Ionian’s Heather Nannery, e-mail her at [email protected].