should i do homework when sick

How to Study when Sick: Tips for the Freshman Flu

Introduction weeks are over, classes are about to start and the freshman flu lurks in hidden corners. While being sick is a chore, falling ill right at the start of the school year can be a major setback. It's safe to say that runny noses and fever dreams don't help with productivity. But who says that finals can't rhyme with the flu? If you're like me and happen to be both bed and book-ridden here are a couple of tips to get you through your first couple weeks of classes.

Pomodoro it

The Pomodoro method consists of working in 4 sets of 25 min with a 5min break in between each round and a longer break ranging from 15 to 30 min after 4 sets. The division of the Pomodoro into 25/5/15 is completely up to you. Many people customize their Pomodoro timing to best fit their workflow. The most important aspect is that alternation between mid-sized work sessions and short breaks which can keep you focused on the task at hand for longer. What makes the Pomodoro Method perfect for studying when sick is that each task is naturally divided into feasible increments. You can even take 5 min naps during your breaks! Check out the best timers for the Pomodoro method in our article about improving study habits .

Yeah, it's tempting to stay holed up in your room surrounded by textbooks and/or tissues. However, sometimes a breath of fresh air is exactly what you need to get some energy. Just taking a 5 min walk (bonus points if it's during your Pomodoro break) can help clear your head and potentially your sinuses. If you don't feel like going outside, take some time to stretch and relax your muscles. Exercise is a great way to get your blood flowing which will make you feel better.

Drink some water

I'm pretty sure that water is in every listicle out there from dealing with skincare to depression but it's worth the emphasis: don't forget to drink water and stay hydrated! Water helps produce saliva and mucus which are both very handy when fighting a sore throat or a dry nose. Water also helps regulate your body temperature. Our bodies are 60% water so it's needless to say that it plays a vital role in the basic maintenance of our bodies. No matter the pace you've decided to study at you need to stay hydrated in order to maintain said pace and eventually get better.

Proactively study

When you're sick, you don't have the leisure to passively intake information and hope it sticks. Start by dividing all you have to study into small realizable steps and ordering them by priority. This will help you get through the day without feeling overwhelmed. Make flashcards and test yourself on key terms. Instead of repeatedly reading information, by writing it down you engage with the material in a different way. Have a group video call where you explain and present some of the information with your friends. Again, this is another way of engaging with the material: if you can explain a concept well then you probably know it. Don't focus as much on rote memorization as much as contextualized understanding.

Healthy snacks

Studying and being sick are both physically draining activities that when combined tend to have a negative effect on each other. Along with water, food is what will get you through a last-minute cram session without crashing. Why healthy? Though it is tempting to eat your exhaustion and stress away, you do still need to take care of yourself. Food is fuel so you'll need the best kind if you plan to study when sick.

A cozy environment may induce napping but comfort is always worth it. Grab some tea, coffee or hot water, blankets and whatever painkillers you're on to create an environment that's both studious and soothing. Studying when you're sick is hard enough. There's no need to make it worse by sitting at a badly lit desk for 5 hours straight surrounded by empty packets of tissues. Create a space you want to be and study there.

So you've written 5 to-do lists, went boxing, ate some carrots, drank 5L of water, incarnated hygge and you still don't feel okay... what now? Most of the time students are victims of the belief that every occasion is the last. If you're too sick to study and can't make it to class then don't go. There's no point in worsening your physical and mental health for something that definitely won't impact your life as much as you think it will. You can take resits, or ask for an extension or even god forbid take that class again. Nothing is worth ruining your health for, not even the illusion of a college degree.

If it's really bad, don't forget to take advantage of your health insurance and go to a doctor. Don't have Dutch health insurance yet? Check out Swisscare International Student Insurance if you’re a student within the EU/EEA.

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Exam Revision

How to Revise for an Exam While Sick

Last Updated: October 31, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Bryce Warwick, JD . Bryce Warwick is currently the President of Warwick Strategies, an organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area offering premium, personalized private tutoring for the GMAT, LSAT and GRE. Bryce has a JD from the George Washington University Law School. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 174,476 times.

So, you’re sick and all you want to do is curl up in bed and sleep, but you have a big exam or some midterms to study for. Don’t worry—it’s possible to revise for an exam and still get the rest you need to start feeling better! We’ve put together some tips to help you get through your study session while also taking care of yourself, so you feel healthy and prepared on test day.

Make a prioritized list of what you have to study.

Getting organized this way ensures you study what’s most important.

For example, say your college midterms are coming up. If you have an “A” in History 101 and a “C” in Geology 101 so far this semester, prioritize studying for your geology exam over studying for your history exam.
Or, if you only have to study for a History exam, write down a list of all the readings and assignments that are going to be on the test. Then, rank them with the topics you’re least familiar with at the top and the stuff you know best at the bottom.

Work in a clean, comfortable environment.

Studying when you’re sick is hard enough, so make yourself cozy, at least.

It’s totally okay, and even encouraged, to bundle up inside a blanket when you’re revising for an exam while sick!

Study materials that don’t strain your eyes or brain.

You don’t want to give yourself a headache or dry your eyes out.

For example, filling out a worksheet based on a chapter of reading from a book is a better choice than staring at a bunch of notes you took on your tablet and trying to memorize them.

Make flashcards and test yourself.

This is an active, engaging way to study when you’re ill.

You could also do a video call with a friend or group of friends studying for the same exam and test each other with flashcards, or just present some of the information to each other to help each other out.

Take breaks every 30 minutes.

It's important to pace yourself to avoid exhaustion when you’re ill.

You could also try working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. Do this 4 times for a total of 2 hours, then take a longer break for 15 to 30 minutes.

Get up and move around.

A little movement can clear your head and maybe help decongest you.

If you’re feeling really tired and don’t want to move around much at all, you can at least crack open a window to get some fresh air.

Drink lots of fluids.

Staying hydrated is vital to fighting off a cold or flu.

Natural fruit juices like orange juice can also help hydrate you. Plus, orange juice and other fruit juices have vitamin C, which might help you fight off your sickness.

Eat light, comforting snacks and meals.

The right food helps get you through your studying without crashing.

Broth-based soups, like chicken noodle soup, are particularly soothing and light when you’re feeling under the weather.

Take the appropriate medication.

Medicine can help you get through your study session.

If you don’t have any medicine, visit your school’s doctor or nurse to get some or ask a local pharmacist for recommendations.

Don’t forget to rest and care for yourself.

You’re not going to get better if you don’t take care of yourself.

Also, definitely skip any non-essential extracurricular or social activities until you’re better. Save all your precious energy for studying, for now.

Ask for a deferred exam if you can’t study.

Sometimes, studying when you’re sick just feels impossible.

For example, some institutions might just require you to get a certified medical note from a doctor.
Other schools might not obligate you to go to the doctor’s office, in which case you might just have to fill out some paperwork to formally request a deferred exam.

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↑ https://weingartenlrc.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/3-tips-for-studying-while-sick/
↑ https://elearninginfographics.com/study-while-you-are-sick/
↑ https://collegelife.co/nl/study-when-sick/
↑ https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/100003/look_after_yourself_and_others/763/when_you_are_ill

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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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7 Tips to Help You Study When You’re Sick

Post author: Master Student
Post last modified: June 14, 2022
Post category: Study Tips

It’s the middle of finals week and you’re feeling sick as a dog. You have a fever, your head hurts, and you can’t seem to stop sneezing. What do you do? When you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is crack open a textbook. But if you have an upcoming test or exam, you may not have a choice. In this blog post, we will discuss how to study when you’re sick taken from our comprehensive post on how to make the most of your studying time !

Proven Ways to Increase Study Productivity When You’re Sick:

Start studying as soon as you wake up
Drink lots of water
Eat healthily
Get lots of sleep
Take Tylenol/Advil
Visit the doctor if it gets serious
Talk to your teacher

Start studying as soon as you wake up:

When you’re sick, the first thing you want to do is curl up in bed and take a long nap. But if you have an exam to study for, it’s important to get started on your studying as soon as possible. That way, you can get it out of the way and have the rest of the day to rest.

Despite being sick, the morning will still be the best time for you to focus and retain information. As the day progresses, you will become more and more tired, your symptoms will get worse, and your concentration will start to waver. So make sure to set your alarm, get out of bed, and start studying!

Drink lots of water:

Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick. It will help your body fight off the infection and keep your energy levels up.

Drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice. Hot tea is also a great way to soothe your throat and keep your body hydrated.

Not only will staying hydrated help you feel better, but it will also help you focus and concentrate while you’re studying. When your body is properly hydrated, your brain functions better. So make sure to drink up!

Eat healthily:

It’s tempting to just order a pizza when you’re sick. But eating junk food will only make you feel worse.

Instead, try to eat healthy foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the infection.

Some great foods to eat when you’re sick include:

fruits and vegetables

Eating healthy foods will help you feel better and give your body the energy it needs to study. So make sure to stock up on soup, fruits, and vegetables next time you’re feeling under the weather!

Get lots of sleep:

When you’re sick, your body needs to rest in order to heal.

Make sure to get lots of sleep and take naps when you can. The more rested you are, the better you’ll be able to focus and study.

Take Tylenol/Advil:

Tylenol, aka acetaminophen, and Advil, aka ibuprofen, are both over-the-counter medications that can help relieve pain and fever.

If you’re feeling particularly sick, these medications can help you feel better and make it easier to focus on your studies.

If you’re looking to get cheap versions of either of these drugs, purchase the generic versions. They work just as well!

Visit the doctor if it gets serious:

If your symptoms are severe or if you’re not feeling any better after a few days, it’s time to visit the doctor.

They will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe medication if necessary. It doesn’t matter if you miss out on vital studying time. As much as an exam is important, your first priority should always be your health!

Talk to your teacher:

Oftentimes, students are too afraid to talk to their teachers about being sick. They think that their teachers will be mad at them or that they won’t understand. But the truth is, most teachers are actually very understanding.

If you’re sick and you think it will affect your performance on an exam, talk to your teacher. They may be able to give you an extension or help you make up the exam at a later date.

Don’t suffer in silence! Talk to your teacher and let them know what’s going on.

15 bad study habits detrimental to your learning, do you know your learning style, 11 essential self management skills everyone needs, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Tips for Academic Success If You Are Sick

1. An Early Start:

Starting your studies early can be beneficial in two ways: 1) you will have more time to prepare for the exam(s) and 2) you’ll be better able to deal with any pop-up symptoms.

2. Move It to the Bunk:

Admit it, your bed is about ten times more comfortable than that table you always sit at in the UGLI. Studying from the comfort of your home gives you the access to all your meds and the edge to take a break any time you need to. Sleeping between study sessions helps retain information too!

3. Fuel the H2O Tank:

Replenishing your body with water keeps you alive and more importantly, makes you feel less tired. The recommended dose is 64 ounces per day, which is equivalent to 8 cups of 8 ounces, 16 cups of 4 ounces, 32 cups of 2 ounces… well you get the point. Water also energizes your muscles, keeps your skin looking great, and will kick your sickness faster!

4. Eat, Study, Sleep, Repeat:

Alternating between hitting the books and shutting eyes is the most efficient method for studying while sick; it allows you to be fully immersed in your studies after a good night’s sleep. By minimizing your outside extracurriculars, you can save energy and time, devoting both to helping you recover faster and studying more efficiently.

5. Don’t Get Sick:

This may just be the easiest (or hardest) tip to follow. If you have about $800 to spare, grab yourself a winter coat from Moncler or Canada Goose. Otherwise just befriend someone who owns two (or more). Drink fluids, rest, stay healthy, and GO BLUE!

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to stay healthy, the cold and flu season can knock us on our backs. If you find yourself in a bind this winter, remember that the Dean of Students Office provides support services if you’re experiencing a major interruption, and University Health Services is a great resource too!

Contributed By: Eric Gao

The Student Newspaper for Montrose School.

The Looking Glass

Tips for managing the ‘catch-up’ struggle after sickness.

It is that time of the year again, when everyone is getting sick. Although most people are very cautious to avoid viruses, sometimes your luck runs out. Many students fall ill and have to miss school days. Then students face the dreaded task of catching up.

Some tips that you might find helpful if you are faced with this obstacle is to try and do all the homework that is assigned that night. Also, set up a plan when you return so you can tackle make up work while you try to keep pace. Emma Schiller states, “ I space out the work that I missed and do all that I can to catch up on the missed assignments before I start with that days new assignments.”

The key is to make up any missed assesments as soon as possible, during a study or by staying after school. Never push off assessments or leave them unfinished because the longer you delay the further that material is from your memory.

While you’re sick at home, do what you can to keep up by contacting teachers or staying up to date with the assignments you can access on the website. Sometimes you need to be home because you’re too sick to expose others, but you can spend some time reading or studying between rest periods. Don’t use sickness as an excuse to do nothing if you’re well enough to do some homework; putting off everything can increase your stress when you re-enter.

Know also that the Student Handbook specifies that each student is responsible to work with their teachers to make-up work as quickly as possible to help them keep pace. The Student Handbook states:

A student who has been absent is responsible for obtaining all assignments and class notes.
Regardless of other commitments, if a student is absent from a class the day prior to a test or quiz or the day of a test or quiz, she must make up the assessment the day following her return either after school or during the class period.

Staying healthy is the best way to avoid the catch-up dread, and the best advice for staying healthy includes:

Wash your hands with warm water and soap throughout the day; use Purell if you cannot get to a sink.

Stay hydrated, eat healthily and get enough rest. The more run down you are, the more vulnerable you are to infection.

If you get sick, let yourself rest long enough so you do not undermine your recovery by trying to do too much.

Don’t bring your germs to school, and wash your hands extra if you’ve been near someone sick.

Don’t share food or drinks.

Be smart about protecting yourself from sickness, and take steps to heal if you do get sick. But if you do get sick, use your time at home wisely if you are well enough to do some work. Also, make a make-up plan with your teachers, and use the help of your advisor too. Catching up may be a challenge, but you have a whole team of people at Montrose to help you!