School is already stressful enough with homework, tests, essays, extracurriculars, and so many other things, especially in the IB program. I’m sure everyone reading this is already more than aware of all this. However, there is one major circumstance that can tear schedules and interrupt everything: being sick. I should know…because I was sick for an entire week. An IB Junior’s life is already hard but taking this on makes everything seem way worse. No going to school, no lessons, tons more homework, all while lying in bed frying up and just wanting to sleep and do nothing. It is something that is nothing short of inconvenient and can be annoying due to how awful you feel while having a cold or flu or anything of the sort while also knowing that you can’t slack off or else, you’ll fall behind or get placed on probation. There are several things I can say, however, that do help along the way to ensure that none of that happens so that you don't suffer academically just because of one fever.
Check School Websites and Email CONSTANTLY: I know this is something that no one wants to think of while they’re stuck in bed, feeling like they’re sweating their behind off. I know how it feels; literally one of the worst things ever. But the thing is, doing this is the only way you won’t fall behind. Check Schoology, Google Classroom, whatever your teachers use on a regular basis to make sure that you’re never caught off guard and that you’re caught up with whatever your teachers have in store for you. Email all your teachers, clubs, after-school activity supervisors, or EE supervisor to plan something in the future to make sure you won’t fall behind on anything. Doing this is a complete hassle, but this is the only way that you won’t get crushed with stuff by the time you return.
Do what You can to Learn what you Missed: Again, probably one of the last things anyone wants to do when sick. I know it was one of mine. But sadly, if you don’t do this, you will be completely swamped and lost by the time you return to school. Keep up with material as best as you possibly can. Even if it’s just a couple hours a day, it will be much better than nothing. Look up videos, ask your teachers for guides, anything to ensure that by the time you come back, you know what you’re doing.
Try to Relax and Get Well: I know this automatically sounds like the opposite of what I was saying above, but you must keep in mind that the whole reason why you can’t go to school in the first place is why you’re lying in bed feeling terrible and wanting to do nothing but watch funny videos and sleep; you’re sick. Do everything you can to get better as soon as possible. Get extra sleep, even if it means you must cut your work time. I promise, doing work while sick will just make your work mediocre, and you feel worse. Eat healthy and don’t try and stress your body while you’re in this state. Try to do things that help you relax and stay in a positive mindset so that you won’t let yourself down even during a time like this. Take a warm shower and just take care of yourself. This way, you’ll make the quickest recovery you can so that you can get back to normal as soon as possible.