During the harrowing winter months, it is common to notice a tickle in the throat, a lingering cough or pure exhaustion. However, obligations don’t simply disappear for a sick day. Missed commitments can lead to falling behind and coming back to school before being ready. Here are some ideas to help manage existing responsibilities, no matter how well you may be feeling at the moment.

1. Take care of yourself. While the impulse to attend school can feel strong, going to school while contagious does not provide long-term benefit. Feeling ill and potentially spreading illness to peers is not a considerate choice for those around you, or for you.
2. Communication is key. When deciding to stay home from school because you’re sick, life still goes on. That’s why communicating with teachers about what you will miss, or what you have missed, is beyond helpful. Another way communication is useful is by touching base with friends in the same class as you. If something isn’t making sense, talk to your peers about how they understand the material covered in class.
3. Do what you can. While knowing what’s going on at school is important, over-exertion during recovery from illness only slows down your eventual return to school.
4. Take breaks. The impulse can certainly be to complete as much work as possible, but pushing too hard only makes recovery take longer. Pace yourself but leave time for intentional breaks to relax, read books or watch a movie.