My turn to suck it up
Somehow I've been very lucky all these years. I can remember being sick enough to need cold meds during a presentation only once. Just recently I gave a presentation on two hours of sleep, first thing in the morning, and I guarantee no one could tell I was impaired.
But today, I've got congestion and sniffles, my eyes are puffy, and I am clearly sick. Something must be done. First, I don't want to feel crummy through the presentation. Second, I don't want the audience to be distracted by my sniffles.
I would love to hear your favorite remedies for making it through a presentation, a meeting, a hard day at work, when you know you have no choice but to suck it up and perform! How do you stay sharp, not fuzzy?
Please share in the comments -- your remedy might be just the thing to help me or another reader!
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14 comments. Please add yours! :
I have a voice that frequently leads to people asking, "do you have a cold?"
But for the times I am actually sick and have to teach/speak I rely on lots of water, keeping a box of tissues handy, and use the opportunity to teach good cough, sneeze, and nose blowing etiquette.
For immediate relief, chicken soup really is good for the soul! Go for lots of veggies in it and whole wheat noodles if you can. The steam helps with congestion.
For prevention of future colds, flu, allergies, what have you, a strong immune system is your best defense. Visit my website to learn what has worked for me and my family for over 5 years now!
Hope you feel better soon...Michele
Warm liquids, no ice. Rest your voice, and watch intake of anything you know will irritate your stomach because that will also irritate your throat and make more crud in your head. Though you may be tempted, don't gargle. That only spreads germs from mouth and nose to your larynx, making full on laryngitis more likely. Vitamin C is a natural decongestant, so large doses might help clear up your head a bit. Decongestants like Sudafed will probably make your mouth dry, so not really a good idea. You can, however, take comfort in the fact that adrenalin tends to minimize cold symptoms, so get pumped up!! Hope it goes well!
Thanks, peeps. Keep 'em coming!
I'm not looking for prevention tips in this post, but rather how to survive when you're already sick and have to perform. Would love to hear what works for you!
If you're thinking of resorting to medication, the most effective over-the-counter remedies require a signature at the pharmacy counter. The active ingredient is usually pseudephed. While you're there, it's a good opportunity to ask the pharmacist about contraindications and potential side effects.
Thanks, Brooke. Good point about side effects, etc!
DayQuil! You can control how much you take too.
Spoke to the pharmacist. Told him I didn't want to be sleepy or spacy, and I didn't want dry mouth. He suggested Sudafed, with a side of Tylenol or ibuprofen, and a backup of Claritin or Zyrtec (both of which are on hand), if Sudafed alone doesn't cut it.
He said the cough suppressant in DayQuil might make me sleepy, and I don't want to take chances, since I'm trying it out literally hours before I speak.
I also picked up NyQuil for when I get home, and I'm going to SLEEP tonight, baby!
Keep your suggestions coming, and I'll let you know how my concoction works out.
I've had the best luck with Advil Cold & Sinus...no spaciness...you need to get it at the pharmacy counter with your ID, but it's worth it.
I have found that hot water with lemon and honey helps when my throat just doesn't think it can make it any further.
If you can set up a temporary steam bath, that will help as well. Anything that keeps your throat warm and moist will do you good.
As for over the counter meds: I have an anti-recommendation.... Avoid Chloreseptic at all costs. It will numb your vocal chords... which will let you keep talking... and make things MUCH worse.
I am a big believer in mega-dosing Emergen-C.
I also use a neti-pot every morning which really helps clean out your sinuses.
Thanks for the recommendations! Luckily, my throat was not sore, so that made a big difference.
The Sudafed (generic) was supposed to be a 4-6 hour dose, but stopped working after 2. Took another dose at the 4-hour mark, stopped working after 2. Weird. But at least it got me through the gig. Got in the car to head home and immediately started sneezing and sniffling again. Whew.
Hope you had a good presentation Lisa. The next time you have a cold try this...
Have a hot glass of water and tell yourself you have just taken the best medication for cold.
Thanks, Vivek!
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