Yes, it’s that time of year again. The time of year when it gets dark at 5pm, when you spend more time at the library than you do at home, and when you have four finals, three essays, and 53 things on your to-do list. And to top it all, it’s the time of year when you inevitably always get sick.
The last thing you want to do at the end of the semester is to come down with the flu, so here are a few ways to stay healthy this flu season:
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Eat a healthy diet: Look for foods rich in vitamins C and E which can help support your immune system.
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Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can compromise your immune system, and although it may seem impossible during finals, getting a full 8 hours a night is a really important factor in helping you stay healthy.
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Opt away from advertised vitamin C supplements: These supplements are packed full of sugar, and other additives that aren’t so great for your body. Plus, supplements are not regulated, so you never really know what’s going in them. It’s better to find natural sources such as citrus fruit, broccoli, and green peppers to increase your vitamin C intake.
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Stay hydrated: carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day is a great way to remember to stay hydrated and can lessen the chance of you catching the flu.
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Find time to exercise: Exercise not only decreases stress, but may also help your immune system.
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The obvious one: Get a flu shot. The U offers FREE flu shots with Ucard at the Center for Student Wellness.
Although getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting sick, these tips can help you stay healthy during this time of the year. Between binge watching netflix, studying a whole semester’s worth of information in one sitting, and planning out winter break, nobody has time to get sick.