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Colby | Wellness

How to Avoid Getting Sick This Winter

Sarah Ehrlich Student Contributor, Colby College
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Colby Contributor Student Contributor, Colby College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Colby chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With the snowy weather in full effect, diminishing hours of sunlight, and people coughing all around you, it may feel inevitable that you’re going to get sick this winter. However, there are some easy things you can do to decrease your chances of being stuck in bed sniffling all JanPlan long. Here are a few super simple tips to remember in order to stay healthy.

Take Your Vitamins

This seems obvious, but so many people don’t do it. Taking vitamin D to make up for the lack of sun we get here in Maine is so important to staying healthy in the winter.

Eat More Greek Yogurt

Yup, you read that right. A study published in Clinical Nutrition showed that people who consumed a particular strain of probiotics daily were 27% less likely than those who didn’t to get a cold or flu virus. 

Wash Your Hands

Not just after using the bathroom. Try to be mindful about washing your hands whenever you’ve touched a lot of doors or hung out with a friend who has been sick. It’s quick and easy, and definitely helps keep the germs away. Washing your hands often can make your hands dry, so be sure to bring your favorite hand lotion with you (I’ve been really liking this one).

Invest in a Humidifier

Speaking of dry skin, the dry air in the winter months can add to the likelihood of catching a cold. Investing in a humidifier will help keep your room from drying out, and prevents the spread of airborne viruses. Here’s one with great ratings and a fair price.

In addition to these four tips, don’t forget to keep up with exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep. Stay healthy!

Sarah is a current senior at Colby from Westchester, New York. She is a psychology major and art minor.