It seems as if no matter what time of year it is, someone around me is sick. Last semester, my roommate pretty much had a cold the entire semester and rounded it off with a bout of the flu a few weeks ago. No matter the situation, getting sick is an unwelcome and unnecessary hassle on the life of any college student. As the new semester starts to pick up, so do the chances of you getting sick. I’ve compiled a list of preventative measures to avoid sickness and start the road to a healthier life for the typical student on FSU’s campus.
1. Make sure you are getting your vitamins
While surviving off of a diet of Ramen noodles and take-out may be easy, it doesn’t lend itself to a very balanced or nutritious meal. By increasing your fruit and veggie intake, you will boost your immune system and your mood. So the next time you need to grab a quick lunch on campus instead of hitting up the Papa John’s in the union, swing by Freshens and grab a smoothie. Freshens allows you to customize your smoothie depending on what you’re in the mood for, so you are guaranteed a delicious and nutritious meal. Freshens has two locations on campus, in the Union and in the Leach.
2. Decrease your stress levels
I know what you’re thinking- you have 1,000 things to do in the next 24 hours, how can I tell you not to stress? Studies have shown that if you increase your activity, your levels of productivity rise as well. When you’re at your wits’ end and can feel the stress creeping up on you, take advantage of our wonderful gyms, the Leach and the Wellness Center, and get a workout in! Better yet, sign up for a yoga class on Rec Connect. It’s completely free, and by the end of the hour you will be wondering what got you so worked up in the first place. Also, exercise helps your immune system fight off simple infections.
3. Share clothes- not drinks
I think it’s safe to say that when your friend runs up to you and says, “OMG this drink is so good, you have to try it” our first instinct is to take the straw that she is pointing at your mouth and do as she says. The thing is, no matter how good her Tequila Sunrise may be, you don’t know what she has been exposed to or how many other people she has offered her drink to. By being cognizant about drink sharing, even if it’s by using your own straw, you can avoid a mess of germs that you just don’t need in your life. Maybe taking a pull from the community bottle isn’t the best idea, either.
Will these tips guarantee that you won’t get sick this semester? Unfortunately the answer is no, we are still college students and the odds are stacked against us in that regard. However, by thinking about your health and taking steps towards improving your health, you can keep the sickness at bay and reduce the severity of your symptoms. Might as well give it a try- it will hurt less than a flu shot, and that I can guarantee!