It is finally getting colder outside, and we all know what that means: cold and flu season! Getting sick is never a fun time, especially when finals and the holidays are coming up. If you want to stay healthy and keep the germs away, here are a few ways to do just that!
#1: Keep Clean
The easiest way to get sick this winter is picking up some bug that was on the door handle you just touched. Bacteria and viruses are everywhere, on almost every surface, so, remember to take the time to clean up your space. Give it a good vacuum, wipe down your surfaces and make sure to wash your cups and dishes clean.
Wash your dishes in hot water and change out the sponge you use every 1-2 weeks. Also, wash your hands regularly and keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your backpack!
#2: Getting Plenty of Rest
When your body doesn’t get enough rest, your immune system starts to get weaker. Let’s skip all the science and get straight to the point: your body and its cells need R&R just like your brain. If they don’t get enough rest they are less likely to fight off that pesky cold you are developing.
Being sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night will increase your chances of staying healthy drastically. Sweet Dreams!
#3: Eat a Balanced Diet
I know, I know… winter screams “comfort food”, and I get that. But it is important to make sure you are getting the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function on. If you are low on a nutrient or vitamin, your body’s immune system won’t function as well as it should. If you know you have a deficiency problem, try to find proper supplements.
However, it is important to be careful with supplements since they raise different chemicals in your body. Excess of nutrients can also make you sick! Too much of something is never a good thing and this applies to supplements. If you are feeling lousy one day it is alright to take some Emergen-C, however; don’t overdo it!
#4: Tea! Tea! And more Tea!
Tea is one of the best ways to give your body a little boost. The steam from the tea can actually stimulate cells in your nose to move germs out more efficiently. There are hundreds of different teas out there to try. It is easy to find a kind you like and will be happy sipping on while doing homework, in the morning, or right before bed.
Some things you can add to tea to make them more healing are vitamin E oil (one or two drops will do), honey, lemon, and cinnamon. A lemon ginger tea is a great way to soothe a sore throat. Upset stomach? Try a peppermint tea with a dash of ginger powder.
The combinations are endless, and your body will be thanking you from the inside-out.
#5: Sweat the Germs Out!
Exercise, specifically sweating, is a great way to release any built-up toxins or germs in your body. Sweating not only gets things out of your body, but it also acts as an antibiotic to kill certain germs from coming into your body in the first place.
Hitting the gym, going for a run, or turning up the heat in your room and doing some yoga are all good ways of working up a sweat. Want to treat yourself? Book a sauna session and sweat out the sick in a more glamorous way.
Ladies take care of yourself this winter. Don’t hesitate to follow these simple and easy tips to stay healthy during the cold months to come!