While some of these will likely seem obvious, they aren’t easy to do consistently! All parts of your wellbeing – physical, mental, and emotional health all need attention, even if it’s just a little.
- Sleep
7-9 hours of sleep is the general recommendation. However, it is also important to get in bed and wake up at similar times each day. You could create nightly rituals and routines to get your mind and body ready for bed.
- Eat
Having three meals a day with some variation of fruits or vegetables is important. It’s really easy to just dump pasta and fries on a plate and call it a day, and sometimes, that’s just what you need to do. But you should also try out the foods you maybe haven’t had in your dining hall yet. You could add different sauces or spices to vegetables to make them more appealing. Find short, quick meals to put together that are high in fiber, protein, or vitamins.
- Water
Drink more water! If you have an average sized water bottle (17-24oz) try to drink at least 2-3 full bottles a day. Your body uses water for almost every function it does.
- Exercise
Move your body! Whether it’s going on walks, going to the gym, or playing a sport, any kind of movement is generally beneficial. Getting your heart pumping and muscles moving helps your body naturally flush and detox. Your lymphatic system needs the help of your muscles and circulatory system to do this.
- Multivitamin
Many people are deficient in various vitamins, such as vitamin B12, D3, and thiamine. A standard multivitamin can be very helpful for giving your body the micronutrients it needs.
- Go outside
Get fresh air, sunlight, and look at greenery. These three things all work to regulate your nervous system and ground you. When your nervous system is calm, your body can then focus more on defense and repair. For example, this state supports immune system function, helps with waste detox from your brain and body, and allows the body to repair any injuries or illnesses.
- De-stress
Journal, meditate, work on a hobby, whatever it takes to just find a sense of calm and stillness. Your brain and body have an extremely strong connection and do not function separately. Sometimes, it can help to block out time in your day to do something fun or calm.
- Limit drinking/smoking
Drinking and smoking can be extremely damaging to your body in various ways. Damaged lung, liver, and gut tissue makes it extremely difficult for your body to function normally. New research has shown that no amount or type of alcohol has any benefit and that alcohol is a carcinogen. However, if completely stopping drinking and smoking is not an option for you, try limiting the context or amount in which you drink/smoke.
- Peroxide Mouthwash
Have you ever woken up with a sudden painful, scratchy throat and thought, “Oh no, not this again”? A hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can help kill any bad bacteria causing the sore throat. Gargle for about a minute with the wash and do not use it for more than 14 consecutive days (usual directions). Don’t use this kind of mouthwash on a regular basis because it can kill good bacteria and eat away at your enamel over time.
- Clean commonly touched surfaces
Lastly, if you feel like going the extra mile, clean commonly touched surfaces in your room. Things like your door handle, desk, phone, and water bottle can all harbor massive amounts of bacteria very easily. These kinds of items should be generally cleaned weekly.
None of these are absolutely sure ways of preventing illness, but they definitely help a great deal. Your body tries so hard to keep you healthy and alive everyday, so you should give back to your body by doing your part.
Source:
How to Not Get Sick on Campus
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/slideshows/how-college-students-can-avoid-getting-sick