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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Stony Brook chapter.

Most of us came back from winter break refreshed and ready for the new semester. Unfortunately, some of us have already been victimized by the New Semester Plague — a disease that consists of the common cold but only attacks college students. Here are tips to avoid the germs lurking this season. 

1. Don’t Slack on Sleep

It’s hard to get a full night’s sleep as a college student, but a lack of sleep weakens your immune system and makes you less able to fight off viruses. If you are already sick, sleeping a good amount of hours can help speed the recovery process.

2. Eat Those Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins which are essential in maintaining a strong immune system. A balanced diet lets you feel better all while preventing illnesses.

3. Hit the Gym

Exercising regularly keeps you healthy and makes you feel good. Cardio helps circulate blood and lets you breathe better.

4. Wash the Germs Away

Wash, wash, wash your hands. Make it a regular habit to wash your hands after the bathroom and before you eat. Also, electronics are prone to hoarding germs so try to disinfect them every once in a while.

5. Get Outside

It can be tempting to stay curled away in your dorm room all day, but going outside and breathing in fresh air can help combat illness. The wonders of nature have been proven to supplement your immune system.

As tired college students, it is easy to get sick. But, make sure to take a step back once in a while to make sure you are still taking care of yourself and your body. Here’s to a healthy new semester!

 

Gifs courtesy of Giphy

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Linda Jafa

Stony Brook

Biology Major, Writing Minor, Pre-Law Stony Brook University
Her Campus Stony Brook Founder and Campus Correspondent Stony Brook University Senior Minnesotan turned New Yorker English Major, Journalism Minor