The winter chill sets in, the workload piles up and suddenly it starts getting dark at 4:30p.m. Yup, finals week is on the horizon. With so many things on your mind such as deadlines, tests and winter break, it is hard to focus on healthy habits. Unfortunately, pulling all nighters, snacking late night and stressing out weakens our immune systems, making us more susceptible to those annoying stuffy noses and croupy coughs. Here are some tips to keep yourself in tip top shape so you can ace those final exams.
Take your vitamins. Although this may sound overrated, it actually makes a great difference. Ingesting vitamin C is an effortless way to boost your immune system and stay healthy even when you begin to feel fatigued.
Eat Healthy. It may be difficult to find time to make dinner or meals during these final, stressful weeks, but that does not mean you have to eat junk food. Sure, fast food is well, fast, but it will not nourish your body enough to fight off bad bacteria when you start feeling weak and tired. Stick to fruits, vegetables and protein to power up your diet and get some energy. It takes just as long to throw together a salad or pick up a wrap as it takes to go get a cheeseburger or snack on chips.
Dress for the weather. Throughout November temperatures have continuously fluctuated, but don’t let yourself get caught outside on a cold windy 45 day without a coat on. Be sure to check the forecast every morning and dress accordingly.
Swear by hand sanitizer. Colds are everywhere this time of year and at a big University germs spread like a wild fire. From sharing keyboards in the tech center to opening classroom doors and sharing desks, common colds easily linger among students. Using hand san
Get enough sleep. During finals week we all pull those notorious all-nighters, or we at least attempt to get in that over night cramming session. Unfortunately, lack of sleep weakens our immune systems a great deal. Not only is sleeping good for your physical health, but it also good for your mental health. Exhaustive cram sessions are not as beneficial as we may think, or hope, because we cannot retain information when our minds are sleep deprived. If you can’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep at night try to take little naps even if it is for only 15 minutes. It makes all the difference.