When people talk to you about college, one thing they never mention is getting sick. Sure, getting the flu every now and then is normal, but for some of us, we’re talking about an endless cycle of waking up ill. I’ve been sick more times in one semester than I can count on a single hand. It’s no surprise that a lifestyle filled with massive stress, no sleep and a cheap bowl of ramen noodles every night makes you susceptible to getting sick. Here are three ways you can strive to stay healthy this semester:
- Incorporate Daily Naps into Your Schedule.
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Sometimes you just have to stay up all night to finish that assignment. It happens. For night owls and procrastinators, it’s when they get their best work done. For those unlucky students who signed up for an 8:00 a.m. class, a good night’s sleep can seem impossible for them. Unfortunately, sleep is one of the most important keys to staying healthy and it’s the hardest to achieve.
If your nights are spent doing homework, extracurricular activities or unwinding, then you need a daily nap. I’m not talking about the occasional nap that happens because your body is so exhausted it passes out. Instead, carve out a time everyday when you can squeeze a nap in. Even if you’d rather be scrolling on your phone or watching Netflix, just having that extra hour of sleep could be the difference in keeping you from getting a sore throat again.
Maybe your schedule has a long break in between classes; use some of that time to find a quiet place on campus or just head to your dorm and sleep. By committing to a daily nap, your body will have an opportunity to make up for some of that missed shuteye.
- Stock Up on Echinacea Tea, Honey, And Some Vitamin C
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One of the easiest ways to nip an impending flu in the bud is by drinking Echinacea tea. If you wake up with a sore throat and can feel the sickness approaching, grab a mug, tea packet and some honey. If you wait too long, it could be too late to have any swift effects, but Echinacea tea can help bolster your immune system in the beginning stages to fight it off.
Another option is Vitamin C packets. You can find them from pretty much any grocery store, and they come in a variety of flavors. They taste similar to cough medicine, so not as nice and soothing as tea, but they can still help strengthen your immune system. You don’t even have to wait until your throat is scratchy to use them. Have some weekly to ensure you’ll stay healthy.
- Make Sure to Exercise
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Getting exercise can be healthy for a lot of reasons, but among them is relieving stress through endorphins. Stress can be a large factor into your physical health. So, if you go for a run at least once a week, you have the potential to be in a better headspace for the next week.
If running isn’t your thing, try coming up with the best workout routine for your abilities and schedule. If you’re someone who hates exercising, the routine doesn’t have to be intense. Even if you just create a simple workout routine (like sit-ups or squats), as long as you get your heart pumping, you’re caring for your physical and mental health. If you maintain your stress levels, it’ll be easier to stay healthy.
Ultimately, let’s not forget to care for our bodies this semester. It can be so easy to get caught up in the busyness and whirlwind of college, but if we neglect our health, it can make the semester even more difficult. By creating some good habits to add to your routine, or even stocking up on tea, you’ll be prepared to face the rest of the semester feeling great.