Staying healthy in college is often a very hard thing to do. It’s easy to get wrapped up into school work and put classes/grades way above your own health. Now, I’m not saying I’m perfect, but here are some tips that I have found really help combat sickness and keep your overall health up during the semester.
Get enough sleep! This is the number one thing that college students tend to lack. Whether it’s due to homework, partying, extracurriculars, or whatever, sleep tends to be the lowest thing on our list. Now I’m not saying you should get ten hours of sleep a night, but try to get 7-8. Trust me, it’s worth it. Not only will your concentration be better but your immune system will also thank you.
Vitamins! During the semester, I take vitamin C pills every morning. I found this out after spending basically two months of my first semester at school sick with different colds. But once I started taking vitamin C every morning, I haven’t got sick (AND I even live in the dorms)! I also add vitamin D during the winter because I was raised in Texas (where we have sun all year round and no snow) but go to school in Wisconsin (hello grey skies and falling snow!).
Have medicine, just in case. Yes, sometimes you just get sick. It’s unavoidable. But being prepared can help make this experience SO much better. Always have both a day and night version of your preferred cold medicine in your room. I actually have a small box that keeps that, a bag of cough/throat drops, a thermometer, and some other small sickness-related things. That way if I do get sick, I don’t have to get the store for these things. Also, make sure to have tissues in your room! You might not need them now but you’ll thank me when you don’t have to use paper towel to blow your nose.
Workout! Yes, I know it’s not the most fun thing you can think of. And I know it sometimes is the last thing you want to be doing after a day of work, class, and studying. Even I’ll admit, this is the one I struggle with the most. However, it not only helps keep you in shape but also works as a great stress reliever. Also, it could just help boost your immune system (a win-win!). All you need to do is find which way you like to workout. Running, yoga, a normal workout. By yourself, with a friend, or even a group of them. Find what works for you and stick with it. You won’t regret it.
Eat healthy! Did you know this one was coming? Because I sure did! College is full of food-related temptations. Midnight pizza parties, study snacks, ice cream runs with friends. I’m not saying don’t indulge every once in a while but we need to also make sure we eat healthily. Try the old 80/20 rule. Eat healthy 80% of the time and indulge in the remaining 20%. It’s not an easy thing to do but the long-term benefits are amazing. You’ll have more energy, get sick less, workout better, and, the freshman 15 won’t get its grasp on you. So enjoy that pizza and ice cream in moderation, but don’t be afraid to grab that salad for lunch every once in a while.
Alright! Here are just five of some albeit pretty common knowledge, but helpful tips for staying healthy in college. At the end of the day, college is important. And by staying healthy, you can guarantee you can enjoy as much as possible. Thank you so much for reading! Please like, repost, and give a follow! Our wonderful little family would love to have you! Xx