The weather has gone from hot to cold to rainy and back again. So, how can we not get sick? I know my roommates and I have been passing around a few tissue boxes in the past week, like many other students as of late. Here are a few ways to avoid catching a cold, because we all know that once you get one, it’s too difficult to get rid of. And now that midterms are over, these preventative measures will be much easier to actually follow through with.
- Sleep! This is the most important thing to do to boost your self-esteem and stay healthy because sleeping allows your body to recharge. It’s also important to go to bed and wake up around the same times every night and morning. It allows your body to have a consistent schedule and work with your mind to recharge.
- Drink water. Drinking lots of water helps to flush your body and aids in converting food to energy. Also, adding a lemon to your water helps with digestion and reduces phlegm in the body.
- Exercise! Regular exercise is good for your heart and metabolism, so even a brisk walk can help with your health.
- Maintain a healthy diet. This helps with not only physical health but also mental health.
- Take vitamins! Taking vitamins allows our bodies to make up for any nutrients that we don’t ingest on our own.
- Ew…germs. Wash your hands to help prevent spreading germs.
- Reduce stress! Stress and poor mental health can also affect your physical health and immune system.
Maintaining these steps in a college environment is difficult. Between late nights in the library or on Fraternity Row, and difficult homework assignments or looking for a Formal date, it can certainly be a challenge to get enough sleep and reduce stress.
Remember, though, that these steps are important for both physical and mental health; the two go hand in hand. So while the social life and academic demands of Bucknell are strong aspects of our lives, it is also important to take care of our bodies. If you aren’t feeling well, step back and re-evaluate your priorities. Don’t take your health for granted! Treat your body the way it should be treated.