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

Staying healthy is a top priority for all collegiettes, and winter is an especially dangerous season because of the possibility of getting the flu. We’ve got you covered with several tips you can incorporate into your routine to increase your chances of staying healthy this winter!

1) Garlic

Ask any European grandmother what to do in order to prevent the cold and flu and they will all give you the same answer: Garlic. Health professionals agree as well, claiming that garlic has powerful immune-boosting properties, as well as being antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. It’s super easy to incorporate into any meal, or you can even take garlic capsules, if you really can’t stand the taste.

2) Chamomile tea

Any hot tea will do, but Chamomile is a herbal tea that relaxes your body and helps you sleep at night. Also when you add a spoonful of honey and a lemon slice, it will soothe your throat and give you that extra vitamin C you need during the winter.

3) Ginger

Ginger is a natural antibiotic that helps boost your immune system by stimulating the nerve that causes mucus production and prevents sore throat. You can buy it fresh or in powder, however fresh ginger has more vitamins and better healing power. You can slice the raw ginger and place it in boiling water along with lemon and honey, making a sort of ginger tea that will warm your insides, or add it to a stir-fry with your favorite veggies.

4) Chicken noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is warm and salty and really does help battle against the flu. The soup stimulates white blood cell movement, and these guys are the ones that really fight against illness. Not to mention this soup is delicious and helps remind you of grandma when you’re feeling a bit homesick.

5) Face Steam / Humidifier

Crank up that humidifier to high because the flu loves to live and spread in dry environments, making winter its favorite season. If you’re like me, and most other students, you may not have a humidifier handy, however don’t worry because you can easily create a face steam. All you need is a bowl filled with any herbs you can find in your kitchen – I like to use rosemary, oregano and thyme. Next pour boiling hot water over the herbs and place your face over the steam and cover your head with a towel so the hot air doesn’t escape. Keep breathing in the warm moist air and call your father and tell him about your creation because you, my friend, are officially an engineer.

6) Water, Water, Water

We all moisturize our hands and faces every day, but we often forget that our body needs to be moisturized from within in order to keep us healthy. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day in order to flush your system of bacteria and viruses that are looking for a place to multiply.

7) Hit the Hay!

School can be very stressful, especially around this time of year when its time to decide on where to grab an apartment or if you’re renewing your lease. Be sure to do your best to get at least seven hours of sleep per night and even more in order to keep your body feeling rejuvenated. If it were up to me I would hibernating from December up until April, but unfortunately I don’t make the rules.

8) Stay warm and toasty

The key to surviving the frigid Montreal air is to layer and not expose any bare skin. Be sure to invest in a good pair of wool socks and long underwear this year, because its more than worth it. Make sure you always have your hat on your head, never go outside with your hair wet and wrap your scarf over your mouth and nose so that you aren’t breathing in the cold air and freezing yourself from the inside. Trust me, you wont look silly; we are all unrecognizable during the winter because of all our layers.

Images obtained from:

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