By: Andrea Castellanos
Trying your best to stay as healthy as possible in college is essential for a successful and enjoyable school year. As the semester continues and we become busier with academic and social pressures, we also should remember not to neglect our health needs.
Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid frat flu and maintain a positive mindset throughout the semester:
- Become familiar with the health centers that are near you
Whether it’s knowing where the closest hospital or the nearest CVS is, you must do some general research on what health services are available to you. A quick google search is all it takes to learn what’s near you, which is good to have in case of emergencies. You’ll want to know the closest urgent care to help you diagnose the inevitable mysterious college cough.
- Sleep!
During the semester, you probably tell yourself that you do not need sleep because you need an A in the class, or because your friends are going out and even though you are exhausted you do not want to miss out on the “best night of your life” (FOMO is real). Let me tell you: no class is worth losing sleep and there will always be another night you can go out with your friends. Getting the appropriate hours of sleep will help keep your immune system strong and help you feel your best mentally and physically.
- Be safe when hooking up with people
Hooking up does not necessarily mean having sex. Simply just kissing someone can give you illnesses such as bacterial meningitis, mono, and strep throat. You must protect yourself from contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in college. According to the CDC, “nearly half (46%) of all new STIs in the country occur among young people ages 15-24,” so college students are definitely at a high risk of infection. Make sure to always keep in mind that you have access to STI testing screenings and contraceptives through Northeastern University services like Frisky Husky and UCHS (University Health and Counseling Services).
- Try to eat balanced meals
I know this can be a massive struggle, especially for broke college students with nothing but ramen noodles in their dorm. Try to stock up on snacks that are not just junk food. Having food that you can just keep on your desk like oatmeal packets, baby carrots, and apples helps with eating well in college.
- Take personal days when needed
It is 100% okay to skip classes when you are feeling mentally overwhelmed and drained. College is so fast-paced, and sometimes you just need days where you sit in bed all day and watch your comfort tv show (New Girl is the only acceptable answer). Just make sure to communicate with your professors, they will understand that you need the day off.
College is an exciting but stressful time in our lives. It is important that through it all we try to value our physical and mental health. In the long run, you will appreciate that you took care of yourself when you needed it the most.