Right now on campus it seems just about everyone is either sick or recently recovered from being sick. During the winter months it can be difficult to avoid getting sick. With finals right around the corner and end of semester activities coming up it is important to make sure we are staying healthy. Our immune systems are miraculous at defending us from different diseases and illnesses, but sometimes our immune systems fail. There are ways to aid your immune system and to improve your chances of dodging sickness. Here are a few tips to stay healthy for the rest of the semester!
Your diet is a big part of staying healthy. It can be easy during the winter months to gravitate towards traditional comfort foods, but it is important to always incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into our diets year round. Ensuring we are eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can decrease the risk of getting sick. Having a healthy diet can help nourish our immune systems to allow them to perform at their best.
Sleep is always a big factor in staying healthy. Most people do not get enough sleep, especially busy students, but sleep is an essential part to a healthy lifestyle. Getting an adequate night’s sleep has been shown to provide essential support for our immune systems. During sleep our bodies are able to rest and recharge effectively. Sleep is closely tied to our hunger and stress levels which are also big factors in staying healthy. Teenagers and young adults should be aiming for at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Stress is a huge factor in staying healthy. When the body is dealing with stress it is not able to function normally putting us at a higher risk for infection. Those who deal with stress are much more susceptible to illness. It is hard to eliminate stress completely as a college student, but we can all work to minimize the amount of stress we deal with day to day. Try out meditation, exercise, or simply doing an activity that you enjoy to lower stress levels.
Exercise and regular activity is a big way to stay healthy. Regular exercise can help the body fight a variety of diseases, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and control weight. Exercise may also help flush out bacteria out of our lungs and airways. Grab a friend and go for a long walk, go for a solo gym session, or join a group class at the rec center to ensure you are getting in regular exercise to stay healthy. Prioritize yourself and your health to ensure you are able to stay healthy this winter and for the rest of the semester!
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