Being a student is difficult enough without having to deal with illness and exhaustion. In this cold season it’s more important than ever to take proper care of yourself.
1)Â Always Wash Your Hands
Make sure to wash your hands often, especially during cold and flu season. A simple cleaning can help minimize your exposure to disease.
2) Drink 2 Liters of Water a Day
Drinking enough water is the corner stone of living a healthy lifestyle. The current recommendation is that the average person should drink at least 2 liters of water a day, so make sure you bring a bottle with you when you head out to class.
3) Get 7-9 Hours Sleep
Too often a full night’s sleep is put aside in favor of homework, socializing, or browsing the internet. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep and you’ll immediately feel the effects in the morning. It goes without saying that you should avoid all nighters whenever possible, or you’ll be feeling like a zombie the next day.
4) Don’t Eat or Drink Right Before Bed
Eating and drinking (caffeine, alcohol) will affect your internal clock and leave you with a not-so-restful sleep. Â Leave at least a few hours between meals and heading to bed.
5) Find Time to Exercise
Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym to work out (although it’s great if you can). Walk or bike to class instead of driving to add some easy exercise to your life. You can also play a sport on the weekend with friends or through your school’s teams.
6)Â Eat Three Meals a Day
The benefits of eating three meals a day for your immune system and energy levels are huge. Always start the day with a good breakfast. If you don’t have time for a sit down lunch or dinner, bring a packed meal with you so you can have something to eat throughout the day.
7) If You’re Sick, Stay Home
We know there’s pressure to go to class even if you’re unwell, but the truth is you’re doing yourself and your classmates no favors by going to class sick. You’ll end up feeling worse and potentially pass the disease onto your colleagues.
8) Get a Flu Shot
A flu shot can be the very thing that prevents weeks of discomfort and illness. Check with the University Health Center on the U of O Campus.
9) Take A Break
Stress is a huge factor in fatigue and illness, so give yourself a break now and then! Take some time to see friends, play a video game, or read.
10) When In Doubt, See a Doctor
If you’re feeling unwell and your symptoms are not improving then no one can help quite as much as a doctor can. Your campus clinic or your personal doctor will be able to give you a checkup and suggest the necessary steps towards a full recovery.
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Have that route down? Great! Here are some pictures from previous years’ Sunday Streets to get you ready for the festivities.
