Staying healthy in college is hard enough without the changes in weather that bring on an onslaught of coughers, sneezers, and flu spreaders. Being a student is a full-time job. It often leads to sacrificing sleep, healthy snacks, and water in favor of coffee, all-nighters, and pizza or fries. Half the battle to staying healthy, and avoiding annoying colds and the flu, is being aware. By paying attention to what goes into your body and time management you can defend yourself from the germs spreading around campus.

1. Drink Lots of Water

Whether it be sparkling water, water with fruit in it, or regular old tap, bring water to class with you and refill it throughout the day. You'll be surprised how much better you feel.

2. SLEEP

Getting enough sleep allows you to be more alert and aware in your classes. Aim for getting to bed around the same time each night. (11pm is a good goal.)

3. Put Good In

Ever heard the saying "put good in, get good out?" By having a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, protein, and the occasional indulgences you will notice an increase in energy and happiness. It's okay to snack if you snack right. Portion control is made difficult by the dining hall's endless supplies of food, but it is so important!

4. Work Up a Sweat

Walk to class! It may seem obvious but it gets your blood pumping and breathing fresh air is a great way to clear your head. Also, try to get to the gym or work out in some way, at least 3-6 times a week. If the gym scene isn't for you, utilize your dorm room, go for a run/walk outside, or take a workout class like yoga or Zumba, or spin.

5. Schedule Down Time

For every hour you're working take at least 10 minutes to relax or de-stress. Listen to your favorite song/playlist. Read a chapter of a book that's not for class. Color. Go for a run. Whatever it means for you, take time each day for yourself.

6. Keep a Loose Routine

It doesn't have to be scheduled down to the hour. Life happens! The best-laid plans always change. However, it helps to try to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day/night and to eat your meals around the same times each day as well. The same goes for working out. Find a general time that works for you and try to stick to it.

7. Don't Skip Breakfast

It's easy to be in a rush to get to class and sacrifice eating breakfast or think you can just survive on coffee. But breakfast is important!! Start the day with a full tank and focus on fruit, yogurt, granola bars, or oatmeal.

8. Vitamin C

Whether you take a vitamin C pill every day or you have a glass of orange juice with your breakfast, vitamin C is the best weapon in your arsenal against getting sick. It keeps your immune system strong and fights off sickness naturally.

9. Wash Your Hands

Even if it isn't flu season you should be washing them. A good time to wash them is before you eat and use germ-x throughout the day. Wipe down highly used areas in your dorm like door knobs and various handles or counters. (Also us a wipe and clean your phone periodically.)

10. Cover Your Cough

Nothing is worse than sitting next to someone in class and you can feel the air from their cough. COVER PLEASE! Use your sleeve, a tissue, or worst case your hand. If you use your hand make sure you immediately wash them.