Everyone knows that the winter is a the best time to stop being healthy. You don't want to go out in the cold, you're constantly eating food during the holidays, and it's always so easy to get sick. This goes double for those college students who are spending hours in the library studying for finals. So here are some tips on how to stay well this winter.
1. Drink tea.
I hate to sound like some anti-coffee hipster, but tea can do wonderful things for you. Not only has it been linked to reducing stroke and depression -- among other afflictions -- but it is also a great way to unwind. On some of those more dreary wintry days, stay warm with a cup of tea and your favorite relaxing activity, be it reading, knitting, or just watching some TV.
2. Get some stretches in.
This one may not seem like it can have a big effect on your life, but it absolutely can. Stretching is one of the best ways to feel at peace and can really help you cool down at the end of a long day. This is especially important if you spend long hours sitting down. Your body needs to move around, and if you don't have time to go for a walk, or you don't want to leave your study area, a small stretch sesh is a great way to refresh yourself. There are tons of video tutorials if you can't think of your own routine, like Blogilates. You can check out a clip below, or watch the full video on the Go90 app.
Check it out: A wonderful, relaxing stretch from Blogilates.
3. Be proactive.
No matter where you live, some form of the flu will go around, plus the common cold, strep, and other fun illnesses. Nobody wants any of that, and as I write this with a horrible sore throat, I really want to stress that you be proactive with your health this winter. Go get your flu shot -- or, if you don't like needles, there's always the FluMist. There are also other things you can do to prevent getting sick, like taking a multivitamin regularly, eating healthily, and drinking lots of water. It's so easy to take care of yourself -- much easier than being stuck in bed with the flu.
4. Balance your diet.
The holidays are rolling around, and that means a lot of eating. Many holiday foods are heavy on carbs, fat, and sugar, and that means they are delicious. But after you eat enough of that stuff, you start to feel icky, both physically and mentally. This is easy to combat if you just make space for some healthier foods. Start Thanksgiving dinner with a nice green salad! Or, on Christmas day (or the big day of whatever seasonal holiday you celebrate), eat a nice, healthy lunch to prepare for a big dinner. Alternatively, pledge to eat healthy in the weeks before and after the holidays. That way, you can make the holidays sort of a cheat period -- and then get back on track once all the leftovers are gone.
5. Get plenty of rest.
Again, especially important for any student who is cramming and stressing out about tests. The easiest way to screw up an exam is to not get enough sleep. It makes your brain fuzzy, and it will be way harder to actually focus and remember the information you need to know. Getting enough rest plays into the proactivity piece as well -- lack of sleep takes a toll on your immune system and makes it much easier to get sick. There is no reason to not get enough sleep at night. Seriously, I don't care how much studying you need to do. Pace yourself, and please, for the love of all that is good in this world, get enough rest.
