The first time you get sick away from Ma and Pa is a momentous occasion—a key stepping stone in the process of growing up. You’re going to have to take care of yourself because, unlike your faithful mom, your friends will think Sick You is gross. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get (and stay) healthy at uni:
Step One: Sleep!
Sleep is the most important thing you a can do. Your body can’t heal if you aren’t letting it rest—and rest until you are completely healed! My suitemate held onto a cough forever because once she reached the “Meh, it’s not too bad” level of recovery she stopped taking good care of herself. She had that cough for three months, no joke.
Step Two: Get Proper Nutrition
When people have tummy aches or a sore throat, they tend not to feel like eating. Since Mom isn’t looking over your shoulder, you have to watch yourself and make sure you are still getting proper nutrition. If you can’t go the traditional fruit and veggies route, try to include juices, meal replacement drinks, supplements, or whatever your body can handle with some nutritional value in your diet. Your body is like a car; if you want it to work, you’ve gotta fuel it.
Step Three: Wash Your Hands
Door handles, dorm furniture, lecture halls, cafeteria utensils, and bathrooms are just a few places germs can hide. Twenty seconds in warm soapy water can prevent you catching or spreading illnesses.
Step Four: Go to the Clinic
Most universities (definitely all major ones) have clinics right on campus. You can go for a physical, seek medical advice, or get a prescription. If you find symptoms are hanging on a little longer than usual or significantly interrupting your education, go to the doctor! In Canada, you are good to go to the clinic whenever you want and most U.S. institutions have a health plan/insurance for their students. Don’t be afraid to talk to a pro. I can tell you to drink a bathtub of apple juice, but I’m a blogger, not a doctor.
Step Five: Don’t just take care of yourself when you are sick
The healthier you are all around, the quicker you will bounce back from illness. Steps One through Four should be habits you regularly practice to maintain good health and prevent potential sickness. A few other tips for good health are: limiting alcohol intake, participating in some form of physical activity frequently, and de-stressing every once in a while.
For the sickys out there, I hope this helped! Now, go shower (clears your sinuses), get in your jammies (cozy times are happy times), make a cup of tea (soothe that sore throat), and put on a good movie (if you focus on your sickness, it will focus on you).
