It is safe to say that no one enjoys being sick. But, in college, being sick seems even worse. Mom is not there to help. Your weekend plans are put on hold, and being stuck in a dorm is never fun.

Although there is no guarantee that you will not get sick, there are steps that you can take to avoid sickness and keep your body at its healthiest!

1. Sleep.

We are told to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, as college students, we often get the least amount of sleep possible. With homework, going out with friends and holding a job, there seems to be too much to do. Sleep becomes a last priority, but it is so important! I know how hard getting a sufficient amount of sleep can be, but if you cannot get a good night’s rest every night, try to aim for at least 3-4 nights out of the week. You will think better, have more energy to not get run down as easily and your body will thank you!

2. Eat healthy.

Again, this seems to be a hard task to fulfill, especially while at college. It is easy to indulge in the cheesy pizza that your friends just ordered, or agree to join in on a late-night Taco Bell run. Do that at times! But, be sure to limit these greasy, non-substance foods. Your body needs as many vitamins and nutrients that it can get, especially to fight off sickness. Try to eat fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Grab an apple at your dining hall and bring it back to the dorm. Order a salad while you are out to eat and get some greens in. Try to fill your body with good nutrients and it will thank you by fighting off whatever sickness that is trying to creep in!

3. Drink lots of fluids.

Drink water! I have a habit of taking a water bottle with me wherever I go, and I do not plan to break that habit anytime soon. Drinking water helps maintain your body’s fluids and transport the nutrients in your body. Water keeps you hydrated throughout the day and your energy levels are higher.

4. Clean your room.

As college students, we are not always the cleanliness. But, cleaning is so important, not only so that your room looks good, but also so that your immune system feels good. Especially in college, germs are everywhere and spread fast. Make Lysol wipes your best friend! Wipe down your sink and desk when you can. Vacuum your dorm occasionally. In small, stuffy dorms, dust seems to build up faster than usual, so make sure to address this issue by cleaning your things. Your immune system will be happy that you decided to do a bit of cleaning up.

5. Wash your hands.

Wash them. And, then wash them again. And, then wash them one more time. Seriously, washing your hands is so important. Throughout the day, we are touching so many people, books, door handles – you name it. You do not know where everything or everyone has been, so make sure that your hands are clean and limit the number of germs that you bring back to your room with you!

6. Take Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is so good for the body, and as college students, we do not always get as much as we should. Vitamin C repairs the body’s tissues, heals wounds and helps with growth. Soak up the sun as much as your schedule allows! During winter months, take a Vitamin C supplement and drink more Orange juice.

Follow these tips to keep your body at its healthiest, and good luck avoiding sickness this flu season!