It is that time of year when coughing, sneezing and sniffling is the new white noise in our life. Every lecture there is at least one victim of a coughing fit, and needless to say, no one wants it to be them. So, if you want to minimise the chance of being bed-bound and sick during the festive season, follow my top tips!
Eat healthily:
Eating whole foods with nutritional value is a highly underrated trick to staying healthy. Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds may sound like a diet of a farm animal- but we are meant to eat them too! They have the vitamins and minerals that fight off sickness so it’s a no-brainer to include them in your diet. An easy way to do this is to start adding vegetables and fruits into your recipes- not completely ditching your go to meals. Also, an orange a day can keep the flu away!
Pace yourself:
I find that it is when I am most stressed, busy and burdened with deadlines that sickness finds me. So, pace yourself and be in tune with your body. If you are exhausted and need rest, take a break! Perhaps take the whole day off, sleep, cook good food and try to forget about the essay – your health matters more.
Stay warm:
In the cold weather it is essential to stay warm. Freezing, with your teeth chattering on your way to lectures, in your flat, and on nights out will make you sick! Investing in a good quality winter coat, hat, gloves, heated blanket and hot water bottle are game changers. These items can be found for cheap too if you look around Edinburgh’s charity shops! Just generally: the warmer I am, the more happy and productive I am.
Exercise:
Moving your body daily, doing a sport weekly, or gym session frequently is important to stay healthy and flu- free. Exercise makes your body stronger and more equipped to fight off sickness in early days, as well as helping your mind destress. Being physically fit and mentally stable is key if you don’t want to suffer from the flu, so, I recommend swapping your Subway Tuesday with evening yoga…
If you follow all these suggestions, you will be much safer from the flu this season. However, if you do find yourself sick, drink herbal tea, wrap up and rest!