Back to College Survival Tips.

College is not conducive to wellness, period. Limited budgets, low-grade food options,
late-night eating, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, excess carbohydrate consumption in
the form of liquid calories, less-then-exemplary hygiene, and close proximity to thousands of others like you make for an unwell environment.

Research shows that the average college student gains four pounds in their first semester and five to fifteen pounds during a full year. Not all is lost.

*limit sugar intake - sugar is the number one contributor to reduced immunity to viruses and bacteria; or at the least, always have protein or fat with sugar.

*at the very least, take a multivitamin/mineral (ideally with plenty of vitamin D for immunity)

* adequate sleep - we're not asking for ideal, just adequate (6-8 hours)

* practice clean hygiene - simple things like washing your hands often do not put your fingers in your mouth, nose, or eyes.

* exercise - stay active to stay focused, keep a balanced weight, and to keep your immune system strong. Walk to class if you have to.

* eat breakfast - breakfast affects learning for the rest of the day and is your most important meal

* stay away from highly sweetened, caffeine-infused energy drinks. If you need the caffeine, stick with black coffee. Other than that, drink water and an occasional cocktail.

* keep nuts & seeds (with or without dried fruit) in your room; they are great, on-th-go snacks that don't have to be refrigerated.

* make intelligent choices at the cafeteria; the easiest choice, scrap the breads and grain products for fruits and vegetables (even if the pickings are slim); forget about dessert

* make one day a week your splurge day; make sure you are great for the other six.

* pack a dorm-room first-aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, natural remedies, and a thermometer

* have a complete medical history chart, including any allergies, blood type, and emergency contacts to keep in your wallet

* people have many different outlets to let off steam in college; it is no secret that
drinking, drug use, and smoking increase exponentially during the college years; BE RESPONSIBLE!