Stay Healthy, Stay Happy
Tips and tricks from our PA students
From our Class of 2019 Physician Assistant students in downtown Phoenix
It happens EVERY YEAR.
The weather turns and all of a sudden you feel it — you get that tickle in your throat, your nose is stuffed, you’re feeling miserable and mom’s get-well soup is no where around.
You’re sick, you’re roommates sick, the person in your group presentation is sick. Everyone you know has a bug.
Don’t let this be you — Here’s some useful tips and tricks from our PA students at the NAU Phoenix Biomedical Campus.
Take notes, Jacks 📝
1. Keep your sleep cycle the same everyday
All-nighters may seem like a good way to cram in all your procrastinated studying, but they do you more harm than good.
Getting a full 6–8 hours of sleep on a regular basis is proven to keep your body AND MIND at its optimum functioning level.
Less (or more) than that can throw you off your game — and impact your health.
2. Stay hydrated 💦
Drinking water throughout the day can seem like a chore, but trust us — your body will thank you! You may not realize how dehydrated you can get just walking around campus (seriously though, 7000 feet is no joke)!
Not only will this help you with feeling better, but it can improve concentration, skin appearance and even boost your immune system. #WinWin
Lumberjack Tip: get a re-usable water bottle and decorate it with your name and all the awesome stickers you can collect throughout town!
3. Go for the rainbow 🌈
When eating around campus, or on your own — the more colors on your plate the better! Shoot for a rainbow at each meal to get enough vitamins and nutrients.
Snacking or grazing every few hours is a good way to keep your metabolism up and make sure you aren’t tempted to binge on pizza at major meal times.
Tip: Toss some protein packed granola bars or piece of fruit in your bag to munch on between classes!
4. Wash your hands
It should go without saying, but washing your hands is the number #1 way to prevent the spread of germs!
Hand sanitizer will do in a pinch, but it still doesnt match up to a good ol’ scrubbing!
5. 🏃🏼Get moving 🏃🏼
If you haven’t been to Campus Rec — run there now! Or you can run inside on the amazing fitness equipment available to all students. Open weekdays from 6am-11pm, you can get in a work-out before or after class.
Mix up your routine and take advantage of NAU’s group fitness classes. From hip hop to yoga to TRX and aqua fitness — there’s ample ways to stay #NAUStrong.
6. Schedule YOU time
Grab your planner and a pen — got it?
Okay, now write in an hour of “ME TIME” every day.
That’s right, actively schedule time to do what makes you happy and helps you de-stress.
Whether it’s hiking, or laying in bed watching Netflix, giver yourself time for that well-deserved break.
7. Take your vitamins
Depending on your diet you may not be getting all of the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to stay healthy.
Adding in a good multi-vitamin to your daily routine will help your immune system stay ahead of the curve when it comes to getting sick this semester.
8. Wipe off your desk every once in a while
You’d be surprised how many germs and bacteria are living on your work-space! In fact, studies have shown that the dirtiest surface in an office is your desk — yikes!
Grab a clorox wipe or even some soap and water and wipe down your desk, chair, and work areas once a week. Keep your study zone clean and happy!
9. Adopt a pet for mental well-being
If you live off-campus and are able to have a pet — go for it! Adopting a pet from any of the local flag shelters not only saves a life, but gets you a forever friend!
Pets are shown to reduce stress and even help improve your physical health like lowering blood pressure.
Can’t have a pet right now? Stop by the HLC for #PawsYourStress where therapy dogs come to campus once a month to melt all your troubles away.
10. Get a flu shot
Protect yourself from the flu and get your shot right on campus.
