Successful Habit #4 - Taking Care of Your Health

Getting sick during the semester can be a real problem.  Not only can’t you always attend class but you do not feel like studying or doing anything at all!  Once a bug starts to go around it is nearly impossible to stay away from the germs.  There are some proactive things you can do to stay healthy:

·       WASH YOUR HANDS!!  Just imagine where the germs are lingering in the dorms and classrooms!

·       Get regular sleep.

·       Pay attention to your diet and eat foods that will keep you healthy.

·       Maintain a regular exercise schedule.

·       If your family agrees, get a flu shot.

Sometimes, even with the best prevention, you will get sick.   Hopefully if you are strong and healthy it will be brief and you will recover quickly.   If you do happen to get sick:

·       Contact someone in your class and either get the notes or find out what happened. (Of course, you have scouted the other students and made friends with a few that you think will earn ‘As!’)

·       If it is a smaller class where the professor takes attendance, send her a quick email so she knows why you are not there.

Your mental health is also important.  There are counseling centers on all campuses that are there for you if there are issues interfering with your studying.  It really helps to talk to someone impartial to the situation.  It is also important to socialize and take time off from studying, just be sure to do so in a safe and healthy way.   (You know I mean not partying – especially if you are under 21!  Nothing will hamper your future career like an underage drinking conviction.  You may not even be able to continue if your major is education or criminal justice!)

Next blog will look at the habit of reviewing and learning your notes after EACH class!  Why should you do this and what should you actually be doing???  Read next week to find out!

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.