Blue Demon Approved:
Top 5 Tips to Stay Healthy
at DePaul University
Spring is finally here, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and… seasonal allergies, colds, and unpredictable temperature swings. Staying healthy is key to making the most of Chicago’s best season, so here are five Blue Demon-approved tips to keep you feeling your best (I could have used these tips myself!).
1. Wash Your Hands—A Lot.
You hear it all the time, but washing your hands is the easiest way to avoid getting sick (incredible science, really). Whether you’re touching doorknobs, elevator buttons, icky handrails, using public transportation, or studying in the library, germs spread fast (you notice it even more when you have a cold—like me). I use my elbow to open doors, my knuckles to press buttons, and other little tricks to limit germ transfer, but the best way to stay germ-free is—washing your hands!
Pro tip: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer for those moments when soap and water aren’t available—bonus points if you have Lysol wipes for tables or other surfaces you plan to work at. (Just don’t overdo it—stressing too much about germs isn’t great for your mental health either!)
2. Prioritize Sleep & Rest 😴
Pulling all-nighters might seem like a necessary evil during midterms and finals, but your immune system depends on sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours per night to keep your body strong. Building a routine helps strengthen your immune system so you only pull an all-nighter when absolutely necessary. That said, time management is a much better approach—though no judgment if you struggle!
Dreamy Idea: Feeling run-down? A 20-minute power nap can work wonders for your energy levels without leaving you groggy. Just be sure to time yourself—napping too long can leave you feeling even more tired than before!
3. Stay Hydrated & Eat Immune-Boosting Foods 💧
•Hydration and nutrition go hand in hand when it comes to staying healthy.
•Drink plenty of water – Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day.
•Load up on vitamin C – Oranges, Peaches (pictured from my garden), and bell peppers help keep your immune system strong. (Did you know peaches have more vitamin c than oranges?)
•Eat well-balanced meals – Fuel your body with protein, whole grains like oatmeal, and leafy greens instead of just surviving on coffee and instant ramen (this is me but coffee and mints 😭)
4. Get Moving—Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Spring is the perfect excuse to get outside and get active! Regular exercise boosts your immune system, improves mood, and helps reduce stress. Even taking a quick Zen stroll around campus will help! Spending time in the sun isn’t “lazy”, it’s self-care! Quote me! Try:
•A walk through Lincoln Park or along the Lakefront Trail
•A quick gym session at The Ray
•Yoga or stretching between study sessions
•Skateboarding (my personal favorite)
Dreamy Idea: Feeling run-down? A 20-minute power nap can work wonders for your energy levels without leaving you groggy. Just be sure to time yourself—napping too long can leave you feeling even more tired than before!
5. Listen to Your Body & Know When to Rest
Feeling under the weather (like I am)? Don’t push yourself—your body needs time to recover, and ignoring symptoms can make things worse. If you’ve been working hard, meeting deadlines, and staying on top of assignments, give yourself permission to rest (think like a cat).
Too often, we only slow down when we’ve already hit a breaking point. Learn to recognize the signs that you need rest—because after all, you can’t have a healthy “university” without a healthy “U.”
When to take a break:
•You’re running a fever (this can feel like you’re stressed and hot until it’s really obvious. Check your temperature if you have doubts!)
•You feel completely drained/exhausted (Get as much rest as you can when you become self-aware of this)
You’re coughing or sneezing constantly (Ideally, wear a mask to keep your fellow DePaul community healthy and try to limit your time with others until you feel better!)
These are my top five tips for staying healthy, but don’t feel bad if you’re feeling under the weather! It’s cold and flu season, so staying healthy can be a challenge. Try these tips for a week and see where you can improve—or where you’re already doing great! Take care, DePaul!
Looking for wellness events, fitness classes, or student-led health initiatives? Check out DeHub, DePaul’s event platform, for resources to keep you feeling your best. Spring in Chicago is too good to miss—so take care of yourself, stay active, and enjoy the season!
VISIT DEPAUL’S HEALTH & WELLNESS OFFICE
Marco Garcia | IG: AstroTheProtege | First-Generation Latino Digital Marketing Student