Some people are skeptical of flu season hype, and others are applying hand sanitizer on a regular schedule. Whatever end of the spectrum students fall on, most can agree they want to avoid getting sick.

Several elements of daily life not related to medicine can boost the immune system, according to a Prevention.com article. These include friendship, sleep, optimism, walking and laughter.

“I think it’s really important to have a support system; people to fall back on,” said Stephanie Alderman-Oler, junior in secondary education.

Katie Whitney, who graduated in May with a degree in anthropology, said friendship is one way to alleviate stress because when people are with friends, they can let go of school concerns, among others.

Dan Wilcox, psychologist from University Counseling Services, said good relationships are a source of positive emotions, so it is a good recommendation to find time to maintain those friendships.

Many college students complain of sleep deprivation on a regular basis, and Whitney said she thought sleep is most helpful for staying healthy.

“I think I feel kind of sick if I don’t get enough sleep,” Whitney said. “It’s good for the body to have a regular schedule and not get worn down.”

Alderman-Oler said she does not function well if she does not get adequate sleep. She also said students could prevent the widespread lack of sleep by planning out their time better, which would include less cramming and more studying beforehand.

Wilcox said sleep is a mystery. He said some people do fine on little sleep, although if a person goes days without sleeping, that will have an effect. He said the necessary amount of sleep depends on the individual.

“Sleep probably helps your immune system,” Wilcox said. “But I wouldn’t get too alarmed if you miss a night studying.”

A person’s mindset also seems to have effects on their immune system, Wilcox said.

“People who talk to themselves in a way that’s optimistic tend to have a more robust immune system,” Wilcox said. He said people who have unfortunate experiences and cannot climb out of the low tend to have more problems with their immune systems.

Whitney said she relied on a mentality that she refused to get sick and was not worried about doing so.

Alderman-Oler said it is good for people to get their minds off deadlines occasionally.

“I think it’s really easy for people to make themselves sick with stress,” she said.

Another way to keep the immune system strong is getting exercise, even if it’s just walking. Wilcox said one of the treatments for depression is mild to moderate exercise.

“You don’t have to go crazy on the elliptical or anything, but it seems to be a depression-buster,” Wilcox said.

Whitney also said exercise is an important part of a balanced lifestyle, as well as a way to relieve stress.

“It puts you in just an overall better mindset,” Alderman-Oler said. “You just feel better about yourself.”

The article cited the importance of finding time to laugh, even in the goal-driven seriousness of school.

Wilcox said there seems to be a mounting stack of evidence that positive emotions lead to a better immune system because those with a positive outlook are able to bounce back quicker.

“I feel like there’s a saying how laughter cures things,” Whitney said. She said it is important to keep happy and motivated.

So it seems a positive mindset is a key component of keeping the immune system strong and resilient. Friendship, optimism and laughter are all tools to facilitate that, and sleep and exercise can make a difference also.

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