Self-Care Pocket Guide • Things to Read Before Using This Guide
Grandmother's Advice Still Works Today

Grandmother's advice can help with stress, insomnia, and many other things that ail you. Plus, it can help prevent chronic health problems and keep you feeling and functioning at your best.

• Get 30 to 45 minutes of sustained exercise like swimming, biking, walking, or jogging 4 to 5 times a week.
• Eat at least 3 times a day. Choose a wide variety of healthy foods including fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Eat foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fat.
• Eat breakfast every day, even if it's just a healthy snack on the way to class.
• Drink 2 quarts of water every day. Drink more if exercising or sweating heavily.
• Minimize caffeine, chocolate, and sugar intake. To reduce caffeine "withdrawal" symptoms, reduce your intake incrementally over a week or so.
• Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake, or the use of stimulant or sedative drugs.
• Plan for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.