Ahh Winter. The season of celebrating holidays, eating good food and tissues. Wait - Tissues?? By now if you haven't caught that annual winter cold, you most likely know someone who has (and are actively avoiding them...well their germs at least). But how do you avoid someone you work with? To be frank, working in an office environment can be like thrusting yourself into a cesspool of germs for 8 hours a day. BUT WAIT! While this may seem like your fate is sealed to spend a week or so in a cough medicine-haze, there are things that you and your office mates can do to help fight the good fight against cold and flu bugs. (in no particular order of course)
1. Wash your hands - and not just after going to the bathroom. I recommend doing this at least before eating and after meeting someone. Does this really need elaboration? (and then avoid touching your face)
2. Keep a handy supply of hand sanitizer nearby. I know that there are constant debates on the actual benefits of this product, however, I feel as though any little bit helps.
3. Clean your office space at least twice a week - especially if it is frequently visited. By this I mean to keep it nice and clean in the traditional sense, but to also wipe it down with household cleaning wipes. Areas to target are:
- Keyboard
- Monitor
- Mouse
- Phone
- Doorknob
- General desk area
- Any handles (ie. filing cabinets)
5. Keep your fluid levels up! Staying hydrated will both keep you healthy and keep your skin looking fresh! In this case, coffee and other caffinated beverages do not count as fluids. Water or a sports drink will work wonders. (And if you do end up getting sick, it will keep the 'gunk' so to speak moving right out of your system)
6. ZzzZzzZzz Who doesn't want to just curl up and go to sleep when the sun has set by 6pm? By allowing your body 7-9 hours of good, uninterrupted sleep each night, you are giving it time to rest from the day and prepare you for the day ahead. This can be achieved through setting up a nightly routine that you stick to.
7. Take off. If you feel yourself coming down with something, take the day off from work. Your body will thank you for the extra time to rest and heal and your office mates will thank you too. It is also important to point out that it is okay to ask for help as well. Over-exerting yourself when you aren't feeling your best is not the way to get better.
8. Some people recommend the flu shot - or any other preventative procedures. While I am not telling you to go out and get this done (because then I would be a hypocrite) many people swear to its benefits. If you do decide to get one, research the side effects and be fully educated on the risks and benefits before you go.
9. Know the difference between a cold and the flu or something more serious - and don't be afraid to go to the doctor. And when I say doctor, I mean a living, breathing person in one of those spiffy white lab coats. Google does NOT count as a doctor - even though we want it to.
9a. If the doctor gives you medicine for your ailment, finish your prescription!
10. Keep warm - I mean, its called a cold for a reason! Okay, so while the actual act of being cold won't get you sick, there has been some research to show that lower body temperatures can in turn lower your immune system, thus making you more prone to getting sick. So here's to big comfy sweaters, tightly-wrapped scarfs, warm gloves and a hat to top off any winter ensemble.
So there you have it. 10 tips on staying healthy. While I'm not a doctor, I do love watching medical shows. But what I love more is staying healthy. (gosh that was cheesy) My best advice would be to just be smart and use your best judgment this season in terms of staying healthy. Remember and put into practice those things we were taught in kindergarten and you are one step ahead of those who don't.
Now I'm off to set up a countdown to springtime and warm weather! Woo!!
^^^who isn't excited for this?
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