Winter is just around the corner and that means it’s prime flu season. Which means you’ll want to ramp up your wellness, cleanliness, and hygiene. When it comes to staying healthy through winter, preventive measures are key, so this is no time to slack off. Here are a few tips to avoid getting hit with a nasty flu/cold this season.
Wash Your Hands Like a Mad Germaphobe
Seriously. Wash your hands constantly. Before you eat, after you eat, after the restroom, anytime you leave your home, repeatedly when you’re not at home, and anytime you touch any public surface. Doorknobs, handrails, chair arms, pens, money, phones, and ATM machines are all major culprits for germs! You need to wash your hands constantly or use a hand sanitizer frequently to kill these germs that are lurking literally everywhere.
Wipe Everything Down
Get one of those economy size containers of Clorox wipes and wipe all surfaces down regularly. Especially at your work desk. Be sure to regularly wipe down your phones, laptops/tablets, etc. Keeping surfaces you’re frequently in contact with clean will help prevent the transmission of germs.
Beware of Public Transportation
This includes cabs, buses, subways, Citibikes, and airplanes! If you’re flying, wipe down your tray table, armrests and any other hard surface surrounding you. And for goodness sakes, don’t even touch those free pillows and blankets unless they’re wrapped in sealed plastic! If you’re riding the subway or bus and you need to hold on to the rails, keep a pair of washable gloves handy. If you must hold on to the rail with your bare hands, wash them as soon as you can. Subways and buses are especially filthy. If you can skip the subway and walk -do it! Not only will you avoid germs, but you’ll get extra exercise. It’s a win-win.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep wears the immune system down. Sleep deprivation=culprit for sickness. Get a healthy amount of sleep (7-8 hours is usually ideal). During the winter months when cold and flu season is in full swing, it’s especially important to prioritize sleep. There’s nothing else in the world that can compensate for sleep, so you’re just going to have to make it happen.
Healthy Diet
It’s no mystery that a healthy diet improves our lives in general. When it comes to cold and flu prevention, healthy eating is essential. You can’t expect to avoid sickness if you’re on a steady diet of McDonald’s. Be sure you’re eating plenty of veggies and fruits along with healthy fats and Omega-3’s found in foods such as fish and nuts. It’s also worth taking Emergen-C
daily to keep your immune system fine-tuned.
Get a Flu Shot
We’re admittedly not completely sold on the flu shot, but most doctors recommend it, so it’s probably a smart decision to get one every year. Do some research and talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
No Sharing
Communal food and drink sharing is a recipe for germ disaster! It’s not rude to not sip out of someone’s cup or refuse to eat off their spoon -it’s SMART and preventative. If someone gets butthurt, just tell them the truth -you’re taking preventative measures. The other option is being laid up for a week because someone gave you their virus. Just say no to communal food/drink sharing.
Wear a Gas Mask
Everyone might think you’re Jason from Halloween, but at least you won’t get sick. Okay, we’re COMPLETELY kidding about this one. Really though, all these tips may seem like a lot of work or a little obsessive compulsive, but they work. If you want to stay on your A-game this season, it’s worth the extra effort to take these preventative measures.
Here’s to a healthy, germ-free holiday season!
