It’s flu season again and many of you are probably wondering how to escape the dreaded scratchy throat that inevitably leads to a sniffle and then full-blown sickness.
If you’re a germaphobe (or simply conscious about cleanliness in general), then you might find yourself putting in extra effort this month to keep your home, office, car, etc. extra-clean.
However, some of us need a little nudge and reminder when it comes to keeping germs out of our everyday lives and ultimately out of our bodies.
Here are our top 11 tips for not getting sick this flu season:
This should be a no-brainer, but washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
If you think about all of the things you touch in one day–the handle on your fridge, the pump at the gas station, the keypad at the grocery store, and the doorknob leading into your office building–and then think about all the potentially sick people who also touch those things in one day, that’s a lot of exposure to other people’s germs. Plus, when you’re not touching those surfaces, sometimes you’re touching your face, rubbing your nose or eyes, biting your nails, or handling food and drink.
Always wash your hands after touching communal surfaces and before eating or touching your face. Keep hand sanitizer in your car and at your desk for those situations when you’re not near soap and water.
…and your workplace. At least once a week, but more often if you are surrounded by sick people, take a sanitizating wipe and clean all surfaces that you regularly come in contact with:
It’s also a good time to wash items that may not get washed as often as they should.
Even if you wash your hands frequently, germs can easily spread, and your home and office can be a breeding ground.
A friendly email to your department or group text to your family is all it takes to make people aware of the impending flu season. You can also share this blog post to pass along the knowledge.
Let them know that you will be frequently sanitizing shared spaces and washing your hands more frequently to avoid spreading germs, and suggest that they do the same.
Even if everyone in your life is taking extra precaution to halt the spread of germs, it’s likely that you will still encounter quite a few individuals or even groups who have succumbed to the flu.
Don’t share drinks, avoid shaking hands and touching public surfaces, and maybe stay away from any community candy bowls that you encounter.
This rule goes both ways–if you do end up getting sick do your part to keep your hands clean and refrain from touching people and shared objects as much as possible.
We know it may be tempting to stay up binge-watching “Stranger Things 2” right now, but a good night’s sleep is sometimes all your body needs to recharge and fend off sickness.
Water is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Drinking the recommended daily amount at a minimum every day–not just during flu season–is something we should all be doing. Fluids such as herbal teas and juices high in vitamin C are also good, but should not substitute your water intake.
Though the temperature is rarely unbearable here in Southern California, it can be tempting to stay in and snuggle rather than go for your usual jog or bike ride as the weather begins to cool down. Studies have shown that active people are less likely to get sick, so get out there!
Open your windows to air out your home, take a walk outside on your lunch break, and consider buying a few house plants. Breathing in fresh, clean air instead of stagnant, possibly germ-infested air is always preferable. Plus, you can accomplish No. 7 at the same time!
During the holiday season especially, it seems there’s always a reason to celebrate. Those celebrations are full of spirits and sometimes turn into late nights. It’s OK to just drink water and leave early some nights, especially if you’re already a little under the weather.
It’s tempting to pick something up on the way home, or resort to microwave dinners, especially now that it’s getting darker earlier. But, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables in your meal and eating all the colors of the rainbow will keep your body and mind happy and healthy.
WebMD suggests a combination of everything we have suggested is important to your overall health. Adequate rest, good nutrition, not smoking, and paying attention to your body’s needs are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which will help to fend off sickness even when it seems like you’re surrounded by it.
Sometimes, getting sick is inevitable, even for the most health-conscious of us. Following these tips will definitely help, but whether you get sick or not, it’s important to stay stress-free.
A detox bath, getting cozy with a book and cup of tea, yoga or meditation can go a long way to keeping you healthy. We all lead busy lives, so take a moment for yourself at least once a day to relax and gather your thoughts.
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November 2nd, 2017 at 3:30 pm