5 Tips for Combating the Office Flu

Community Manager — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Hey groundhog, what early spring? Much of the East Coast is still getting walloped by wintery weather: cold and flu season is dragging on for the time-being. Read on for tips for dodging winter illnesses while at work.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat: Your mother was right. Washing your hands is the best source of defense against flu and cold germs. Make hand-washing a regular habit when you first arrive at the office and throughout the day. Lather up and scrub for at least 20 seconds-sing the A, B, Cs in your head to gauge proper scrubbing time-and you are good to go. In a pinch, use a hand sanitizer but make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol for maximum effectiveness.

Rest Up: A good night's sleep is clinically proven to help ward off cold germs so log at least seven, or better yet eight, hours of shut-eye on a regular basis. A rested body is a healthier body.

Colorful Diet: Add bright berries and colorful veggies to your workday diet to boost your immune system with powerful antioxidants. For more immune boosting eats, read 10 Flu Fighting Foods. And maintain optimum energy levels all day long with the ideas from our past post Healthy Office Eats. Yup, It's Possible.

Reduce Stress: Take steps to reduce stress which can undermine your immune system. Add regular, moderate exercise to your daily routine and consider relaxation techniques such as mediation or journaling. Even a brisk 15-minute walk midday can be enough to boost your energy levels and reinvigorate your immune system. For other ideas, read Stress Less: Seven Simple Ideas to Cut Stress.

Add Tea, Subtract Wine: Even moderate consumption of alcohol can compromise immune response, so consider teetotaling during cold and flu season. Instead, add green or herbal teas to your evening's routine for both their antioxidant and relaxing properties.

Beyond Folders : healthy eating, flu

5 Tips for Combating the Office Flu