How to stay healthy in the office during the cold season

The nights are getting longer, the days are getting colder, and Instagram feeds are becoming inexplicably (but expectedly) filled with pictures of PSLs and blurry pictures of trees with turning leaves. It’s autumn. And we’re also officially in cold season. Over the coming months it’s time to wrap up, heat up some soup, and pack tissues in your work bag. But it’s not all literal doom and gloom, you can always take preventative measures to keep those pesky colds at bay.

KEEP UP ON THE HYGIENE

At work, germs are present on every surface. Washing hands regularly helps prevent the germs from being spread from person to person, or from object to person. Germs on your hands can enter the body from eating food and nail biting, so it’s good to keep on top of it.

STAY ACTIVE

It’s never really been proven, but there’s strong speculation from the science community that exercise can help in fighting off infections. Either way, it can’t hurt to do it. Make it fun by joining your workplace bootcamp or yoga classes, and mingle with your colleagues. You can find out if there’s any Spaces fitness events happening near you on the events page.

TAKE A WALK

With people coughing and sneezing in the same cramped space, germs are easily spread. Opening a window will help ventilation and mediate the spread a bit. If there are no windows (or windows you can’t open due to being ten floors up), find some time during the day to pop out for a walk around the area. Although even if you have functioning windows, it’s still good to get out and get a walk – both to take a break from breathing the same air as everyone, and getting some light exercise in.

KEEP IT FRESH AND NUTRITIOUS

You don’t have to change your diet completely, but making sure you get a good dose of veggies and fruits to help you ward off anything nasty over the coming months. Getting a cold or the flu is often down to just pure bad luck, but lifestyle can also play a part. Staying hydrated also helps to flush out toxins in the body.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…

If you’re sick, you’re sick. And you’re also contagious. Save yourself the stress and the potential of passing anything nasty on to your coworkers by calling in sick and staying home.

AND FOR OUR UPSIDE DOWN FRIENDS

If you live in the southern hemisphere, while the cold weather may not apply to you, it’s always good to keep these things in mind. Just remember to put on some sunscreen.