One sneeze, one cough, and one handshake. This is how the widespread infection of cold and flu symptoms can invade your workplace, and can keep your from performing well and feeling your best. Not to worry—here are a few ways that you can minimize the risk of illness in the workplace, and keep yourself feeling happy, healthy, and productive.
Drink water.
Water is the foundation of life, so it’s no wonder that drinking water is the ultimate factor in staying healthy in the workplace. Drinking water throughout the day will give you more energy and productivity, and it will keep your immune system strong, so keep a big old bottle of water at your desk, and refill it throughout the day.
Take breaks.
Stress and exhaustion due to a high-octane job doesn’t just take an emotional toll. The stress of the everyday grind can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. It’s very important to take breaks throughout the workday to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and keep your body and mind aligned. It’ll keep you healthier, and most likely, more productive.
Wash your hands.
This one’s a no-brainer, and an essential habit for good hygiene and health. Hit your hands with soap and warm water, and stop germs from spreading around the office or into your body—just like your mother taught you.
If you’re sick and contagious, take the day off.
While it’s admirable to be wholly dedicated to your job and your coworkers, coming into work sick just to be a tough guy can put your coworkers at risk for illness, which can be a huge disservice to your employer. If you have a contagious illness, or are experiencing a lot of sneezing and coughing, it’s best to take the day off—or at the very least, work from home.
If you absolutely can’t skip work, protect your coworkers by washing your hands frequently, and cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow instead of into your hands.
Avoid coworkers who appear to be sick.
When someone in the office get sick, it’s bound to spread. That’s why you must be weary of coworkers who are exhibiting signs of illness. It might seem rude to avoid your sniffly and sneezy coworker, but it’s a critical to keeping yourself healthy and happy in the workplace.
It’s critical to avoid germ “hotspots” as well. Bathroom door handles and communal sinks can harbor a lot of germs, so it’s reasonable to use paper towels as a barrier to protect yourself from those who don’t care to wash their hands, even if your coworkers make fun of you for it. Just don’t become too afraid of germs—they’re an unavoidable part of life.
Ease up on the coffee.
Coffee can be extremely helpful for alertness and productivity in the workplace, but it’s important to keep your coffee intake to a minimum. Large amounts of caffeine in the morning can lead to debilitating headaches and exhaustion in the afternoon, which can compromise your immune system and increase the likelihood of illness.
Stick to a cup of coffee in the morning to kick start your day, and take it easy on the cream and sugar. Your immune system will thank you for it.
Talk to your pharmacist.
Your local pharmacists at Good Day Pharmacy have a wealth of knowledge about sickness treatment and preventative health, so they can be an incredible resource as you navigate through cold and flu season. Stop by Good Day today, and pick up everything you need to stay healthy in the workplace!