Cold Buster Guide
Cold and flu season is right around the corner waiting to steal your wallet. Or at least knock you out of commission for a few days. So before those germs get to you, get your immune system primed with our easy-peasey, cold-buster guide.
1. Go for protein
The antibodies that fight disease are made of protein so as cold season looms make sure to include lean protein in every meal. Eggs, yogurt and fish are healthy, lean options.
2. Take a sip
Hot tea is a staple during colds but it can help prevent them too. Not only do black and green teas contain antioxidants but honey is antibacterial and lemon helps loosen congestion. If it's later in the day stick with a caffeine-free variety so as not to interfere with sleep.
3. Wipe things down
If you think your workplace is covered with germs, you're right. Keep disinfecting wipes at your desk and wipe down your keyboard, desk phone, and other touchpoints on your desk every day. Surprise! Your cell phone is the worst culprit of all. Wipe it down daily with a microfiber cloth and diluted alcohol solution. If you don't want to go on a disinfecting rampage in other areas of the office, use a paper towel when opening refrigerator and microwave doors and when turning off the faucet.
4. Wash your hands
A lot. This one is basic hygiene but it's worth emphasizing. Wet hands, apply soap and rub vigorously for 20 seconds - it's longer than you think! Then pat hands dry to prevent flaking skin, which can can be an open door to germs.
5. Change your clothes
It might sound like a vestige from the 1950's but changing clothes when you come home from school or work can help keep you from spreading germs to your home and family. Lucky for us, “athleisure” wear is now a multi-billion dollar industry so you have lots of options to choose from.6. Sleep It OffIt's impossible to overestimate the importance of sleep to the immune system. Research shows that we need seven to eight hours of sleep to fight off disease. So if you're feeling under the weather go easy on the booze and skip that next hour of the Netflix binge.
7. Have fun
Laughter and positive feelings are scientifically shown to be good for your immune system. Period. Check out this article to learn more.
