As temperatures cool and illnesses become more prevalent, working with others in an office can begin to feel like risky business! Fortunately, there are key steps you can take to mitigate your risk and maximize your health.
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
The first way to optimize your health is to make healthy eating part of your daily life. Avoid excess sugars, fats and empty calories and instead eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy proteins every day. Eating the right foods will equip your body with the nutrients it needs to fight infection and stay strong.2. Let Supplements Help You
To ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy, supplements are a worthwhile option. Even if you are extremely conscientious about your diet, it can be a challenge to get exactly what your body needs each day, especially when you are always on the go. Consider taking a proven daily supplement such as those by LCR Health which are formulated to target and enhance your body’s natural function so that you maintain energy, strength and immunity. Before taking any vitamin or supplement, check with your doctor to make sure it is right for your specific needs.3. Get Adequate Sleep
It is impossible to overplay the importance of quality sleep; everyone needs it to stay healthy. For adults, this means getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. If this seems impossible, there are strategies you can follow to set yourself up for success. First, set a schedule and stick to it. If you know you must wake every day at 6 am, you must be asleep by no later than 11 pm. To help yourself get to sleep, set the stage. Turn off lights and stimulating sounds an hour before your target sleep time in order to get yourself in the right mode. When you lay down if you struggle to get your mind to shut off, play soothing music or sounds to help yourself relax. Once you become consistent with your nightly schedule, it will become easier for you to fall asleep at the right time.4. Exercise Consistently
Though your days in the office may be long and busy, it is still extremely important to find regular time to stay active. Exercise reduces stress and increases your mood which can help improve your attitude and productivity level. Physical activity also helps stimulate your brain which can keep you sharp at work. For immunity, regular exercise increases the flow of our immune cells which helps your body be even more effective at fighting off viruses and bacteria. Aim for finding 30 minutes each day to exercise. To squeeze in a little bit of activity at work, take a few minutes each hour to get up and walk in a hallway or up and down a flight of stairs.5. Practice Good Hygiene and Distancing
If you are concerned about being in close proximity to others at work, there are easy habits you can adopt to keep sickness at bay. First, be very diligent about hygiene. Wash and scrub your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash hands after touching shared tools or surfaces, after using the restroom and before snacking or eating meals. It is also important to regularly sanitize your workspace and commonly used items and areas. Also, avoid congregating in tight spaces whenever possible. If most people take the elevator, opt for the stairs instead. If your coworkers tend to crowd the breakroom, take your break in your office or outside. Also, keep a mask with you so you can wear it when adequate social distancing is not an option.Though working every day in a busy office can be challenging to one's immune system, it is possible to protect yourself from infection. By implementing a healthy diet, taking supplements, getting a good night's sleep, exercising and practicing effective hygiene habits, you can give yourself adequate protection. Practice these healthy habits so you can do your job without the added stress of getting sick!