'Tis the Season... To Fight the Sickies

So, it's winter (I know, not technically until Saturday) and with all the germs and crud flying around, we're all bound to get something. Sometimes our co-workers share, sometimes our kids, our gym mates, or neighbors, even the folks working at the restaurant where we had lunch.

Advice on how to stay away from the crud:

Wash your hands. We've all heard it ten thousand times, but it bares repeating. This time of year we need to remember that more is more here. Not just before we handle food, or after using the restroom, but after a meeting when you've glad handed the boss/clients. Event after helping your kiddos with homework. WASH. Then moisturize. Your hands will thank you.

Rest.  It's easy to get run down this time of year. We are all running around, shopping, meetings, gatherings, programs, on top of all the 'regular' stuff we have to do. Get your Zzz's. Your well rested body will be better equipped to fight off the crud.

Take a Deep Breath. 'Tis the season to be stressed, too. Seasonal pressures can lead to feeling run down and could leave you susceptible to the sneaky germs bouncing around.

Drink Water. What? Yes, water. A well hydrated body has healthier cells. Healthy cells fight the crud. Along those same lines - eat your veggies and take a multi-vitamin. Be proactive with your health!

What to do once you have the crud:

It's okay to say, "Thanks for the invite, but I can't make it." or "I'm sick and I need to stay home."  How many times have you seen folks, attending a function when they are not well? Coughing, sniffling and being,well, miserable. And even more fabulous, spreading their (or their kids') germs.  Probably something we tend to do even more is to go into work when clearly we are a petri dish of varied crud, crud that is ready to pounce on unsuspecting coworkers and clients. Stay home. Take your medicine. See your doctor. Rest. Oh, and wash your hands.

Rest. Stay home. It's too late for the avoidance. I'm full on CRUD. Coughing, sniffling, sneezing.  I didn't want to miss my workout on Tuesday night - but I did. No one wants to work out with that girl who hacks all over the equipment I'm up to use next and I didn't want to BE that girl, either.

I'm guilty of going to work - I tried to stay in my office, door closed, and use Clorox wipes on every surface I came into contact with.

Also guilty of helping to scoop the driveway after our first bout of snow. I couldn't leave it up to my hubby - I mean, I should have - but we're a team. But the cold air, coughing and strain on my body did NOTHING to help speed my recovery. I need to learn when to say "when."

So, moving forward, I'm taking small steps. More water. Wash my hands. Put the vitamins next to my tooth brush (I don't forget that in the morning!) and learning that it's okay to admit defeat and go to bed. Asking for help with the 'to do' list will be my biggest challenge.

But I love a challenge!

Stay (or get) well, friends.
<3Jen

If you'd like to learn more about simple steps to stay healthy, check out these pages:
Prevention Tips
Men's Health
And a myriad of other sites, but really, they all say about the same stuff - WASH YOUR HANDS! :)