Photo by: Derek Simpson

Just because you’re at work does not mean you can’t take care of yourself - in fact, you need to be more focused on ways to be healthy. You are spending quite a bit of time there, why not try to make it most of it – here are 10 ways to try to stay healthier at work this holiday season or any time of the year!

1. Wash your hands. Washing your hands is the #1 way you can prevent getting sick! There is no such thing as washing your hands too much – although you might dry out your hands. Nothing a little lotion can’t fix. While it seems obvious, most don’t take it as seriously as they should, so wash your hands before you eat, after the restroom and after sneezing or coughing.
2. Drink more water. Be sure you are drinking enough water - 8 to 10 glasses every day. An easy way to do this is by bringing a 20-ounce bottle of water to work. Try to finish it by lunch, fill it up it again and finish that by 2 p.m., the third by 5 p.m., this can help keep you hydrated.
3. Have hand sanitizer at your desk. Can’t get up to wash your hands right away? Use this as a handy alternative to washing your hands, apply immediately after sneezing or coughing.
4. Keep your workspace clean. Not only keeping things organized but keep it disinfected. Your keyboard, mouse and phone will harbor thousands of germs, be sure to get out the disinfectant.
5. Stay away from those who are sick or showing signs of illness. Another that may seem obvious, but avoid close interactions with those who are sick or seem sick. Refer to #1 – Wash your hands – after interacting with someone who may be sick, sneezing, or coughing.
6. Eat nutritious meals. It’s very common to pack on 5-10 pounds during the holiday season, but there are ways you can eat both healthy and well! You don’t have to deprive yourself of all of the treats, but you don’t have to indulge. Eat smaller meals, opt for a healthier lunch option, be careful of liquid calories, including alcoholic beverages.
7. Take breaks, get out in the sun and fresh air. Get up, walk around, take a break from your desk. Another idea is to take a walk during lunch, not only are you burning calories, but you are de-stressing and refreshing yourself before returning to work.
8. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Having an alternative option for when you need an extra something to get through the will be a much better choice than what you will find in the office vending machines.
9. De-stress! The Holidays can be a stressful time. You may be working extra hours, and feel the stress of managing your work duties along with extra commitments to your friends and family. Plus, the financial stress of gifts and the interpersonal stress of conflicts. This might mean not committing to all of the get-togethers or creating a budget, but you don’t have to feel guilty, taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of others.
10. Take Shots! Keep Emergen-C on Hand. Here at Durvet when a co-worker is feeling down we took a shot – shots of Emergen-C. Keeping spirits up and your immune system is important. Rest is also important if you are feeling ill be sure to stay home, rest and return to work when you are at your best. You can only give your best when you are at your best!