Effective ways to avoid a cold or the flu this summer

Getting a cold or the flu during the summer is no fun. Here are the most effective ways to avoid getting sick from all those germs at your office:

Wash your hands. You’ve heard it before, but it’s advice that shouldn’t be taken lightly: Wash your hands! Whether you just finished up in the restroom or had to cover up a cough or sneeze, take the time to lather up with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. (Most people don’t wash their hands long enough.) Work in a building with dozens of door knobs? Keep hand sanitizer at your desk and use it!

Get plenty of sleep. Are you getting eight or more hours of sleep every night? The less you sleep, the more vulnerable your immune system becomes to germs and viruses. Doing something as simple as adding a few extra hours of sleep to your daily routine can not only increase your focus, but it’ll also help keep you healthy.

Try to stay positive. Believe it or not, our thoughts play a major role in how we feel and how our bodies function. Work can be stressful. Here are some tips from experts to help cope with stress at the office.