Workplace Wellness: An RD's Top Five Ways to Maintain Wellness at the Office this Cold and Flu Season

As the chill of autumn settles in, it brings more with it than just crunchy, colorful leaves and seasonally-inspired drinks. The onset of cold and flu season has officially arrived. Coupled with widespread back-to-office mandates, cold and flu season poses a unique challenge for professionals in office spaces that can quickly become a hotbed for germs and illnesses.

To stay healthy and productive throughout the changing seasons, we spoke with Registered Dietitian Kelly Springer about her top five ways to turn your workspace into a wellness haven to protect yourself and contribute to a healthier, more resilient workplace for all this cold and flu season. To stay at your best, she suggests the following for a holistic approach to workplace wellness:

Stock Your Desk with Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Throat Drops: Your Secret Weapon

When it comes to maintaining wellness during the cold and flu season, Wedderspoon's Manuka Honey Throat Drops are a game-changer. These natural lozenges offer soothing relief and are a powerful ally in your wellness routine. Not only do they taste good — coming in a wide variety of flavors including my personal favorite, lemon — but they also feature naturally-occurring wellness ingredients like organic Manuka honey, echinacea and bee propolis to really take it to another level. They provide immediate comfort for scratchy, irritated throats — which is often the first sign of an oncoming illness — while also bolstering your immune system to give you an extra edge against seasonal threats. Rich in antioxidants, they help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. Keeping these in your desk, briefcase or purse is the tastiest way to make sure you’re always prepared should you feel that first tickle in your throat.

Build an Immune-Boosting Snack Arsenal

Your immune system is your body's first line of defense against seasonal illnesses. Fueling it with the right nutrients can make all the difference, which can be hard to do during long and busy work days. Keeping a personal stash of a variety of immune-boosting snacks can be a great way to combat this and also keep your defenses strong throughout the day. Reach for things like:

• Mixed nuts, which are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats to provide sustained energy throughout the day.
• Dried fruits, like cranberries, apricots and goji berries, that are packed with vitamin C and help combat free radicals in the body.
• Pumpkin seeds, a fun, seasonal treat high in zinc for increased immune function.
• Warm green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and provides comforting relief to irritated throats.

Create a Happy Environment

When it comes to fortifying your workspace against cold weather and flu season, creating a clean, comfortable environment with air you can breathe easily is paramount. A must-have in your workplace wellness arsenal is a humidifier, which combats dry indoor air that can irritate your respiratory system, make you more susceptible to illness and lead to chapped, cracked skin. Today, there are so many portable options perfect for an office space to maintain your personal optimal humidity levels to show your lungs, sinuses and skin some love without being overwhelming.

It goes without saying, but regularly cleaning your workspace is essential for maintaining a germ-free environment. To prevent a buildup of germs that can compromise your immune system, make it a habit to sanitize high-touch surfaces in your office like your mouse, keyboard, phone and desktop with natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are powerful against seasonal threats but avoid harsh chemicals.

Together, these routines help create a healthier, happier space that supports your well-being throughout the winter months.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Proper hydration is key to maintaining overall health, but is especially important during cold and flu season. When you're well-hydrated, your body can efficiently flush out toxins and keep your immune system functioning optimally. To make sure you’re getting your ounces in during the day, turn your desk into a hydration station. I find that a large, reusable water bottle with time markers helps me turn my hydration into a game that encourages me to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. If plain water is just not your jam, you can also take this a step further by having natural flavor enhancers on hand. Lemon or orange slices, cucumber rounds and fresh mint leaves are some of my favorite ways to make drinking water more enjoyable, and they each have their own added benefits and nutrients.

Get Creative About Getting In Your Daily Movement

Regular movement boosts circulation and supports overall health and immune function, but it can be hard to find the motivation to get outside for exercise after a long day at the office — especially as the days grow shorter. When it comes to maintaining your health and wellness during the colder months, a walking pad can be a real game-changer for your office setup. It combats the sedentary desk-work lifestyle, offers the flexibility to multitask throughout your day and helps you to stay active, ensuring you get those steps in without having to brave the early sunset or dreary weather.

By creating a daily office routine focused on these elements, you'll be implementing a robust defense against cold and flu season. This year, if you look around and everyone seems to be coming down with something, try creating an office space that takes a holistic approach to maintaining your health and wellness.