It’s the time of year when lots of people suffer from at least one cold. While you may not be able to avoid ever getting sick, you can prep your bag to help you ward off the worst of it this winter. You carry your bag with you wherever you go, so it just makes sense to load it up with all the essentials for staying healthy, no matter what time of year it is. Here’s what you should toss into your bag today.
1 A Healthy Snack
Making sure you eat healthy boosts your immunity and helps your body battle the germs that cause a cold. Keeping a snack in your bag makes it less likely that you’ll eat junk food from the vending machine or the drive-thru when hunger strikes. An apple or orange is totally portable and ready to eat when you want it. Nuts, trail mix or a banana make other excellent options.
Frequently asked questions
2 A Trial Size Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
Washing your hands with warm water and soap is a guaranteed way to kill germs and stay healthy. However, when you aren’t close to a sink, hand sanitizer is a good runner up. When you’re exposed to cold germs, slather some sanitizer on to help get rid of the germs. It’s also a good idea to wash up after touching communal things like the ATM, the coffee pot at work or the door handles at the mall.
3 Your Gym Membership Card
OK, this card only works if you use it. Regular exercise is vital for keeping your body healthy and keeping a cold at bay. Hit the gym at least three times per week to help keep yourself in tip top shape. Of course, if you prefer, you can also exercise at home or on the trail at your local park. Do something you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it.
4 A Cute Scarf or Wrap
Not only will this up your style factor, but it can also block cold germs from getting into your body. Wear the scarf and pull it up over your nose and mouth if someone on the bus is coughing or the lady in front of you at the grocery store is sneezing. A scarf will also keep your body warm, which makes it easier to fight off germs.
5 A Bottle of Water
Staying hydrated is absolutely vital for staying healthy. This means your mucus membranes remain in top condition for trapping and expelling the germs that could make you sick. If you don’t care for water, try flavoring it with fruit, lemons or limes to give it a better taste. Or sip green tea instead.
6 Disinfectant Wipes
Just like you use hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean, you can use the wipes to clean the things you touch to help cut down on the transmission of germs. Use the wipes to clean your keyboard and phone at the office and the table you sit at when you go have lunch with your bestie.
7 A Happiness App
Staying in a good mood and cutting your stress can help you ward off the cold virus. Download an app that gives you motivating quotes or has photos of kittens and babies. Whatever it takes to make you smile. Take a quick happiness break several times during the day to stay healthy and well all year long.
Do you carry any of these things with you on a regular basis? Will you start now?
