Cold Comfort Battling the winter woes

By Ben O’Connell

If you do have co-workers off sick, be mindful to manage your workload. Avoid the vicious cycle of a bare bones team getting burnt out and sick themselves.

Embrace nature

Diet

Work starts with arriving ready and healthy. Eating a nutritious breakfast before work will fuel you through the groggy morning haze. Remember to consistently stay hydrated. If you can, bring lunch with you. It’s cheaper and healthier than buying it. Snack smarter too, with fruits and vegetables over processed sweets. Although it’s tough to admit, cutting down on coffee also has its benefits. Caffeine tends to make you feel warmer than you really are. Keep it clean

Staying vigilantly hygienic over winter is easier said than done. One easy way to start is cleaning those surfaces you most forget to clean, like desks, keyboards, monitors, and doorknobs. Carpets can get exceptionally dusty, harbouring winter nasties.

Winter is a tough time to grow a garden but that doesn’t mean avoiding it. Immersing yourself in nature has countless health benefits, some being better breathing, sleep, and immune function.

Light therapy is key over winter, so aim to get at least a couple hours of midday sun during winter weeks. Your mind will thank you for the break from our overstimulating world too. Simply existing in green spaces can boost your motivation to exercise. Any activity that gets your body moving is better than another lunch break spent in the office.

Another option to consider is bringing the outside in. Greenery will brighten up both you and your workplace.

Winterproof your space

Investing in winterproofing your workplace before the season hits protects both people and profit. Clear parking lots of ice and reduce slippery surfaces. Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards.

Don’t let the winter cold in, but do keep your workplace well-ventilated. If you’re working outside, then consider how heavy rain, strong winds, and the effects of the bitter cold will impact the site.

Mental health

Workplaces can do many things to improve workers’ mental health. Increased worker autonomy. Well-understood work schedules. Keeping the fun alive to boost engagement and creativity.

Offering work from home days and alternative work methods. Fostering a work community where everyone feels safe to speak their mind. Applauding employees for taking mental health days. Changing up the workplace environment. The list goes on.

Overall

New Zealanders are culturally inclined to grin and bear the winter woes so their co-workers aren’t forced to pick up the slack. The reality is that you are letting the team down more so by not caring for your health.

Don’t suck it up. Take the break and come back feeling better than ever. Maybe get the flu jab. You never want to become your workplace’s patient zero.

See winter as a reminder to take care of yourself, a chance to better your body, mind, and soul. You’ll be ready to tackle the warmer months headfirst! CT