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All teachers are looking for tips and tricks to avoid the cold and flu. Especially during the winter months when the germs are flying and the dreaded cold and flu are at it’s worst. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect yourself and boost your immune system. You can also implement some practices and procedures for your students in your classroom like coughing in your elbow and making tissues readily available throughout your room. It’s also a good time to review your school sick policies and maybe send a quick reminder to parents.
What I’m mostly going to cover in this article are things that you can do to protect yourself and boost your immune system. Check out these 9 teacher tips and tricks to avoid the cold and flu.
1. Get extra rest
I know this is pretty basic but it can make a huge difference to help boost your energy to fight off the latest virus going around your classroom. I always feel like we need extra sleep in the winter when the days are shorter anyway. Experts recommend 7-9 hours each night so that’s what you should aim for. If your week days are crazy busy then try to get some extra rest and sleep on the weekends.
2. Take monolaurin to boost your immune system.
I have everyone in my family take this supplement from October through March to try to stay healthy. It’s really good at supporting healthy immune function and is also great for digestion too. Check with your doctor on a good dose for you and your family members.
3. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is one of the best defenses you have. This is such a challenge though when it’s tough to take bathroom breaks. Having a teacher buddy to watch your class when you run to the bathroom is always a good idea or you can try to drink most of your water in the late afternoon and early evening when school is over. Using a big water bottle can also help you keep track of how much water you drink over the course of the day.
4. Take elderberry syrup at the first sign of a cold or flu
My daughter came home with a cold back in October and after 2 days of elderberry syrup it was completely gone. You can also take it daily as a maintenance dose to support your immune system but I like it better as a way to shorten the cold and flu.
5. Wash your hands as much as possible
Not just using hand sanitizer, although that’s good in a pinch, but actually wash your hands with soap and water. It’s really the best way to get rid of all the bugs and germs.
I have also heard that you should wash your hands at least 20 seconds which is longer than you think. Try singing the Happy Birthday song in your head as you wash your hands and you should be all set.
If you feel like your hands are raw in the winter, here’s my favorite hand cream for keeping your hands nice and soft.
6. Increase your dose of Vitamin C
I usually take vitamin C all year long but I like to take a bigger dose in the winter months. It’s a great way to boost your immune system and the supplements are usually reasonably priced.
7. Eat your fruits and veggies
I know this is tough in the winter months but all the nutrients and vitamins in fruits and veggies are just what your body needs to support your immune system. I like to have a salad for lunch and then a fruit/veggie smoothie in the late afternoon or every evening. Even if I eat badly the rest of the day then I at least have some fruits and veggies on board. I also pack fruit in my teacher bag or purse to snack on throughout the day. Grapes, bananas, clementines, and apples all make easy snacks to pack.
8. Keep your classroom clean
Wiping down surfaces with disinfecting wipes is a great way to kill those nasty germs. Don’t forget the door knob, desks, and shared writing utensils like markers for the board. I also like this Thieves spray for disinfecting. It’s expensive so I mostly used it for my phone, desk, keyboard, and mouse.
9. Do your favorite exercise
Keeping your body moving is a great way to enhance your immune system. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy but find your favorite way to exercise. I’m a fan of walking outside. My dog, Teddy, is great at encouraging me. I also do some yoga when I can. I particularly like the 10 and 20 minute workouts that I have on my phone since it’s much easier to find the time for those.
If you do get sick, try using some easy lessons for your sub to make your life a little easier. Boom Cards are great for subs because they’re technology based and you can track student data while you’re home sick.
I hope you find these 9 Teacher Tips and Tricks to Avoid the Cold and Flu helpful and that you and your family stay healthy during the cold and flu season!
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