8 Essentials For Keeping Those Postholiday Colds and Flus at Bay

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After all that holiday travel time spent sitting way too close to other (likely sick) people on planes, buses, or trains, your body is probably feeling a little run down — I know mine is. You might be jet lagged or just having a hard time returning to real life after the festivities. This is a prime time for a cold or flu to attack your weakened immune system, so make sure you do everything in your power to fend off falling ill. Keep reading for some key tips and products that will help keep you healthy, even when everyone in your office is sniffling.

Wash Your Hands
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Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is a nonnegotiable if you want to stay healthy during any season. If you're like me and trying to live that sustainable life, try out Soapply Liquid Hand Soap ($23) — it's an all-natural soap packaged in a recycled glass bottle. Plus, it offers refills so you can reuse the same bottle without the extra plastic waste.

Make Sure Your Home Is Germ-Free
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Make Sure Your Home Is Germ-Free

When you're attempting to stay healthy, lingering germs are your worst enemy — and your home is a veritable amusement park for them. Enter my all-star cleaning trifecta: Clorox® Clean Up Cleaner + Bleach ($3), Clorox® Toilet Bowl Cleaner ($3), and Clorox® Regular Bleach with Cloromax® ($4). When you have these three products in your arsenal, you get the peace of mind that comes with a seriously sanitized home. From kitchen countertops to the toilet to any random mess, Clorox® has your back when it comes to keeping your home surfaces germ-free — and a clean space will help keep you and those you care about healthy.

Get Moving!
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Get Moving!

Any type of movement or exercise is going to help you stay healthy. Getting up that heart rate leads to a stronger body, inside and out! So throw on a pair of Girlfriend Collective Foam Compressive High-Rise Leggings ($68) — which are made from recycled water bottles — and find an activity that speaks to you.

Eat Your Greens
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Eat Your Greens

A diet rich in leafy greens, vitamins, and minerals will help your body ward off infections more effectively and keep your immune system functioning in tip-top shape. Try the Aicook Juicer ($44), and make some of your favorite juices that will nourish you from the inside out.

Stay Hydrated
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Stay Hydrated

Most health officials agree that you should be drinking about eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day for your body to be adequately hydrated. For some people, this comes naturally. Me, on the other hand: sometimes I'll go an entire day without a sip. To remind yourself to drink throughout the day, set alarms on your phone to help keep agua top of mind, reminding you it's time to take the next gulp. And to make sure you always have fresh water on hand, keep a full Brita Water Filter Pitcher ($39) in your fridge at all times.

Think About Air Quality
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Think About Air Quality

Air pollution is a huge factor when it comes to contracting a cold — just think about all that bacteria floating around! To filter out those airborne particles (plus formaldehyde and gases), use the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Cryptomic ($750). It captures 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, then sends purified air back out into the room.

Get Enough Sleep
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Get Enough Sleep

Studies have shown that there's a definite link between sleep and immune function. Better sleep equals better health, so make sure you're getting all the shut-eye you need to keep your system in fighting form. The Casper Glow Light ($129) has been a game changer in my sleep cycle — it slowly dims as I'm falling asleep, and a timed wake-up glow that mimics a sunrise helps me wake up with more energy.

Take an Epsom Salt Bath
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Take an Epsom Salt Bath

While the scientific evidence of an epsom salt bath (or detox bath) is limited, there's no denying that it just feels good — especially when your muscles are feeling achy or your sinuses are clogged. The soothing bath will also help you wind down and fall asleep easier, so your body can recover faster. Try Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soothe & Sleep Lavender Soaking Solution ($5), which is infused with calming lavender essential oil.