When you’re sick, you’re stressed. Colds, coughs and the flu can make it hard just to get out of bed and even harder to meet the challenges of a new day. Once a new illness takes hold, it can take days to recover fully and even longer to catch up on your to-do list. You can save yourself a lot of stress – and misery – by doing what you can to prevent getting sick, before it happens.

Schedule Your Sleep
If you’re overly tired, you’re more susceptible to any illness that’s going around. Be sure you’re getting enough sleep, even if it means scheduling it as part of your busy evening. Your body will thank you. Set your alarm clock, get into your coziest pajamas and catch some much needed sleep.

Don’t Forget Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to boost immunity. Whether you grab a bottle of orange juice on your way to work, or munch on tangy Vitamin C chewable tablets, be sure to boost your immunity before you get sick.

Ready, Set, Sanitize
Hand sanitizer isn’t just for the paranoid. Direct contact with people who are sick or things that they have contaminated through touching, coughing or sneezing are ways people are exposed to illness-causing organisms. Sanitizing wipes are great for things like phones and heavy traffic copiers, and sanitizing your own hands regularly can help kill germs that you’ve picked up before they can reach your nose or mouth.

When it comes to staying healthy this winter a little preparation can prevent a lot of sickness and stress. So, follow these common sense tips and help yourself stay healthy all winter long.