STRUGGLING to get back into the swing of things after the disruptive downtime of the past two weeks? You’re not alone. According to Natalie Rabson of Boston City Campus and Business College, most South Africans are bracing themselves for not only a month of hard work, but also for the challenges that the fast-approaching winter brings. “We all have to catch up on work lost due to the many public holidays, “she says.
“Playing catch-up is not easy and on top of that we need to prepare ourselves for the winter ahead.” Winter, she explains, is the time when we tend to be less productive because of the cold and the many germs that attack our bodies during this time of low immunity. “Fortunately, our winters are quite short, so South Africans are not prone to suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder – depression that is caused by a lack of sunlight – as much as European counterparts,” she says. “However, we tend to be bothered by feelings of lethargy and irritability and have bouts of flu that slow us down. It’s not enough to merely acknowledge that the weather affects our bodies and our day-to-day functioning neither the country’s economy nor we can we can afford to lie low until the winter is over, so the best is to do the things that help us maintain good health and cope better.
“Productivity results from having a plan for each day, having defined goals and being committed – no matter what the weather outside,” she says. “Draw up a schedule of what you’d like to achieve in the following few weeks and make a conscious decision to have a good, productive winter despite the trials that may come your way.” Rabson suggests the following simple tactics to brave the cold and catch up in the time ahead:
Boost your immunity: take extra vitamins and visit your doctor for advice on how to boost your immune system. The best way to avoid flu is to stay away from those who have it. Avoid passing on germs or catching other’s bugs by washing your hands frequently. Should you have flu, refrain from going to work or class where you can spread the virus. Working while ill is counter-productive because you are liable to work slower and make mistakes.
Spend time outdoors: you feel re-energised by exposing yourself to sunlight and fresh air. Remaining indoors will give you “cabin fever” and make you feel caged in.
Exercise: if you can’t do it outside because of the weather, adjust your exercise regimen to indoor activities. Exercise get your body’s circulation going – your body warms up, you feel less cold and the oxygen that goes to your brain will have you thinking more clearly.
Keep warm: forget fashion, the priority is to keep warm so that you can function at the same level as in summer. Wear gloves that allow your hands remain flexible, be it to type on a keyboard or to plaster a wall. As cold feet lead to a feeling of overall discomfort, wear thick socks, like those worn for hiking. Wear a beanie or a hat – most of your body heat escapes via your head, so by covering your head the heat can flow back to the rest of your body right down to your feet. Also invest in a good thick jacket, coat or jersey that you can take with you everywhere.
Eat healthy: remember the five-a-day rule of eating five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day. If salads are not your thing, opt for rich vegetable soup. Soup provides the necessary nutrients and warms you up from the inside. Though it is better to avoid comfort food, you can occasionally indulge. Chocolate, for example, is believed to increase serotonin- the feel good hormone.
Bath instead of shower: a shower will cleanse you, but by immersing yourself ia a bath of hot water you will feel much warmer – and relaxed.
Drink warm liquids: should you tire or be weary of drinking too many stimulating or fattening beverages, drink a mug of hot water with a squeeze of a fresh lemon – it will serve the same purpose and it will your body to get rid of toxins.
Socialise and have fun: don’t forget to socialize, which you can do in the comfort and warmth of your home or a friend’s home – to get the laughter, social and intellectual stimulation needed for optimum well-being.
Boston City Campus and Business College offers more than 80 dynamic career qualifications at 48 branches nationwide. Unisa degrees and media studies are available at selected branches. Call Boston at 011 551 2000 , e-mail info@boston.co.za, visit www.boston.co.za or find it in Facebook.
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