Once again, we are well into winter and with super strains of the flu having more brand exposure than the latest flat screen TV, there are plenty of reasons to stay healthy and avoid being sick this cold season.

Most of you reading this will be working indoors; that said, it isn’t always the warmest in large offices or open plan studios with polished concrete floors. Stay warm by wearing layers, if the converted warehouse you work in takes a while to warm up layering is a good way to maintain a comfortable temperature. Scarves are good for keeping warm (Ed: and fashionable!), gloves are hard to type in though. And for you freelancers out there, be prepared – especially in those studios, agencies and offices you haven’t been to before.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated in winter is just as important as in summer. You may not be sweating it out at your desk but with dry heating you still need to keep your fluids up. Most Nutritionists will tell you to avoid excessive amounts of soft drinks and/or coffee, an alternative to these life-giving drinks could be one of those herbal tea or health drinks that are popular at the moment.

Its easy in the winter months to put on a few extra kilos, some of us (myself included) try and justify this by saying that its ‘my winter insulation and I need it stay warm’. As this is 2009 that excuse really isn’t so strong with such luxurious as central heating and the fine, black cotton knit. Comfort eating is easy to do, but healthy snacks such as seasonal fruit and nuts are going to be better for you (and the waistline) than donuts, biscuits and chocolates from the vending machine that you love so much.

Stress. It happens. Exercise can be a good way of dealing with stress, as opposed to excessive over-snacking, drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes out in the cold. For some people, a trip to the gym at lunch works great with their schedule, for others a walk through the park or if you need to schedule exercise outside of work go for it. An alternative to a few sets of lunges at your desk could be just getting up and walking over to someone for a conversation instead of emailing. Not only will you be stretching your legs, relaxing your eyes and saving inbox space, but you get to interact with people.

Aside from the potentially non-exciting nuts, water and exercise; you can also keep a smile on your face. It is generally accepted that laughing and smiling is good for you. Why not have a laugh, tell a story, discuss topical and amusing issues such as the latest episode of Rove or the crazy pants your uncle bought.

So stay warm, stay hydrated, eat healthy and exercise. Alternatively, as a colleague of mine would suggest – a holiday in Thailand does all of that and is much more fun. For the rest of us, its back to work.

For those of you out there who do find that bugs and flu are taking your team out of action, Design Consultant Mathew Hehir is always available to take your call and make sure that you get the short term assistance that you need to ensure you don't have to endure that whooshing sound deadlines make as they fly on past.