If you keep getting sick, there's something that could help

At this time of year, it’s easy to call in sick.

Are you one of those people who is always feeling a bit off? Nothing serious, but you’ve got a sore throat, or a bit of the sniffles, or your body aches?

You’ve probably already taken a few sick days this winter, and you know you’ll be taking a few more in 2017.

If that sounds like you, new research may have found an answer.

But be warned, the remedy is not the most pleasant of treatments.

Are you ready for it?

Researchers suggest you should take a cold shower every morning.

The research in the Netherlands had more than 3000 people take an icy shower first thing, for 30 days.

The results found a 29 per cent reduction in taking sick days off, compared to their co-workers who weren’t involved.

The participants also reported other minor benefits, like higher energy levels, though bigger things like productivity and anxiety levels seemed not to be affected.

The researchers aren’t sure of the reason behind the discrepancy.

It has been suggested that certain hormone levels are affected by temperature, or possible that the physical activity of shivering is a good start to the day.

Regardless, it’s a good tip to add to your daily routine.

If you can stomach the cold water, that is.

HT British Psychological Society

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