Top  ways to prevent Cold Exercise regularly. We know it’s cold outside, but maybe you’d better get off the couch. Staying active will keep you healthy. So head over the gym, but sip some chicken soup along the way if it makes you feel better about things. Don’t smoke. Smokers are at higher risk for colds. Stay away from smokers too; even exposure to smoke can dry out the nasal passage. Wash your hands. We don’t want to scare you, but everything you touch is potentially crawling with germs and germs are spread quickest through direct contact, which includes doorknobs and telephones. Give those a good clean too while you’re at it. Stay away from people who have colds. The perfect excuse to avoid someone you don’t like. Sure it only works when they’re sick, but it’s something. Eat healthy and get enough sleep. You’ve already heard this one from your mother. Well, she was right - but if she’s just going to be smug about it, you don’t have to tell her. Don’t touch your face. It’s 4:00 on a Friday and you’re past pretending to look busy and are slouched at your computer with your hand resting on your chin. Unbeknownst to you, germs are excitedly running from your hands into your eyes, nose and mouth, putting you at risk for a cold. So cut it out. Drink plenty of fluids. No, we don’t mean martinis. Eight glasses of water per day will effectively flush out your system. And speaking of which… Cut back on the martinis. The liver is the body's primary filtering system, so if you consume a lot of alcohol, germs won't leave your body as fast. Alcohol also dehydrates you. Sorry. Relax. Not in the bored, staring-at-the-wall way. In the meditative, calming, deep breathing way. This way, you can activate your immune system on demand. So sign up for that yoga class you’ve been procrastinating about.