6 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

It doesn’t seem fair that the holidays coincide with cold and flu season, but there is no escaping the combination of a busy social schedule and germs abounding when December arrives. If you spent your last holiday season with sniffles and sickness, make this the season you put your health first, and stay rested and vibrant, all the way to January.

Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle and a strong immune system, there are simple steps you can take to boost your overall energy and keep you feeling your best this holiday season. Making sure to wash your hands frequently, drink water and get a full night of rest are just a few easy ways to keep your body feeling healthy throughout the holidays.

Here are 6 simple ways to stay healthy during this holiday season, so you can get back to enjoying quality time spent with the ones you love!

Stay Hydrated
This might seem obvious, but dehydration is a fast and easy way to bring on sickness. In winter months, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water, but now is the time to push fluids and stay hydrated. Make sure to drink water throughout the day, and monitor caffeine and alcohol consumption, as these beverages are dehydrating.

Wash Hands
Whether you’re on a plane, train or in your office, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Try to avoid touching doorknobs and handles in public places, and if you do, go straight to a sink and wash those hands before touching any part of your body. The majority of germs spread during the holiday season are by contact, so keep your hands clean and the germs away!

Avoid Sugar
The holidays tend to bring out our favorite baked goods, and while it’s fine to indulge in moderation, it’s important to make sure not to overdo it and cause uncomfortable indigestion or weight gain. Sugar has the tendency to give us an instant boost of energy that inevitably brings us crashing down, and those big spikes in blood sugar can wreak havoc on your body, mood and brain.

Stress Relief
Allowing negative stress to take over is one of the fastest ways to bring on illness, so take steps now to manage your stress effectively. Sign up for a weekly yoga class, treat yourself to a massage and, most importantly, be mindful of how much you take on during this busy season of shopping and activities. The more relaxed you are, the better you will feel!

Rest is Best
While it might be hard to say no to the many social events and activities your loved ones and colleagues have planned this season, it’s important to put your need for sleep and rest first. Avoid spending too many late nights out, especially during the week when you have an early wake-up. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and plan your social schedule to fit your life, rather than the other way around.

Limit Alcohol
While you certainly can enjoy a sparkling cocktail or warm cup of mulled wine from time to time, make sure to limit your alcohol consumption to 1 or 2 drinks at a time. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a number of health issues, and will cause you to become dehydrated and susceptible to sickness. Make the most of the celebratory season by staying hydrated and healthy!