7 Ways to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are just around the corner, the last thing you need to come down with a cold or flu. Here’s some tips for staying healthy this winter:

1. The obvious one: wash your hands, lots. Unfortunately, the winter is synonymous with cold and flu season. The last thing you need is to be sick during your time off. Carry antibacterial wipes/hand sanitizer for times when washing your hands isn’t possible. Remember we touch more with our hands than we realize so wash as much as possible and avoid putting your hands near your mouth or nose; as hard as it may be to resist biting that hang-nail, just don’t!

2. Double up on immune boosting remedies such as vitamin C, vitamin D, probiotics, or herbs. Consult a health practitioner to find out what and how much is safe for you. Remember even ‘natural’ remedies may have interactions with prescription medications or certain health conditions.

3. Drink lots…of water! Water keeps us hydrated, helps us to avoid over-eating, it flushes out toxins (for when we indulge over the holidays), improves energy, and boosts the immune system. So in other words, you can’t go wrong with drinking water.

4. Don’t forget to move: incorporate movement into your holiday. Whether it’s going for a walk after that big holiday meal, playing with the kids outside, or doing some squats in the living room. Get the whole family involved by doing something fun. I know sometimes the cold weather can be a deterrent so plan to do some laps around the mall (after the holiday rush of course) or plan a day at a museum.

5. Treat yourself to some much needed TLC. Holidays can be stressful; book yourself a spa treatment, massage, or a time slot at the newest trending health craze – the float tanks. If you have any health benefits left over, now is the perfect time to make an appointment, before they renew in January. Spend some time taking care of you so you’re ready to host that holiday dinner or keep up with the grandkids on their winter break.

6. Remember everything in moderation – including holiday treats. I just read a stat online that it would take 6 hours of moderate paced walking to burn off one Cinnabon roll. Enough said.

7. Get lots of rest. Sleep is restorative, it boosts physical and mental health, and it aids our body in healing. Even though it’s the holidays, try to stick to your routine. Go to bed at a decent hour, going to bed too late spikes our bodies’ cortisol “stress” hormone which can lead to a lowered immune system amongst other negative health outcomes.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

~ Dr. Kate