It’s that time of year again—yes, we are talking about the time of year when it seems like everyone around you is sneezing or coughing in your direction. For most people, the colder months come with a sense of dread, knowing they will likely catch something.
Whether that’s you or you have a family event coming up that you don’t want to miss due to illness, read on to discover some tips for staying healthy during the holidays.
1. Don’t Feel Obligated to Indulge
During the holidays, treats are everywhere! While it can be nice to eat a cookie or two, or maybe have a sip of some mulled wine, both alcohol and sugar can negatively impact your immune system.
Now, we aren’t suggesting you suffer through the holidays with no treats; we are just saying it’s okay to say no and limit yourself. For example, maybe you only have treats at parties and gatherings but skip them when they appear in the lunch room at work.
2. Drink Water
Along that line, the only truly healthy beverage out there is water, and you need to make sure you are drinking it during the holidays. Maybe you do accept a glass of wine at a party—that’s fine—just make sure you switch to water after.
If you struggle to stay hydrated, consider setting timers to remind you to take drinks of water throughout the day. You can also purchase a water bottle that tracks your water intake, just be prepared to do some chugging before bed!
3. Wear a Mask
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is over, if you are headed to a high-traffic or crowded area, we recommend wearing a mask. Not only is it likely that someone in the crowd is sick, but exposure to that many germs at once can make anyone sick.
We recommend purchasing a high-quality cloth mask that you can wash and reuse when you go out. But a package of disposable masks can also work as well!
4. Schedule Time to Relax
One of the main reasons individuals tend to get sick around the holidays is excess stress. Whether you realize it or not, stress and inflammation wreak havoc on your immune system. Combine that with a weakness due to sugar and alcohol consumption, and that’s a recipe for a virus.
It’s important you work to combat your stress levels during the holidays to ensure they stay at a reasonable level. Whether this means treating yourself to a spa day or just saying no to some of the holiday parties, it’s up to you!
5. Focus on Sleep
Even if you don’t have the time and money for a spa day, you absolutely must ensure you get enough sleep during the holiday season. Even though there are so many activities and parties, we recommend going to bed at a reasonable hour each night.
While a “reasonable hour” will vary from individual to individual, we recommend all seniors aim for 9-10 hours of sleep each night. If this means you need to hit the hay around 7pm, so be it. You’ll be shocked at how far a good night’s sleep can go toward keeping you healthy!
6. Wash Your Hands
We know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but washing your hands really is the best way to stay healthy with all the germs floating around! We recommend washing your hands before each meal in addition to after using the bathroom. We also recommend carrying around a small bottle of hand sanitizer just in case you’re at a party with finger food where the bathrooms aren’t readily accessible!
7. Schedule a Flu Vaccine
We know we sound like a broken record here, but while the flu and COVID vaccine aren’t required, they are 100% recommended for those over the age of 65. We know getting a shot isn’t fun, but the science doesn’t lie. Those who are immunocompromised, or older than 65, are far more likely to suffer adverse effects of both the flu and COVID.
Most insurance plans allow for free flu and COVID vaccines if you are eligible; you just have to schedule a time to receive them. Even if you don’t have insurance, many stores like Walgreens offer free and inexpensive clinics for getting the vaccinations you need. We recommend that you don’t delay and receive the vaccine as soon as possible to keep you healthy!
8. Exercise
Many individuals struggle to stay active during the cold season—and to be honest, we do too! It’s just so hard to head out for a walk when it’s freezing.
As hard as it is to exercise when it’s cold, it is an essential part of staying healthy during the holiday season. To combat the cold, we recommend signing up to work out at a nearby gym if you have one. If you don’t, then try to work out in your home. If that also isn’t an option, then a daily walk it is—just be sure to bundle up before you head out!
9. Make Active Plans
We even recommend taking exercise a step further and making active plans with your friends and family for the holidays. It is so easy to get wrapped up in movie nights and holiday parties where you fill yourself with sugar. Instead, we recommend proposing ideas that will keep your whole family active.
You can become a 5k family (but you don’t have to!), suggest taking a walk, or going to the museum instead of sitting in front of the TV. You could also suggest heading to a Christmas market where you walk and shop instead of going to a restaurant. No matter what you decide, as long as it keeps you moving and on your feet, then we know you made the right choice!
Overall, it can be hard to stay healthy during the holiday season, but we hope this list has inspired you at least a little bit to do your best!
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