Holiday season health hacks
The holiday season is a time for gathering and sharing with family and friends. But often, it’s not just grandma’s beloved pumpkin pie that’s being shared. The holidays are also prime season for respiratory viruses and the colds, coughs, sinus infections and seasonal flu they cause.
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick. If you’re planning on gathering with loved ones for the holidays, keep reading for our list of tips to beat this season’s sick and ick.
Holiday health hacks for your home
Are you hosting this holiday season? Make your home a sickness-free haven with a few simple tips.
- Be strategic – Limit the spread of germs and viruses by opting for paper vs. cloth towels in bathroom and kitchen areas. It’s also a good idea to position bottles of hand sanitizer and boxes of tissues throughout the house.
- Wipe and slay – Clean and disinfect frequently-touched items throughout the day – think door knobs, sink faucets, refrigerator doors and anything and everything in the bathroom.
- Air out – Crack some windows (yes, even if it’s cold out) to increase ventilation and reduce the likelihood of viruses lingering in the air. You may also want to consider investing in an air purifier.
Holiday health hacks for your body
The holidays – and all of the yummy food and drinks they bring – can throw your body for a loop. These tips can help you regain balance.
- Be an early bird – Make a point to exercise in the morning. Moving your body first thing in the a.m. starts the day on a positive note and primes your body to cope with stressors.
- Prioritize sleep – Get to bed at a reasonable time and make sure you get seven to nine hours of sleep so your body is rested and recharged.
- Don’t overindulge – Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and go easy on the alcohol. Also, try eating your veggies first so you don’t fill up on less nutritious foods.
INSIDER TIP
Check with your pharmacy for special holiday hours. Knowing when your pharmacy is open, helps ensure you can get your Rx when you need it.
Holiday health hacks for your mind
All those holiday to-do lists and general hustle and bustle can take a toll on your mental health too. Make time to rest and rejuvenate.
- Take a social breather – Go for a walk around the block, take a few deep breaths, stretch your body or close your eyes – carve out some quiet time to re-center yourself.
- Pace yourself – Say “no” to some things (really it’s ok!) and make sure to ask for help so you don’t feel overwhelmed or exhausted.
- Relax – Take an Epsom salt bath and add in some essential oils (lavender is great) to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
Online care is always there
Being mindful of ways to prevent illness and keep your body and mind happy, can help you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season. And, if congestion, headaches and fevers do show up at your holiday gathering – we’re open and ready to help. Get online care and treatment from wherever your holiday celebrations take you.
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