How to Avoid Getting Sick During the Holiday Season

For many people the holiday season is filled with lots of specialty food, shopping, stress and long nights of wrapping gifts, signing Christmas cards and holiday parties. All of this extra activity tends to leave people feeling run-down, exhausted and sick. Take a few precautions during this holiday season to prevent the illness that will plague others around you.

Things You'll Need

• Rest
• Vitamins
• Schedule

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Instructions

• 1

  Don't Stress: Stress is a major cause of that run-down feeling which can make a person more succeptible to the illnesses that are common around the holiday season. Colds and flu that frequently circulate through schools and office buildings during months of cold weather will attack when your defenses are down. Take a few precautions like sticking to a schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed to help decrease stress levels. According to WebMD.com "There's evidence that when you put your relaxation skills into action, your interleukins- leaders in the immune system response against cold and flu viruses- increase in the bloodstream. Train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant or calming. Do this 30 minutes a day for several months."

• 2

  Get Rest: Much like stress, exhaustion can also help make you more succeptible to the airborne germs that multiply during the colder months of the year. Make sure to get 6-8 hours of sleep nightly to help fend off any germs that may be attempting to bring down your immunity.

• 3

  Take Vitamins: Certain supplements such as Vitamin C can be taken to prevent colds. Eat fruits with natural Vitamin C or take supplements (according to recommended daily allowances) to help fend off the winter germs.

• 4

  Eat Right: Eating well can help you strengthen your immune system. By eating an appropriate balanced diet of carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, and minimize the amount of processed foods you eat. According to allwomenstalk.com a diet high in carbohydrates can attract the microbes that feed off glucose and make you more succeptible to colds.

• 5

  Exercise Frequently: Although exercising won't directly prevent a cold- the stronger you are physicially, the more likely you are to be able to fend off a cold. So exercise regularly and help your body defend itself against germs and viruses.

• 6

  Wash Your Hands: Many germs are passed on from other people onto doorknobs, car door handles, counters, money and more. Wash your hand frequently to avoid ingesting the germs you touch every day. Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes to help prevent the spread of germs.