Holiday wellness can be tricky. I love the most wonderful time of the year as much as you do, but I don’t love the cold and flu season accompanying Christmas joy and holiday festivities. You know what I mean.

You’re making your lists and checking them twice, then suddenly your nose is stuffy, and your throat is scratchy. Ugh.

There’s nothing worse than being sick when you have so much to accomplish, parties to attend, and family to enjoy! We don’t have time for illness and the fatigue that often comes with it. Unfortunately, sickness hits all of us at some point, but there are things we can do to stay healthy during the holiday season.

Now is the time to boost our supplements, watch our diet, and get enough exercise. Who can forget what we experienced during the Covid pandemic a few years ago? After contracting the virus twice, I noticed my immune system was different. I struggled with long-term fatigue and seemed to catch whatever was going around. Here’s what I’ve learned to help boost my body’s immunity.

Supplements

Some of my top vitamin choices for winter months include a high-quality multivitamin that provides us with the many vitamins and minerals we may not otherwise get from our food. Let’s face it, we don’t always eat perfectly so supplementing with a multi is a good idea.

Additionally, Vitamins D, C, and the B-complex are rich in health benefits, enhancing our immune system’s ability to fight viruses. Zinc is a must-have during cold and flu season, and incorporating a probiotic for gut health is an immune booster. Having a healthy belly is key to optimal wellness.

I love my essential oils and have learned in recent years how helpful they are in battling illness and fatigue. At the first signs of sickness, I pull out my diffuser and add oregano, lemon, frankincense, and tea tree oils to purify my home and bedroom while I sleep. I’ve found a noticeable immune boost from these oils. God has given us many natural remedies to help heal our bodies if we remember to use them.

Also, Vitamins D, C, and B-complex are full of health benefits elevating our immune system to fight viruses. Zinc is a must-have during cold and flu season, and incorporating a probiotic for gut health is an immune booster. Having a healthy belly is key to optimal wellness.

Diet

We can sleigh the days all season long if we eat properly. Food abounds during the holidays and it’s not always the healthiest fare. Rich party platters, oozing baked brie, French toast casseroles, delightful cookies, and fudge. We want to choose healthy and light but often we go for the hearty and decadent instead. And who wants to skip dessert when visions of sugar plums are dancing in our heads? But we know too much sugar can weaken our immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Moderation is best when it comes to sweets and Christmas is the time to be choosey with your desserts.

Try following the 80/20 rule when 80% of the time you make healthy food choices and 20% you splurge on less healthy fare.

Other tips for keeping things in the healthy lane:

*Keep organic roasted or grilled veggies in the fridge and fresh organic greens available for a quick salad or smoothie.

*Keep protein like hard-boiled eggs, cooked chicken, canned tuna, and no-nitrate lunch meat for a fast grab. (This will help prevent you from snatching a cookie when starving.)

*Protein bars and drinks (I prefer plant-based protein) are satisfying ways to curb hunger before heading out the door to a party and help prevent overeating. Also, check labels to avoid seed oils which are often found in bars and protein drinks.

Exercise

The holidays are not the time to forego your exercise routine. We need to get the blood flowing and the heart pumping so we can head into the new year with vigor! In all honesty, making sure you get outside for fresh air and a walk is the best remedy for holiday wellness. Pump up the worship music, listen to a podcast, or grab a friend to join you and get those steps in! Pick up the weights lying on the floor at home and remember strengthening our muscles is still important this time of year. If you can get to the gym that’s excellent. (Just be sure you wash your hands as gyms are germy this time of year!)

May you have a blessed and healthy Christmas season and a wonderful new year.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2