The season is upon us, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or something else, there is probably food, contact with lots of people, stress, and way too much to do. How can you possibly stay well when you are probably over-doing everything that’s taxing on the system and under-doing most of that which would keep you well.

Here are my top seven recommendations for how to say well.

1)      If you are feeling overwhelmed with everything that’s on your ‘to-do’ list you do have some choices. About this time of year I start crossing things off that aren’t essential – like extra Christmas shopping, extra decorating, extra baking, and even extra visiting. If I’m exhausted none of these things are fun, and if Christmas isn’t fun then why bother with it? I’ll take care of the visiting during the entire next year instead of trying to cram it into one month. Same with shopping and baking.

2)      Get more sleep. Go to bed early at least two nights per week for the entire month of December. Oddly, the early nights in our house are usually Friday and Saturday.

3)      Eat less at parties and more at home. Food at parties this time of year tends to be either too rich or too sugary. Rich can create digestive upsets for some people. Sugar weakens the immune response. Have you ever noticed that the times of year when ‘flus’ and ‘colds’ are more prevalent are after the ‘sugar feasts’? Do your immune system a favour – limit the sweet treats. Eat more veggies off the muchies buffet.

4)      Avoid artificial foods. There are so many fake consumables out there this time of year – cheese that doesn’t need refrigerating, processed meat that will eradicate the need for embalming fluid, artificial sweeteners for those who think sugar is totally evil. Remember, fake food provides no nutrition. Eat real food!

5)      Drink more water. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates. Mucous membranes that are too dry are more susceptible to infection since mucous secretions are acidic and cleansing. Especially drink more water if you’re prone to winter headaches. The dryness of the air this time of year dehydrates us quite readily and that can cause headaches for some people.

6)      Get regular exercise. One thing that should maintain its priority in your winter wellness program is exercise. Not only for muscle tone, cardio health, and stress reduction, but also for the positive impact a moderate exercise program has on the immune system. Make an appointment with yourself for ½ hour each day to be physically active – walking, running, swimming, mini-trampolining, dancing...it’s all good.

7)      If you do feel like you’re getting sick use my 3-step program to chase it away fast. Do this in the evening. Cancel all other activities or you’ll take 10 days to get better instead of 1. Step 1: go for a brisk walk or light run for ½ hour. Step 2: immediately after the light workout drop yourself into the hottest bath you can stand for ½ hour (make sure someone is home to help you in case you get light-headed, and don’t do this if you have blood pressure problems or are pregnant). Step 3: right after the bath go to bed for the night, pull the covers right up to your chin and sweat the night away.

Judith Cobb