How to prepare for a healthy holiday season

Don't get sick over Christmas

- HEALTHY EVER AFTER CHESHIRE QUE, RND, RN, RD

Time flies so fast, and Christmas is just around the corner.

While it is a season to be merry, many have fallen ill during this season in the past. The season will get busier as the social calendar gets filled up with festive activities in addition to work deadlines and other responsibilities before the holidays finally kick in. After which, most of us can take a break. Unfortunately, before that Christmas break, we tend to drive ourselves to exhaustion only to end up sick in bed, unable to enjoy Christmas or the New Year with our loved ones. Do not allow yourself to miss being merry this Christmas season by staying healthy throughout the holidays. Staying healthy and preventing illnesses, however, takes time and effort. Are you willing to do something about it? Here are the most practical ways to ensure optimum health and wellbeing this time of the year.

Learn to say no like a pro. Prioritize activities and events that you genuinely and sincerely want to be part of and don't just feel obliged to attend. You do not need to be present at all the events that you are invited to at the expense of your sleep and energy. Choose the ones that matter to you. Simply decline other invitations even without the burden of having to explain yourself over. It would be best to plan your schedule, including rest or downtime in between busy days. One of the reasons why we get sick during the busy season is due to a compromised immune system. Lack of quality sleep and rest will weaken your immune defenses. This makes you more prone to infections like the common cold or flu.