The holiday season is upon us, a听time dedicated to family, friends, and celebrations.听
It鈥檚听also a time that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and take a toll on your mental and physical health.听
"Spending听quality听time with听friends听or听family, eating a variety of听foods听and staying physically active are all important听to maintaining overall well-being,鈥 said听William Nettleton, MD, MPH, associate professor in the medical school鈥檚 Department of Family and Community Medicine and medical director听for the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department and Calhoun County Public Health Department.听
Here are a few actions Dr. Nettleton says you can take to prioritize your health this holiday season:听
Drink water听
Make sure to drink at least 8 cups of water per day听to keep yourself hydrated and ready to fight off any germs the holiday season may bring.听
Dress warm听
Protect yourself against wind,听snow,听and rain听by wearing multiple layers of loose, warm clothing. Prioritize headwear that听fully听covers your ears, mittens, and well-insulated socks to keep extremities warm.听
Stay听active听
While colder temperatures might dissuade you from exercise, make sure to add some movement into your day.听If the weather听permits, bundling up for听a short walk听or bike ride through your neighborhood can be a great听option. On extremely听cold days, workout听apps听or online exercise programs can be a great听option.听
Make sleep a priority听
Stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible. With the increased activity and gatherings that the holidays can bring,听don鈥檛听underestimate the value of quality sleep.听
Take time for yourself听
Amidst all the holiday festivities, give yourself time to recharge by doing something that relaxes you.听
Wash your hands routinely听
Washing your hands听frequently听and thoroughly with warm water听for at least 20 seconds听is one of the听most effective听ways to听avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of common illnesses.听听
Stay听up-to-date听on vaccinations听听
Influenza, COVID-19听and RSV immunizations reduce the risk of severe disease and complications from these infections.