How to stay healthy during the holidays

1.

Enjoy holiday treats mindfully

Eating foods filled with nutrients, vitamins and minerals will help boost your immune system. That's why it's important to eat your fruits and vegetables and enjoy sugary foods in moderation. But let's be honest, it's the holidays, so it's OK to indulge occasionally.

The key is enjoy these treats mindfully. Mindful eating is when you're aware and in the moment while consuming food. Instead of eating that cookie or candy in front of the TV, eat it without distractions and savor every bite. Eating mindfully can help you enjoy your meal and enhance the eating experience, which can help with moderation and restraint down the road.

2.

Limit your stress as much as possible

The holidays are often dubbed the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful. And, while short-term stress is something that everyone deals with from time to time, long-term stress can start to have an impact on your health — like disrupting your digestive, cardiovascular and reproductive systems.

The holidays can be a particularly hard time of year if you experience holiday-related mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety. If you experience symptoms associated with any mental health concern, acknowledge those feelings, set realistic expectations and boundaries for celebrating the season and reach out for help from family, friends or a mental health professional. To find a mental health professional in your area, log in to myWellmark^®.

3.

Wash your hands frequently

When you're out shopping for gifts or holiday groceries, it's easy to come into contact with germs that can cause illness. Keeping your hands clean is one of the most effective ways to ward off germs, whether it's the holidays or not.

Be sure to wash your hands during key times, like before eating food, after using the restroom and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. It's especially important to wash your hands any time you've touched something that's frequently touched by others and before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

4.

Don't forget about moving your body

Exercise gets your blood flowing, can help clear bacteria out of your airways and causes your body temperature to go up, which may help fight infection. Increasing your movement may also help reduce your stress levels and improve your mental health.

While the holidays are a busy time of year, it's important to prioritize at least 30 minutes of movement per day. Even if you can't fit in a full 30 minutes, try to sneak exercise in throughout your day. Increase your activity by doing something you enjoy, like going for a walk, doing a few extra tasks around the house or de-stressing with a quick yoga routine.

5.

Make sure you're up to date on necessary vaccines

While getting a vaccine may not be at the top of your to-do list this time of year, it's important to be up-to-date on any necessary vaccines. Everyone age six months or older should get their annual flu shot. You should also talk to your primary care provider about if the COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine is right for you.

Annual vaccines can be done at your primary care provider's office or many pharmacies. Flu shots are typically available at no out-of-pocket cost to you under your Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield preventive benefits. As always, you should log in to myWellmark to check your benefits before receiving a vaccine or seeking care.

6.

Protect yourself against respiratory illness

Respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are more common during the holiday season as we spend more time together indoors. Getting vaccinated, staying home when you’re sick, keeping your distance from others while out in public and wearing a mask can all prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Be sure to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, not your hands.

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, make sure your HVAC system is running and consider adding a HEPA air purifier to your space. Disinfecting your home before and after having visitors can also slow the spread of germs.