Staying Healthy Over the Holidays
The holiday season is in full swing, and while we love this festive and fun time of year, we also know that colds and allergies can get worse during the winter months. Since no one wants to miss out on quality time with family and friends because of a stuffy nose, there are ways that you can keep smart about staying healthy during the winter months.
Having visitors for the holidays can be a merry treat, but friends and family bring more than just their luggage when they come to your home—they carry in germs and bacteria as well. Keep yourself from getting sick by washing your hands frequently and making sure that anyone with a cough or stuffy nose covers their mouth.
If you celebrate Christmas with a real pine tree, be wary of mold that may sneak in on the needles or bark, and make sure to dispose of any fallen needles right away. If you prefer an artificial tree to keep the pollen and mold at bay, remember to clean the tree frequently, as the needles provide a lot of surface area for dust to settle and collect.
Rain and snow are great when you’re inside sipping on hot cocoa, but they also create a moist environment where mold loves to thrive. Keep humidity levels below 50%, and make sure to plug up any leaky windows or places where moisture can seep in. You may also want to add an air purifier, such as our MinusA2 with the Germ Defense Customized Filter, that can tackle any dust, mold, or germs that make it into the air. With an air purifier in the home, you can worry less about airborne allergens and germs, and focus on the important things—the people you love!
Don’t Neglect Your Healthy Habits
Staying committed to your healthy routines is essential during the holiday season. We’re all familiar with staying active and eating well, but it can be easy to let these habits slip.
Enjoy Treats in Moderation
The holidays are synonymous with rich meals and sweet treats. While it's wonderful to indulge, it's important to balance indulgence with mindful eating. Enjoy that slice of pie, but also include plenty of vegetables and lean proteins in your meals to maintain a nutritious diet.
Keep Moving
Amid the festive activities, regular exercise often takes a back seat. Incorporating physical activity into holiday traditions, such as a morning walk or an afternoon of playing in the snow, can help everyone stay active. Even short bursts of activity, like dancing to holiday music, can keep energy levels up.
Stay Hydrated
Between the cold weather and the abundance of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, it's easy to forget about drinking water. Keeping hydrated aids digestion and helps maintain overall health. Keeping a glass of water nearby during holiday meals can serve as a reminder to drink regularly.
Get Enough Sleep
Late-night festivities and early morning preparations can disrupt sleep schedules. Prioritizing rest by setting aside time to unwind before bed can make a significant difference. Activities like reading a book or sipping herbal tea can promote relaxation and ensure readiness for the next day's events.
Keep Indoor Air Fresh
A lot of us forget how big of an issue clean air can be during the colder months. Especially in very cold areas that demand constantly insulated environments.
Ventilate Regularly
When temperatures drop, it's common to seal up homes to keep the warmth in. However, this can lead to stale air and increased indoor pollutants. Even opening a window for a few minutes each day can refresh the air inside. Incorporating ventilation into daily routines, such as airing out the house in the morning, can improve indoor air quality.
Use an Air Purifier
Indoor air quality is crucial, especially when spending more time indoors. An air purifier like our MinusA2 with the Germ Defense Customized Filter can help remove allergens, dust, and germs from the air. Many have noticed a significant improvement in allergy symptoms during the winter months by using an air purifier.
Control Humidity Levels
Dry indoor air can cause discomfort, while too much humidity can encourage mold growth. Aim to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Using a humidifier during dry spells and a dehumidifier when it's too moist can help maintain a comfortable environment.
Be Extra Careful If You’re Traveling
Traveling during the holidays can expose you to various germs and allergens in crowded spaces like airports and public transport.
Stay Sanitized on the Go
Traveling exposes us to many people and surfaces. Carrying hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes can help reduce the risk of getting sick. Wiping down armrests and tray tables on planes and sanitizing hands after touching communal surfaces are good practices to adopt.
Boost Your Immune System
Before setting off on a trip, strengthening the immune system by eating well and getting enough rest is beneficial. Packing healthy snacks like trail mix and fresh fruit can help avoid relying on fast food during travel. Staying hydrated is also important; bringing an empty water bottle to fill up after airport security can help maintain hydration.
Be Mindful of Crowded Spaces
Airports, train stations, and bus terminals can be crowded during the holidays. Wearing a mask in crowded areas and practicing good hygiene can help protect everyone. Choosing travel times that are less busy can also reduce stress and exposure to germs.
