Holiday Safety Tips (+ How to Stay Healthy)

And just like that, the holidays are once again upon us. While the festive season is often a time of celebration, reflection, and togetherness, it can also present a wide range of challenges. As we gear up for all this time of the year entails—including food, drink, and a lot of time inside— it's important to prioritize our health and wellness.

To help you relish this year's festivities in a way that keeps you safe, we've compiled some tips to help you make the most of the holiday season while keeping your well-being in check.

10 Ways to Stay Healthy and Safe during the Holidays

As you map out your holiday season this year, remember these ten strategies:

Keep Moderation in Mind

When it comes to alcohol consumption during the holidays, moderation is key to staying on top of your health. Enjoying a drink or two can be a part of the celebration, but excessive alcohol intake can take a toll on your safety and well-being. If you plan to consume alcohol, consider the following guidelines:

• For men: Up to two drinks per day
• For women: Up to one drink per day

Opt for healthier alcohol choices like red wine that contains resveratrol, a compound associated with heart health, and choose organic, sulfite-free options when available.*^[1]

Stress Support Supplements*

In spite of the fun the holiday season may bring, it can sometimes cause stress and anxiousness, too. To support your mental well-being, consider incorporating supplements that can minimize everyday stress into your routine.* Some helpful options include:

• Cortisol Benefits: Cortisol is the adrenal glands' primary hormone, which can become over-taxed during stressful periods—including the holidays. Give your adrenals some additional TLC with this supplement, designed to support overall health, stress management, and HPA Axis/adrenal hormone balance.*
• Stress B Capsules: B vitamins are foundational for a healthy stress response and may be low in people who don't eat meat.* Try a B-vitamin complex to support proper nerve function and relaxation.*
• Magnesium: Known as the "relaxation mineral," magnesium can help calm nerves and may reduce anxiousness, along with over 300 other biochemical processes in the body.*

As always, consult your integrative healthcare provider to determine the right supplements and dosages for your needs.*

Prioritize Sleep

Adequate sleep is foundational for overall health, weight management, mood, appetite regulation, and more. Because the holidays can disrupt our sleep routine, it’s important to try implementing extra sleep hygiene rituals to get sufficient rest. These might include:

• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Avoiding electronic devices before sleep.
• Taking sleep-supporting supplements like melatonin or magnesium (under professional guidance)*.

Check out our Sleep Benefits Guide for a comprehensive look at sleep concerns, sleep physiology, stress's impact on the HPA axis and metabolism, and how to try and achieve better sleep.*

Boosting Immunity*

Supporting your immune system is a vital part of maintaining health, especially during the colder months. In addition to a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, consider supplementing with immune-boosting nutrients like:

• Liposomal C: Vitamin C is a powerful immune booster, and taking it in a liposomal delivery system offers a more potent dose with potential increased bioavailability and absorption.*
• Vitamin D3: Another essential nutrient for immune support, liquid vitamin D3 is easily absorbable and may support immune system function by supporting healthy cell growth.*
• Zinc + Elderberry lozenges: Zinc and elderberry offer a powerful combination of immune and respiratory support.* Compared to most commercial products, these lozenges are free of artificial sweeteners and are instead sweetened with xylitol, stevia, and honey powder.

Before adding supplements to your routine, consult your healthcare provider or integrative medicine practitioner to determine the proper dosages and forms for your needs.*

Mindful Eating

There's no better time than the holiday season to practice mindful eating and learn to enjoy festive dishes without overindulging. Mindful eating involves being completely present with your food as you eat. For example, putting aside devices, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, paying close attention to your foods' colors, textures, tastes, and feel, and putting your fork down between each bite all constitute mindful eating. Studies show mindful eating to be an effective tool in improving your relationship with food, maintaining a healthy weight, and decreasing judgments you might hold around food.^[2]

Stay Active

Amid the holiday festivities, stay as active as possible. Research shows regular exercise is essential for supporting a healthy stress response, fostering better self-esteem, improving mood, and regulating appetite.^[3] 

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. If you’re with family, consider taking family walks, participating in winter sports, or dancing to your favorite holiday tunes. Staying active not only helps manage weight but also boosts your mood, helps manage everyday stress, and supports overall cardiovascular health.^[4]

Embrace Your Emotions

For some, the holidays can emphasize issues or tensions with family, grief, sadness, loneliness, or other difficult emotions. It's essential to acknowledge any feelings that may arise. Instead of pushing these emotions aside, allow yourself to experience them fully. Once recognized, you can explore healthy ways to cope and find emotional balance. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support.

REVISIT OR START A HOBBY

If you have time off work or additional time for R & R, consider revisiting an old hobby or starting a new one like reading, journaling or writing, dancing, knitting, cooking, art, or anything else that brings you joy. Engaging with hobbies can help you pass the time while doing something good for your mind, body, and soul.

Foster a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset has a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Consider adopting a gratitude practice, such as keeping a gratitude journal or volunteering in your community. Helping others and focusing on what you're thankful for can shift your perspective and boost your mood.

Reflect and Self-Discover

Use this holiday season for introspection and reflection. Set aside time daily to ponder the challenges and joys you've experienced throughout the year. This self-reflection can provide valuable insights, inspire personal growth, and prepare you for a prosperous year ahead.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 OUT-OF-THE-BOX SELF-CARE IDEAS

TAKEAWAY: HAVE FUN, SLOW DOWN, AND STAY SAFE

However you approach the holidays, this time of year is an opportunity to focus on your well-being, build connections, and explore personal growth. If you struggle with this season's challenges, remember that you are not alone. Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals to help you navigate the holidays with positivity, safety, and good health.

[2]  Nelson JB. Mindful Eating: The Art of Presence While You Eat. Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):171-174. doi:10.2337/ds17-0015