Blogmas Day 1: Winter Wellness Tips: How to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

Welcome to Blogmas at ellis family wellness!

From now until Christmas Day I will be sharing a new blog post dedicated to healthy living during the holidays! These blog posts will also come with an accompanying mini-podcast episode here. I hope you all enjoy and don’t forget to share with your friends & family!

Winter Wellness Tips: How to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, winter brings with it a unique set of challenges for staying healthy. The holiday season, while joyous, often comes with our favorite (and indulgent) meals, increased stress (family, finances, grief, etc.), and reduced activity levels. Add to that the flu and cold season, and it’s no surprise that many people find it hard to maintain their health during the colder months. But with a few simple strategies, you can thrive through winter and enjoy a healthier holiday season.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to keep your body and mind in optimal condition during the winter months.

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet

One of the cornerstones of winter wellness is maintaining a diet that nourishes your body. While holiday treats and comfort foods are tempting, they often lack the nutrients your body needs to stay strong and fight off illnesses.

Tips for a balanced diet in winter:

- Focus on whole foods: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, and leafy greens are nutrient-rich and readily available. Think “cozy & nourishing” soups, stews, etc.

- Boost your immunity: Add immune-boosting foods to your diet, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and citrus fruits (vitamin C!).

- Stay hydrated: While it’s easy to forget about hydration in the colder months, your body still needs adequate water to function optimally. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon are great options for staying warm & hydrated.

2. Stay Active

With shorter days and chilly weather, staying active in winter can be a challenge. I have spent the last 9 months walking 2.5 miles per day and this new cold-front has made it difficult to get out of the door and get my miles in! However, regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health.

Ideas for winter workouts:

- Indoor exercise: Yoga, pilates, and home workout videos have been helping me stay active without braving the cold. I am a sucker for Apple Fitness+ app!

- Outdoor activities: If you enjoy the outdoors, consider brisk walking, hiking, or even snowshoeing to keep your body moving.

- Set a routine: Schedule your workouts as you would any other commitment to ensure you stick to them.

3. Prioritize Sleep

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can take a toll on your sleep schedule. Yet, sleep is essential for immune function, stress management, and overall health.

Tips for better sleep:

- Create a bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading or meditating.

- Limit screen time: Reduce exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

- Optimize your environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to promote restful sleep.

4. Manage Stress Effectively

Between shopping, hosting gatherings, and fulfilling end-of-year work commitments, the holidays can be a stressful time. Chronic stress weakens the immune system and can lead to burnout if left unmanaged.

Natural stress management strategies:

- Practice mindfulness: Incorporate practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine. Mindfulness connects us back to the current moment and out of the thoughts swirling in our minds.

- Try adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help your body adapt to stress. Be mindful that adaptogenic herbs can take 2-3 months to see a difference. Patience is key!

- Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no to obligations that don’t serve your well-being. “No.” is a complete sentence (this is for me just as much as it is for you).

5. Support Your Immune System

Winter is peak season for colds and flu, so giving your immune system extra support is essential.

Ways to strengthen your immunity:

- Take high-quality supplements: Vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics can provide an extra layer of defense against seasonal illnesses.

- Wash your hands: Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

- Get a flu shot: If you’re a part of a vulnerable population (immunocompromised, elderly, etc.) consider getting vaccinated to reduce your risk of illness.

6. Stay Connected

Isolation during the winter months can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. Staying socially connected is vital for emotional well-being.

How to stay connected:

- Host virtual gatherings: If meeting in person isn’t feasible, connect with friends and family via video calls. Since moving from California, my husband and I host regular Zoom calls with our family & friends in Cali.

- Join a community group: Participate in local activities or online forums that align with your interests. If you’re looking for a community that is dedicated to healthy living, consider joining my Facebook Group

- Reach out: A simple phone call or text to a loved one can make a big difference. A simple “thinking about you, hope you’re well” may be just what your loved one needed.

7. Practice Gratitude

The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness.

Ideas for practicing gratitude:

- Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day.

- Share your gratitude with others by expressing appreciation.

- Reflect on the positive moments of the past year and set intentions for the year ahead.

Conclusion

Winter wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on small, consistent habits, you can support your body and mind through the colder months and enjoy a healthier, happier holiday season. Whether it’s nourishing your body with whole foods, staying active, prioritizing sleep, or managing stress, every step counts. Start with one tip from this list and build from there—your future self will thank you!

Stay warm, stay healthy, and enjoy all the love this season has to offer. For more wellness tips and insights, subscribe to my blog or follow me on social media (@dr.sarahellis). Let’s thrive together this winter!