How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

And what to do when you're sick

We’ve all been there. That tiny tickle in the throat. Am I dehydrated? Is it allergies? Or worse – the start of some virus?

The weekend before Halloween the dreaded tickle started in my throat. I was hopeful (as we all are) that it was just allergies and would resolve itself on its own. I started my “hope I’m not getting sick but I will take these vitamins anyway” protocol and hoped for the best.

By Monday, my nose followed suit and I was in full “fight the sickness” mode. My first line of defense after extra daily vitamins is raw garlic. Garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. I chop it up and let it sit for 20 minutes before topping toast or shoving in an olive. Great for people who love olives, but for people who don’t – like Cara – maybe try it on toast first. Also, warn your spouse. They will be able to smell you a mile away!

I also dialed back my workouts, drank all the Throat coat tea with extra lemon and honey, and made my sauna blanket a priority. I told everyone who asked if I was sick – “Oh no, I’m just fighting a little something!” But by the day after Halloween, I was raising the white flag. I called my husband halfway through my day and said, “I am unwell.” To which he replied, “I know.”

I spent the rest of the day in bed and would you believe I felt so much better the next morning? Turns out fighting the idea of being “sick” isn’t helpful either. Once I accepted that I was ill and that my body needed additional rest, my immune system was able to do its job much more efficiently!

While the hope is to avoid getting sick in the first place, we know that just isn't always possible. Below you will find our Immune Support Bomb PDF for some specific suggestions (with clickable links!) on what to do when you're feeling under the weather. Plus, I’ve got FIVE unique (AND FREE!) ways to protect and boost your immune system this Holiday season.

Please note: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As always, we recommend consulting your doctor if you have specific medical concerns.

Five ways to protect and boost your immune system:

1. Every meal counts – it’s either working for you or against you, especially during cold/flu season.

2. Stay active – if your metabolic system can sweat, a good sweat five days a week makes a major impact on your immune health.

3. Spend time doing what you love – more fun means more serotonin released. Time for some laughter.

4. Sleep is the best medicine – If you feel awful, get in bed, y'all. No need to be productive if you’re fighting sickness.

5. A cold shower equals a heightened immune defense. But only do this if you’re not already fighting something!

FUN FACT: When you eat processed sugar, your white blood cells stop fighting foreign invaders for 4 whole hours! It’s no wonder that “cold and flu season” coincides with the Holidays.