Q: It seems like everyone is getting sick right now. How can I stay healthy while going to holiday gatherings?
A: As we head into winter we will see an increase in the cold, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A winter increase in COVID cases is also expected as has been the trend since the beginning of the pandemic. Staying up to date on all vaccines is one important tool to help fight against these viruses.
However, this year is not necessarily worse than last year. But when you start to feel like everyone around you is sick, it can add to our own stress and worries. Being proactive in finding ways to maintain your immune system and feel strong against viruses will help your overall worries.
Focus on doing things that we know help prevent the spread of viruses. Wash your hands often, avoid people you know are sick, if possible, do not touch your face, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Get fresh air and take care of yourself, as you should all year long.
The fact is we mostly know what we should be doing to stay healthy, but often the holiday time makes it more challenging as we are lured by parties and family gatherings. These parties may entice us to overeat unhealthy foods or drink more alcohol than we usually do, and that may affect our sleep schedule.
You want to enjoy and indulge in the season while also keeping things in moderation. Most importantly listen to your body. If you are feeling tired or run down, allow yourself extra time to rest. Set your own boundaries when you go to a gathering.
However, we can also feel grateful if we have these occasions to celebrate with others. Fueling our mood and mental health is also an important part of overall health.
Make sure your home is stocked with what you will need if you get sick. Have the medications, vitamins, and food available that you will want if you are ill. Plan how you will order supplies via an online app like Instacart or identify a friend or relative who will help shop for you.
As with anything, thinking ahead and being prepared makes it easier if you should need the resources. But worrying excessively will not prevent the illness, nor will help your enjoyment of the season.
There is even a disorder called hypochondriasis or health anxiety. It is when someone worries excessively that they are or may become seriously ill. While this diagnosis may be on the severe end of things, I think many of us experience some of these feelings of anxiety to a lesser extent and can relate to them.
Stress and anxiety can actually lower your body’s immune system. When you feel this anxiety increase, focus on what is in the room with you and what is real right now. Do some deep breathing and visualize that your body is strong and resilient.
Make a plan to take care of yourself this holiday season. Enjoy and indulge in moderation, rest when you need to, and maintain your regular doctor visits. A healthy holiday is a happy holiday!
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
