This time of year can be tough. 

It seems like stress is coming from all different directions.  There’s the gift buying, the crowds, the in-laws, your family, the food…..

A perfect recipe for people to get sick. 

Germs from different parts of the country congregating together during family gatherings, coupled with high emotions can spell disaster.

But you can keep a smile on your cold and flu-free face.

Here are a few tricks to help you ward off those impending germs:

  1.  Tune in to music – Research from Harvard University found that those patients who listened to certain music had lower blood pressure and higher levels of hormones that stimulate healing.

  2.  Drink – Not the alcohol or sugar-laden punch, but just plain water.  Try to get at least 3 glasses down between breakfast and lunch and 3 more between lunch and dinner. 

  3.  Sweat – Not because your mother-in-law is questioning you about that touchy subject AGAIN.  Instead, GET MOVING.  This will help your body release exercise-induced antibodies.  Take a walk, pop in an exercise video, pull out the Wii or just take a break and get away to the gym or YMCA.

  4. Make friends with probiotics – This is the good stuff found in yogurt that helps good bacteria in your body grow and fight off the bad bacteria.  You can also swallow your probiotics in pill form.

Looking forward to talking to you in January!