Don't Let Viruses Ruin Your Holiday Fun

by Dr. Nick Zyrowski December 01, 2025

Winter is a time for so many engaging holiday traditions, whether it’s picking out the perfect tree, attending numerous parties, spending more time with family, decorating, and maybe even eating a little more than usual! With all the upcoming excitement, it’s sometimes hard to imagine anything ruining the happiness. That’s why this article will give you tips and tricks to stay healthy this season and avoid all those gnarly viruses.

Nourish your body

We know there are tons of delicious treats this year, including cakes, pies, and pastries. It’s hard not to sample them and even overindulge on occasion. One of the tips we recommend is to balance that with nutrient-dense seasonal foods this year. Many stores are filled with citrus fruits during the holiday season, and they are loaded with antioxidants, zinc, and rich in vitamins A, C, and E. There are also healthy recipes that include options like soups, dips, seafood, and salads. (2) These are easy to prepare and don’t contain all the sugar and processed ingredients that aren’t good for you. Your imagination is your only limitation here, so enjoy and have fun with it!

Stay active

Now, we know that many people stop exercising or at least slow down this time of year. We get it, the cold can be a challenge to navigate, and it may not be as enjoyable to be outside. Regular movement is a natural way to increase circulation and support your body’s ability to fight off viruses. Taking a brisk walk is a great way to get your blood flowing, but if you just can’t imagine being outside, consider trying yoga, pilates, using a treadmill, or finding an indoor workout that matches your interests. The key is to stay active and make sure you fit it into your schedule. (3)

Focus on quality sleep

We’ve mentioned in many of our articles and videos how crucial it is to prioritize your sleep habits. During this season, many people stay up late with all the celebrations happening and lose more sleep than they may realize. Sleep is a tool that strengthens your immune system and helps your body recharge and repair. We always suggest a calming bedtime routine that allows you to wind down and prepare for a restful slumber. We know that it can be tough when so many parties entice us with fun, but you can balance the good times with good sleep. (4) Make your bedroom an enticing, tranquil space by keeping it dark and cool. Don’t watch television in your room, as the blue light can severely disrupt your circadian rhythm. Change out the bedding frequently and try taking a warm bath before bed.

Manage stress

Although this can be the most wonderful time of the year, it can also include tons of unwanted stress. For many of us, there’s a lot of shopping, cooking, social events, time with relatives, and an overall sense of busyness that may feel uncomfortable and rushed. (5) We have some effective strategies you can use to bring down the pressure this season.

Some of the ways we suggest managing that stress include planning ahead which commitments you want to make, and scheduling them in your calendar. That can mean the office Christmas party, friendship gatherings, and family time. Learning to say no can dramatically reduce stress and won’t leave you feeling way overbooked this year.

Plan your spending. It is all too easy with the overabundance of marketing this time of year to spend way more than we imagined. Not overspending on material items and focusing on experiencing the joy of the season is a great way to remove that added pressure.

Respect other people’s opinions. Holidays aren’t the time for political discord. We all have various viewpoints, and that’s perfectly fine as long as we respect each other. Not getting into tense conversations will help diminish any tension this year.

Another way to manage your stress is to take a break. It’s okay to take a nap, read a book, or watch a great holiday movie and unwind. Allow yourself the room to relax.

Support your gut

This is another area we talk about a lot and it’s with good reason. It may surprise you, but 70% of the immune system resides in your gut. (6) You have tons of gut bacteria, and nutrition plays a key role in the composition of those bacteria. This is why it’s so crucial to feed your body whole foods that reduce inflammation. You can support gut health by also drinking plenty of water, limiting alcohol intake, and finding ways to relax. Another way you can support your gut health is to take a quality probiotic. It can help create the environment your gut microbiome needs to thrive and improve digestive function.

Don’t forget the essentials

Sometimes we get so bogged down in all the intricate techniques to stay healthy that we forget about some of the easiest things we can do. We always recommend being on the defensive to naturally strengthen your immunity. It’s much easier than getting sick and trying to heal your body afterward.

One of the items we keep in our home is Immune Essentials. In today’s world, with different farming practices and unhealthy pesticides, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients we need from food, even on a completely healthy diet, which most of us don’t maintain. There are nutrients that improve your immune function and help maintain it, which are included in this specific formula. Immune Essentials contains N-Acetyl Cysteine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D3. These immune-boosting nutrients can help you fight off nasty viruses so you enjoy all the holiday fun.

Happy Holidays

We love this time of year, and we know it can be challenging with all the hustle and bustle, but it can also be tremendous fun and a time for reflection. We want you to have the happiest holiday season by staying healthy. You don’t need dangerous injections that aren’t backed by real science. There are natural methods to keep you well and enjoying all the season has to offer. If you’d like more information on how functional medicine is leading the way to overall health and wellness, contact us today to learn more about what we do to help people all year long.