Now more than ever, it’s important to try and optimise your immune system so that you can enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas this year with your loved ones.
Whether you’re spending the holidays with family, catching up with friends, or just trying to make it through winter without a sniffle, now’s the perfect time to support your immune system. With colds, flu, and festive stress all around, looking after your body can help you feel your best and fully enjoy the season. Here are five simple but powerful ways to strengthen your immunity in the run-up to Christmas 2024.
Be mindful of cold and flu season
Colds and, in particular, flu become much more prominent during winter, which means it is necessary to take extra steps to avoid contracting illnesses. December often brings more than just mince pies and fairy lights; it’s peak time for seasonal bugs. But a few easy habits can help keep those festive sniffles at bay.
- Consider keeping hand sanitiser in your bag or car
- Wash your hands regularly after being out and before eating
- Avoid touching your face when out and about
Taking vitamins is also a great way to reduce the likelihood of you getting ill. Vitamin D has been proven to increase your immune system’s response to illnesses, so this is especially important to take during the darker and colder months as our bodies receive less natural vitamin D. Other supplements like Vitamin C and Zinc will also help to support your immune system and help you fight illnesses.
Prioritise restful sleep
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night in order for your body to function at an optimal level. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a reduction in how well the cells in your immune system function.
Quick tips for better sleep this winter:
- Try magnesium or calming herbal supplements to support relaxation
- Wind down with a warm bath or herbal tea
- Limit screens 1 hour before bed
Eat for immune support
Yes, it’s the season of comfort food and we’re here for it. But balancing festive treats with nourishing meals can make all the difference in how you feel this winter.
Focus on:
- Colourful veg (rich in antioxidants)
- Whole grains and legumes
- Garlic, ginger, and yoghurt with live cultures
- Staying hydrated (aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day)
Remember: alcohol, sugar, and ultra-processed foods in excess can suppress immune function, so aim for moderation, not perfection.
Move your body (Even in the cold)
Shorter days and frosty mornings can make exercise feel harder but even light movement can give your immune system a big boost. It helps reduce inflammation, regulate stress hormones, and improve gut health.
🎄 Festive-friendly ideas:
- A walk through Christmas markets
- 10-minute home stretch sessions
- Dancing around your living room to Mariah Carey
Find what feels good, consistency matters more than intensity.
Spending time with family and friends
Finally, this may not be the most obvious option for improving your immune system, but many studies show that surrounding ourselves with people we love and feel supported by improves our mental health, and therefore our immune system. So, whether it’s catching up with a friend over hot chocolate or spending quality time with family, prioritising connection can lift your mood and strengthen your body’s defences. ❤️ This Christmas, spread joy, not germs.
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Supporting your immune system isn’t about taking every supplement on the shelf, it’s about giving your body exactly what it needs. That’s where Everly’s free consultation comes in.
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We hope these tips and tricks help you have a happy and healthy Christmas this year! To explore our range of immune-boosting vitamins, take a look here; https://www.everlywellness.co.uk/products/?filter=immunity
Tags: Immune System, Immunity
