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Having fun during the holiday season is easy, with office parties, family get-togethers, and beloved traditions happening almost daily. Staying healthy during the holidays can pose a bigger challenge. Germs and stress abound at this time of year — not to mention tempting baked goods.

Here are the best ways to enjoy the holiday season and still maintain your well-being.

Ward off Germs

The viruses that cause the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 spread more abundantly during the fall and winter months. To protect yourself and others:

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze — Sneeze or cough into your elbow to prevent germs from spreading. If you have a cold, wear a good-quality mask in public to protect others.
• Get vaccinated — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older have annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Older adults, young babies, and those with compromised immune systems may also need an RSV shot. You may get all three during the same visit.
• Keep your hands away from your face — Germs spread quickly when you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wash your hands — You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of disease. Soap up for at least 20 seconds to kill most germs. If soap isn’t available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is also a good option.

Make Healthy Food Choices

Eating a well-balanced diet during the holidays isn’t easy. There are tempting cookies, rich sauces, and sugar-laden drinks everywhere you turn. To avoid the discomfort — and potential health hazards — of overindulging, try to:

• Drink alcohol in moderation — Not only is alcohol high in calories, but it can weaken your resolve. That often leads to overdoing it on fattening foods.
• Eat a healthy snack before a holiday party — If you arrive at an event ravenous, you’re more likely to overeat. A few bites of fruit or veggies before the big shindig will take the edge off your hunger. This can make smart decisions more likely.
• Make small, healthy swaps. Where possible, use heart-healthy oils instead of butter. Revamp classic side dishes like candied sweet potatoes and creamy green bean casserole into healthier versions. Substitute mushrooms or nuts for fatty sausage in stuffing.
• Stay hydrated — Getting enough water daily can help your body stay healthy and fight winter germs. Plus, staying hydrated makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. You may not feel thirsty in the winter, so make a conscious effort to sip throughout the day.
• Stay mindful of portions — You don’t have to give up your favorite holiday treats — but make smart decisions about how much you eat. Savor each bite of your favorite pie or cookie and pass on second helpings.

Prepare for the Cold

If you live in a cold-weather climate, the outdoors in winter can offer plenty of fun activities — but it also comes with health concerns. To have fun outside and still stay safe, you should:

• Avoid shoveling heavy snow — If you’re not used to exercise, you could strain your heart. Letting someone else handle the sidewalk or driveway is best.
• Dress in layers — Wearing several layers of clothing helps your body retain heat and repel moisture. Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
• Keep an emergency kit in the car — Include blankets, an extra jacket, and flares in case your car breaks down.
• Know and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia — These include extreme exhaustion, pale skin, numb extremities, and uncontrollable shaking.

Manage Holiday Stress

The holiday season can take a toll on your physical and mental health. When stress levels are high, your immune system suffers and has a hard time fending off germs. To help keep your emotions on an even keel:

• Consider a pared-back holiday — Ask yourself which activities are essential and which aren’t. Getting together with loved ones likely means more to you than overspending on lavish gifts or making complicated meals.
• Do one soothing “me” activity every day — This can include yoga, meditation, or reading a favorite book in the evening. The important thing is to take time for yourself amid the holiday hustle and bustle.
• Exercise — Between the dark evenings and the cold weather, you may find staying as active as usual difficult during the holiday season. Boost your mood with walks around the neighborhood or a family hike — even small amounts of activity can help. Be creative and look for fun family activities you can do together.
• Limit busyness — It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by obligatory social events during the holiday season. It’s OK to say no to things that aren’t important to you.

Make Sleep a Priority

When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to get sick than when you’re well-rested. This may feel counterintuitive during the holidays (there’s so much to do!), but taking the time to rest is important. To get proper sleep:

• Adopt a calming nighttime routine — During the holidays, winding down before bedtime is essential. Turn off all screens at least an hour before sleep, and keep your bedroom cool. Do whatever feels calming — reading a book, sipping a cup of herbal tea, or stretching lightly — before bedtime.
• Avoid large meals right before bed — A full stomach can keep you awake and lead to acid reflux. If you’re at a late-night holiday event, stick to lighter fare or eat a meal before you get there.
• Keep to your normal sleep schedule — Going to bed and getting up at the same time helps you feel your best. Your body can fight off germs more easily, and your mind is better able to cope with holiday stress.
• Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake — Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep patterns, and both are also diuretics. That means they increase urine production, which can lead to disturbed sleep.