With all the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season the last thing you want to deal with is a cold. Somehow a sore throat, horse voice and stuffy nose sucks the fun out of the Holiday Festivities. As you embark on the rollercoaster ride of family get togethers, work functions, Christmas shopping and unique traditions here are a couple of tips to bridle that unwanted companion of "the cold"

1. Eat balanced nutritious meals. Often with all the deadlines to meet, people to visit and shopping to do meal time get shoved out of the picture. How can your body work without healthy nourishment? Fuel your body with whole grains, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. The moment you forget to provide your body with nutritious meals and fill it with frozen and processed meals your immune system looses its ability to fight with optimal power.
2. Drink Water! Water is a necessity to our body's biological composition and yet time after time it is replaced with carbonated and sugary liquids. Keeping your body hydrated will maintain balance and provide the ability to function at a high level of performance.
3. Sleep. It seems like this time of year there is an event on every day of the calendar and you have an inability to say "no". This presents a problem called "sleep deprivation." While you are helping others, preparing family functions and parting you are slowly starving your body of rest. Sleep deprivation is a perfect way to dramatically lower your immune system. Remember that it is better to do less and enjoy it than do too much and feel terrible the entire time.
4. Exercise. You might think "yeah, right like I have time for that!" The fact of the matter is you need to have a healthy body in order to combat the sly cold that seems present everywhere and a paramount aspect of health is exercise. Just make sure you get at least 20 minutes 3 times a week. Physical exertion will increase blood flow and oxygen intake, fuel you with energy and strengthen your immune system.
5. Take time out. If you feel a cold setting in take it as a sign to step back from all the commotion and relax. If you take a little time out to begin with you will avoid being overcome by all the symptoms of a cold.
6. Steam inhalation. To help clear your chest do a steam inhalation once a day with lavender and or eucalyptus, this will release mucus and generate a feeling of relaxation.
7. Use soft tissues. If you have a runny nose and find yourself constantly blowing and wiping your nose make sure you are using soft tissues or a soft handkerchief.
8. Get outside. If you're around people who are sick or are begin to feel a cold setting in get outside, fresh air can do wonders. Just make sure that you dress appropriately.
9. Get a massage. It is really relaxing to have someone massage oils with lavender and eucalyptus into the chest, upper back and neck. This will increase blood flow, energy flow, break up mucus, increase oxygen and feel wonderful.
10. Be optimistic. Never underestimate the power of the mind. If you are battling a cold be optimistic and focus of the positive.