With it being slap bang in the middle of winter illness season, it can feel like you’re destined to get poorly just in time to spoil the Christmas and New Year fun.

That’s why NHS Greater Manchester has put together ten small, yet highly effective, things that people can do to help keep them stay physically and mentally well during the festive period…

1. Get The Christmas Cheer, Not Flu

Supposed to be going to a Christmas party but feeling unwell? Take one for the team and stay at home so that everyone else doesn’t get ill.

2. Drink Up

Water might not seem like the number one choice of beverage during the cold winter days when a hot chocolate or a glass of beer is more appealing – but it’s important you drink at least one glass of water with and between each meal to keep you hydrated, healthy and ready to fight off any germs.

3. Learn To Love Those Sprouts

It’s easy to indulge during the festive season, but don’t forget to keep eating fruit and vegetables. They help maintain your energy, support your immune system in fighting off horrible illnesses that might come your way, and keep you feeling your best—so be sure to enjoy those sprouts!

If you are struggling to buy healthy fruit and vegetables then don’t suffer alone, there are food banks across Greater Manchester ready and willing to help. You can find a full list here: Food – Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

4. Keep Moving – Dance, Walk And Run Into 2025

Staying active over the Christmas period is a great way to boost your mood, manage stress, and keep your energy levels up. Whether you’re having a living room disco or a winter stroll outside – keeping active is great for keeping fit and improving your mental health.

Even small bursts of activity can make a difference to your physical and mental health. Some top tips include setting a daily step goal, choosing activities you enjoy, and including movement into your day with family or friends. Remember, it’s not about doing intense workouts—just keeping your body moving can help you feel your best throughout the holidays.

5. Keep Cosy And Warm

What better reason to snuggle up and get cosy at home than knowing it can help prevent you from getting unwell?! Warmth reduces the strain on you heart to maintain body temperature – helping lower the risk of cold-related illnesses like colds and flu, as well as more serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and depression.

Dress in layers to stay comfortable, adding or removing clothing as needed. Be sure to wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks to keep heat in. If it’s icy, wear shoes with grip to prevent slips, especially for older adults who are more at risk of injury.

Keep your most used rooms at least 18°C; use blankets, jumpers, and electric blankets for extra heat, and make sure you keep doors closed to block draughts.

For advice on being more energy efficient or to find out if you can get any heating and housing grants visit the government’s website or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.

6. Prevent A Drinking Disaster

Are the festivities tempting you to enjoy more booze than usual? Have fun but stay safe by planning – ensure you have a designated driver or use public transport to get home, eat food, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or alcohol-free options to keep things under control.

7. Stay Safe With Your Christmas Feast

Avoid food-related illnesses during the festive season by ensuring you’re handling and storing food safely. Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food, and make sure to cook meats thoroughly.

Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination, and store leftovers in the fridge fast. Pay attention to “use by” dates and avoid eating foods that have been left out for too long. Be mindful of allergies or dietary restrictions when hosting. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your holiday meals without worry!

8. Don’t Forget Your Medication

When it comes to medication, planning is the key to reducing stress. Restock your medicine cabinets with both essential prescription (only enough for what you need) and everyday medicines for cold and flu, as well as paracetamols and ibuprofen for any pesky morning after the night before headaches. 111 can help with an emergency supply only if you run short and your GP isn’t open.

If you’re going on a Christmas getaway, and you or someone you’re going away with, takes prescription medication, then it’s vital to have enough with you to last the entire holiday as well as some extras in case of delays, damage, or loss. For full details of what you need to check and how you should transport prescription medication abroad visit fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

9. Take Time For Yourself

While the festive period can be great fun, it can also be a hard time for lots of people, so remember to be kind to yourself and look after your mental health, just as you do your physical health.

If you’re feeling down, make sure you speak to someone – whether it be a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. You can call NHS 111 and press 2 for support and signposting or there are also free 24/7 mental health crisis support helplines covering the whole of Greater Manchester: for Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan residents, call 0800 953 0285; and for Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop the number is 0800 014 9995.

10. Get To Know Where To Go

If the worst-case scenario happens and you or someone you love does get ill over Christmas and New Year you’re not alone, there are lots of options to get some help and advice. Including local pharmacies for instant expert advice about minor conditions and visiting online or calling 111 for non-emergencies or expert advice. For emergencies and life-threatening issues always call 999 where they will always be happy to help.

Visit Get To Know Where To Go for more information.