Winter is coming and with it the increase of food, decrease of activity and the rise of germs. Before you crawl into bed and begin to hibernate here are five tips to help you stay safe, fit and healthy over the winter holiday:

1. Stay hydrated!
   1. It may sound cliché but the easiest way to keep your body at 100 percent during the draining holiday season is staying hydrated. Drinking water balances your body’s fluids and helps control calories (because it replaces higher calorie foods and make you feel more full). It also energizes your body, something that everyone could use.
2. Limit the treats!
   1. Cookies, candy canes, chocolate and more. The treats go on and on. During the holidays, and winter in general, people tend to stay inside more and move less. Cutting down (not cutting out) on holiday treats can help you stay in shape.
3. Wash your hands!
   1. Germs are literally everywhere and when great aunt Sally, who believes that soap is poison, grabs your hand you may be in need of a handwash. Washing your hands not only keeps you safe but also people around you. Be extra sure to keep your hands clean when you prepare meals, no need to turn a holiday dinner into a food poisoning fest!
4. Get active!
   1. Winter is the hardest time to keep active, and unless you play a winter sport you likely could use a boost in activity. Even walking can keep your body healthy, just try to get active for 60 minutes a day. And if that is not reasonable for your schedule, getting active for 20 minutes can still help keep your body more healthy than no exercise.
5. And finally, Manage your stress!
   1. Holidays are stressful! Having people around you at all times can put a lot of strain on relationships and yourself. Making sure that you get plenty of sleep and take time for yourself can help keep you calm during the chaos.