How to Survive the Hectic Holidays

'Tis the season for fun and frolic: shopping, entertaining, travel, and getting together with family and friends. Unfortunately it's also one of the most hectic times of the year! How to get through it with ease? Pam O'Brien, Executive Editor of Fitness magazine has the scoop on how to survive it all!With all the parties, the traveling and the running around we do at the holidays, it's so important to stay healthy and not get sick. The best defense is prevention. Cold germs can live on surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons for days. So its important to wash hands regularly.Pam says you should also eat plenty of fruits and veggies to boost your immune system and exercise regularly for 30 minutes a day. Every time you exercise, your body steps up its production of germ-fighting cells. But if you do get sick or feel a cold coming on, Pam suggests taking cold-eeze. It's clinically proven to shorten the duration of a cold by nearly half. Cold-eeze releases zinc ions, which are absorbed by the upper respiratory system and block the cold virus from replicating. They have lozenges, a convenient oral spray or new quickmelts, which dissolve in your mouth. The daytime quickmelts are non-drowsy, and the nighttime version help you fall asleep faster naturally. Some other quick ways to look and feel your best is to project confidence. You'll be more likely to mingle and have a good time. One of the number-one ways to look younger and make a terrific first impression is to smile. For an easy way to get whiter teeth and a brighter smile, Pam uses Rembrandt's new Intense Stain Dissolving Strips. They whiten on the go--no brushing or rinsing required. The strips dissolve in just five to 10 minutes, and whiten stains caused by coffee, red wine and tea. Use them twice a day for 14 consecutive days and your teeth will look noticeably whiter. Also key to looking your best is having smooth, healthy lips. Pam is loving Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30 relieves dryness and soothes chapped lips. It also provides protection from the sun's UVA/UVB rays .And to keep holiday stress under control, its always a great idea to plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking and visiting friends. Plan your menus and make your shopping list. Mapping things out in advance will help prevent that last-minute scrambling around that makes us feel frazzled. Learn to say no. Saying yes to every invitation is overwhelming--you'll end up feeling cranky and resentful. Friends and relatives will understand if you can't participate in every project, party or activity.Pam also says to make some time for yourself. Spend just 15 minutes alone to clear your mind and restore your inner calm. So take a walk outside. Listen to soothing music. Do yoga. You'll feel refreshed and reenergized afterward.Check out the latest issue of Fitness Magazine on news stands for more holiday stress-busters or go to fitnessmagazine.com.