Winter may be taking its time arriving in Cairo but cold and flu season is undeniably here, and so are the advice articles about how to survive the onslaught of sniffling colleagues and kids unscathed. Top of the list is perhaps an obvious one: keep warm. While we here in Cairo can hardly complain about the winter sunshine, drinking hot drinks and layering up can help combat the indoor chills in our thinly-insulated homes and offices.

Key to it all, of course, is getting good sleep. In addition to making you feel rested, regular full nights of sleep strengthen your immune system and lower your chance of catching that bug making the rounds. Power naps, if you can sneak them, can help top you up and get you through a heavy day at work and the cycle of Thanksgiving/Christmas/Winter parties. Just 30 minutes of sleep or rest can make a difference. Other tips for powering through this holiday season include drinking plenty of water, starting your day with filling and healthy breakfasts, and sticking to your exercise regimen.

If you’re looking to change up your exercise routine, try heading for a dip al fresco. The Guardian touts the health benefits of winter swimming, which include a boosted immune system. If this is your first foray into winter swimming, start with only a few minutes at a time. But don’t go full Russian, and stay in the water longer than you planned. Warm up carefully with hot drinks, a sugar hit, avoid hot showers, and enjoy the adrenaline rush.