The sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose… There’s nothing pleasant about hay fever, yet it has a way of striking people at the absolute worst times. Especially this year, coming off of an unseasonably hot summer and a delayed fall, it’s difficult to avoid some of these nasty seasonal side effects. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can hold hay fever at bay without spending too much time or effort doing so.
The shower is your friend.
While it may seem like a hassle, if you’re especially prone to hay fever, it’s important to shower after each and every time you venture outside. Before your mind starts spinning with thoughts of skyrocketing water and laundry bills, think about how much time you’re saving yourself from miserable days trapped inside with a stuffy nose and a sneeze that just won’t quit. By swapping clothes and basking in some shower steam, you’re saying “goodbye” to all the pollen residue that you might have carried home. You can even boost the shower’s effectiveness through eucalyptus oil or other natural decongestants that you can place in the shower or tub.
Check the local pollen count.
This is where modern technology comes in handy. Back in the day, a weather app would tell you the temperature and the chance of rain. Nowadays, many of them also list the local pollen counts. If the count for the day is particularly high, it might be a good idea to limit your time outdoors or to stay inside altogether. While pollen counts may vary, look at various outlets to determine consistency. It’s better for you to take a sick day from work than to spend your hours feeling absolutely miserable.
Find preemptive care.
Beating hay fever before it beats you takes time and a bit of experimentation. Best health insurance providers offer prescription strength allergy medications that can mitigate symptoms. Who knows, there may be a vitamin manufacturer that swears by its supplements. With a bit of trial and error, you may be able to find some sort of preventative measure that will work alongside your body to keep you fighting fit. It may take a few attempts but you’re bound to find something that works for your natural body chemistry.
Don’t stress it.
No, literally. Don’t stress it. There are plenty of studies out there that correlate stress and allergy response. The more stressed you are, the worse your hay fever could be. Find ways to address common stressors in your day-to-day life. This could include meditation, healthier eating, and exercise routines. This doesn’t mean you need to complete overhaul your lifestyle but even incorporating smaller techniques can make a massive difference in how your body responds to both hay fever and allergies in general.
Hooray for hot beverages.
What would we do without a good, steaming cup of tea? In general, hot beverages seem to be the cure-all for many ailments, such as colds, the flu, and, you guessed it, hay fever. Many hot beverages and broths have antihistamine properties which help your body naturally combat that nasty symptoms of hay fever. Of course, these should be used in tandem with vitamins or medication but they can provide some solid relief in a pinch and lead to better long-term health.
Hay fever can truly put you out of commission, even on the best of days. It takes a lot out of you and can have impacts that feel worse than your average cold. Especially during a year when the weather feels all out of sorts, it’s important to have a few tools in your kit to make sure that hay fever isn’t putting you out of commission. Stay happy, stay healthy, and don’t forget about a good cup of chamomile tea!
