My Top 5 Tips For Treating Seasonal Allergies

It's the time of year where the seasons change faster than we can think. Yesterday, it was in the 50s with rain; today, it's scorching 90s with humidity; and tomorrow, it will be in the 70s with a wave of pollen. Our weather basically just shuffles through the decades!

Unfortunately for us, this dysfunctional weather and seasonal allergens play a huge role in many of our sicknesses and colds - aka seasonal allergies. Let me preface this by saying I am NOT a doctor by any means (definitely a hypochondriac, but that is a story for a different post), nor do I claim to know all the details of how the seasons affect our allergies. However, over time, I have developed a few tips that help me deal with my own allergies.

Nothing is worse than preparing for a vacation or summer feeling sick. I hope some of these tips will help you this allergy season!

Tip #1 - Use Over-The-Counter Products

If you're anything like me, you might hate taking medicine. I am the person who will wait till I am in despair to take medicine, which I am aware makes no sense. But why? We are blessed to have access to medicines and products that can help minimize our symptoms, while allowing us to function through daily activities.

Depending on symptoms, severity, and longevity; what you may need could look different from other people's needs. However, some over-the-counter products that have helped me are:

• DayQuil/NyQuil

• Cough drops

• Decongestants

By consulting a doctor or checking your local store, you can find products that help minimize symptoms during allergy season!

Tip #2 - Try Home Remedies

I am sure this is something you have heard many times as you have been sick, but I am here to tell you that some of them really are helpful! Utilizing accessible items from your home creates a clean and effective plan that doesn't involve leaving your house.

Personally, I tend to turn to these remedies over other solutions. Some of my favorites are:

• Drinking hot green tea (with honey and lemon)

• Eating foods with antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.)

• Taking a hot shower (allow steam to stay in the room)

• Drinking plenty of water

There are many remedies you can try at home without needing to access any new materials, which is why it might be the perfect solution for you!

Tip #3 - Clean Your Environment

This may seem like an odd tip for when you are sick, but I have found that when my space is tidy I feel 100% better. In addition to this, this will help eliminate dust and particles that have settled in your space. By keeping your house clean throughout the allergy season, you will be ready to tackle any sicknesses that come your way!

Extra ways to clean your environment when you are battling your allergies include:

• Using an air humidifier

• Diffusing essential oils

• Having lysol handy

• Keeping doors shut

When dealing with allergies, it's important to maximize air quality within your home, which is why many of these ideas focus on cleaning it.

Tip #4 - Change Up Your Routine

This tip can be annoying, especially if your seasonal allergies are severe, however I have found it's important to listen to your body and see if my routine is fitting where I am currently at. If I am sick and I typically stay up late, I need to change that for a bit. It is essential to get adequate rest when sicknesses come our way.

Some typical ways to change up your routine could look like:

• Eating healthier foods

• Changing sleep patterns

• Staying indoors more

• Taking rest periods

• Taking vitamins

These are all ways that we can temporarily adapt our routines to allow ourselves time to gain energy and wellness when we are dealing with allergies.

Tip #5 - Don't Neglect Other Facets of Your Health

When we are sick, it's so easy to rot in bed and be upset. Especially since seasonal allergies tend to have high longevity, it can be discouraging. Maybe you had to cancel plans or you're just tired of feeling bleh. I know how important it is to take care of yourself in all facets during these times.

By doing all of the above tips, you are obviously working on your physical health, but that doesn't mean your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health should be neglected. Here are some things that I do when I am down, to prioritize the entirety of my health:

• Go outside for 5 minutes

• Read a book/Bible

• Talk to someone

• Limit screen time

• Eat regularly

• Move throughout the day

By doing these easy things when you are sick you are taking care of yourself as a whole!

If you struggle with allergies, I hope you feel better soon!

After reading my 5 tips for dealing with seasonal allergies, I hope you were able to find something to help you this allergy season. If you need more info from people who are far more qualified, here are some links: Mayo Clinic, FDA, and Cleveland Clinic. If you have any of your own tips that you use to treat seasonal allergies, comment down below! We would love to know! Talk to you next week!

-Kami