Pollen Protection

       As the spring season sneaks in, so does its partner-in-crime, pollen. Spring can either be the prettiest, calmest season or it could be the most stressful, painful season. It’s important to enjoy the spring season while also taking care of yourself! In this article I’ll be trying to help you enjoy this upcoming spring season without putting yourself through torture. 

1. Stay Hydrated: One of the most obvious solutions is to take medication to help relieve any symptoms. While taking medication make sure to also stay hydrated! Of course drinking water everyday is important, but it’s especially important while suffering through allergies. Our bodies tend to produce more histamines – chemicals in our bodies that trigger allergic reactions – while dehydrated so the best way to try and lower allergy symptoms is to drink water.

2. Plan Ahead: If you're planning on going out while in pollen season, try to schedule your plans depending on time. Pollen is at its highest at midday so try to arrange plans in the morning or late afternoon. It may seem troubling and annoying to have to plan things early or late but it would be worse to feel uneasy while out. Try to focus on indoor activities this season, especially if the event is going on for hours on end. Try to avoid picnics or large parks, such as Piedmont Park; there are other alternatives like going to the movie theater, a bowling alley, etc. Having pollen allergies doesn’t have to stop you from having fun this season!

3. Be Aware: Lastly, be very cautious when coming back home from being out. Bringing pollen into your home seems like a nightmare, so try your best to keep yourself safe while indoors. You want a place to breathe in and not worry about your allergies; your home should be that place! When leaving your house, make sure to keep doors and windows closed so as to not let any pesky pollen in. If you have a humidifier, consider using that, or if not just use your air conditioner. Try to make everyday showers common while in pollen season if they aren’t a part of your usual routine; just a regular body wash will do. Anything to help relieve yourself of stress from pollen.

Pollen isn’t completely avoidable so try not to be too harsh on yourself this spring; stay positive! Stressing about allergies could simply make them worse, so focus on keeping yourself calm and preparing solutions that could help you. Make sure to enjoy this upcoming spring and keep pollen out of the picture as much as possible. Have a happy spring and make sure to take care of yourselves!