Seaonal Allergy Hacks For Spring

Spring is in the air, and that means seasonal allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen have arrived. Allergy sufferers know that spring can be as uncomfortable as it is beautiful, with trees, flowers and allergy symptoms in full bloom. While it’s important to meet with your doctor to discuss ways to manage your allergies and prevent excessive discomfort, there are some things you can do now to help keep symptoms at bay.

Making small changes to your daily lifestyle really can go a long way to keeping pollen out of your home, off your skin and away from your eyes. Reducing your exposure to allergens is the most effective way to prevent symptoms, and you can do this without having to stay locked indoors, all season long. Simply avoiding the outdoors during highest pollen counts, keeping your eyes covered and taking showers after spending time outside can help to keep pollen from accumulating on your body, clothing and bedding, and keep you breathing easy.

This spring, reduce your allergy symptoms by following a few of these seasonal allergy hacks we love.

Shower/Bathe at Night
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep allergy symptoms at bay is to shower or bathe in the evening, after spending time outdoors. Not only will you wash pollen off your skin and body, but you’ll keep pollen from making its way into your bedding and upholstery.

Wash Bedding/Linens Regularly
In spring, keep dust and pollen out of your home by regularly washing bedding and linens in hot water. If you have severe dust allergies, it might be useful to wash more than once per week, while those with mild to moderate allergies should be okay with a weekly hot water wash.

Avoid Outdoors in the Morning
Pollen counts tend to be at their highest in the morning hours, between 5 am and 10 am, so try to avoid heading outdoors for exercise, dog walks or gardening during those hours. Allergy sufferers will find that dry, windy days can be some of the most uncomfortable, so pay close attention to the weather forecast, and try to avoid spending long periods of time outside in those conditions.

Keep Your Eyes Covered
When you do plan to spend long periods of time outdoors, keep your eyes and skin covered by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. You’ll keep pollen from getting into your eyes, nose and even mouth, and potentially prevent the onset of an allergy attack.

Close Windows & Patio Doors
While spring is a wonderful season for letting cool breezes into your home, for allergy sufferers, it just isn’t worth it. On days when you know the pollen count is high, keep your windows and doors closed tight, and rely on your air conditioning to keep air flow moving in your home. You’ll keep pollen from coating your furniture and floors, and keep your sinuses feeling free and open.