Spring is finally here, the birds are singing and the sun is shining. You can no longer resist the call of nature… but sunny days bring with them a little surprise… your eyes start to itch, you sneeze and your nose gets clogged… yes allergies are part of the spring package for some of us!
Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the outdoors even if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Just take a few precautions before setting off on an adventure !
Here are some tips to improve your time outdoors with allergies!
1- Find out what your allergies are with a doctor
It is extremely important to know your allergies and especially if they trigger asthma. Some treatments are prescription only and depend on the regulations in your country. Knowing your allergies also helps you understand them, because pollens, for example, vary according to the time of year. Take the time to speak with a specialist in order to protect yourself as effectively as possible.
For my part, I have a lot of allergies and they trigger asthma… and since forever !! I have a treatment for allergies and asthma that I manage according to the time of year and my feelings. I know it can be challenging but don’t give up !
Ok, now what can you do after this important first part !
2- Anticipate !
Now you know what kind of allergies you have and maybe your doctor has prescribed a treatment for you.
So… Take it with you !
I always have with me (even on my everyday life) :
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- eyes drops (to clean or for allergy relief),
- antihistamines (advised by my doctor or pharmacist),
- nasal spray,
- medication for the asthma (very important).
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Tips : I take my asthma medicine around 30/45 minutes before doing an outdoor exercice especially if I know it’s going to be a little bit difficult (cardio). The treatment can lead to a significant increase in heart rate so I need some time (around 30 minutes) to feel normal again. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions, and never self medicate.
Create your own medicine kit: (here are some basic examples, it should be adjusted according to your own needs and with the advice of your doctor)
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- something to clean your hands (water, wet wipes,…),
- eyes drop : touch your eyes only with clean hands, it’s really important to avoid putting more pollen or something else in your eyes,
- nose spray and tissus,
- antihistamines pills and water, drink a lot, it’s important and helps,
- asthma treatment if you need,
- something for your through if it’s irritated,
- pain reliever, (for potential headache)
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3- Get the proper protection !
- Wear sunglasses, not only to protect your eyes from the beautiful sun but from the pollens too!
- Wear a cap or a hat, because pollens love to travel so they’ll take a ride through your hair and come home!
- Wear convertible pants. If you are walking through fields with grasses you may need to protect your leg, believe me you don’t want to spend the next four hours with itchy legs ! The best part of this pants is that you can convert them into short when you’re out of the area.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a bandana. Indeed, the wind can suddenly rise and carry the pollen of the trees (you know the cloud of yellow dust released by the trees, in particular the conifers). After the episode, you can wash your face and hands with a little water to remove the pollen.
4- Drink, drink and drink !
Drink lots of water, I really mean it! You need to drink a lot during your time outdoors. Of course, it’s important for everyone, but since we’re talking about enjoying nature during pollen season, I want to focus on the fact that drinking helps with allergies. I regularly take a sip while walking. My bottle is close at hand. I feel the difference when I don’t drink as much as I should, my throat gets dry and itchy quickly.
Advice:
- Look at the Insulated cover for hiking water bottle from Decathlon (not sponsored), it’s super practical. You can also give one to your kid. There is different sizes and it’s affordable.
- Choose a stainless steel bottle and not a plastic one, it will last longer.
5- When you are back home.
As soon as you get back home, consider taking immediately a shower to get any allergens off your body and out of your hair.
6- Don’t be afraid !
I know allergy symptoms can be a nightmare, but don’t let them overwhelm you. If you follow the simple step and anticipate you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors normally!
But if you don’t feel like going out because you’re exhausted from adding allergy symptoms, treatments, etc. Don’t be hard on yourself. Tomorrow is another day, stay positive!!
I hope this advices can help you enjoy nature during the pollen season !
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