Overcoming the irritating and often debilitating symptoms seasonal allergies can cause is much like arm wrestling.
In order to succeed you must have knowledge of the opponent, an effective strategy in place and a will of iron.
Here are 5 ways you can wrestle your allergies into submission.
Know Which Seasons Cause Problems For You-Many think that spring is the only allergy season.
But if you have allergies you know better.
Tree pollen can become airborne as early as January.
Grass pollen picks up in the summer, and weed pollen completes the calendar year with a strong finish in late fall.
If you are sensitive to one or more of these spores, knowing when the peak of the season is in your area is crucial.
Choosing to be indoors when the pollen count is astronomical outside will allow you to avoid the trigger and many of the symptoms that accompany them.
There are websites that can give you the pollen count in your area, and local television, radio, newspapers have daily pollen count and weather conditions.
Staying in the know about the pollen count and weather conditions will help you make choices that will minimize symptoms and maximize your enjoyment of life.
Minimize Air Exchange-Keep indoor air separate from outdoor air by keeping doors and windows closed.
Use air conditioning rather than fans.
Keep the vent in the car closed and circulate the air inside the car.
When possible park out of the pollen onslaught by using carports or garages.
Filter Indoor Air-Shutting windows and doors can cause the amount of indoor pollutants to rise.
Choosing an air purifier that contains a high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) is the perfect match for this situation.
This filter will remove the invisible particles that you can't see but that are so potent that they trigger symptoms.
A HEPA can remove particles as small as .
3 microns in size which includes triggers such as seasonal pollen, dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander to name a few.
This type of filtration is so effective because it is a pro-active yet non-invasive strategy that should be used throughout the year.
Boost Your Immune System-There are so many ways that you can do this.
Eating colorful fruits and vegetables is a good guideline of choosing foods that will strengthen your immune system.
Many of these foods contain anti-oxidants that are known to provide natural relief.
Getting the proper amount of rest can really help you cope physically and emotionally to this condition.
An exercise regimen that can be done inside when the pollen count is too high can help keep your blood pressure down and your spirits high.
Ask your doctor about herbal supplements that may help, and follow up with a visit to your local health food or organic grocery store for more tips.
See The Glass As Half Full-Your emotions can help or hurt you.
Even though there is no cure for allergies, in the total scheme of conditions that you could have, the majority of people with this condition are able to live a fulfilling and rewarding life.
Staying positive and being grateful for all the good things around you will help.
Instead of bemoaning all of the negatives that result because of your allergies, try making a list of all that you have to be grateful for and read that list each morning.
Hopefully, this will make you feel better as well as the people who live with you and love you.