8 Ways to Make Exercising During Allergy Season Easier
If you’re allergic to pollen or mold, you may feel like you have to stop exercising outside during the spring or summer months. But then you’d miss the most wonderful time to be outdoors. There are some simple strategies than can help, in addition to nutritional supplements.
1. If you’re allergic to pollen, try to exercise in the mid to late afternoon if your schedule allows it, when pollen counts are lowest.
2. If you’re allergic to mold avoid exercising outdoors right after a rain shower or on warm, humid days.
3. Remember to breathe through your nose as you exercise. Your nose is a filter. Use it.
4. Premedicate if necessary, to help keep your symptoms under control.
5. Wash your hands and face to get the allergens off your eyelashes, eyebrows and skin when you’re done. Wash your hair before bed, to avoid spreading pollens or mold spores on your pillow. Shower right away if you’ve done yard work. This lessens your exposure.
6. Reduce exposure to indoor allergens. If you know you’re allergic to dust mites, for instance, but you’ve never made the effort to make your bedroom a safe haven, you’re likely to have a stronger reaction to outdoor allergens. Why? Your body has a certain level of tolerance, but once it meets that level, you react more quickly and severely. If you’re bedroom is dust mite proofed, then the outdoor allergy season may not cause as much trouble.
7. Check the internet or newspaper for pollen and mold counts. If counts are high, don’t fight it. Switch your workout to the indoors whether that means mall walking, swimming, indoor tennis or a Pilates class. Variety is great for your muscles too!
8. Learn to use a neti pot and saline solution to cleanse your nose daily during allergy season. Studies have shown that cleansing the nasal passages daily can be a first line of defense against allergies. Most pharmacies and health food stores carry a variety of styles. Visit this website for explicit directions on how to use one.
Exercise is critical to good health and longevity. Don’t let allergies keep you on the couch! There are some simple strategies than can follow that will really help you.
