If you like to run, workout and enjoy the outdoors, or even just want to relax inside without itchy eyes and incessant sneezing, seasonal fall allergies can be a more-than-pesky problem. Fall is the worst season for allergies sufferers; there are more allergy triggers than any other time of the year. Typically, weed pollens (like the 17 varieties of ragweed) and mold spores peak in the autumn months as do other irritants like dust mites. Ewww.
Don’t let fall allergies kick you in the butt without fighting back. Allergy relief comes in many forms, and usually a multi-faceted approach is what works best. There are many over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines that can help reduce symptoms (I head to MinuteClinic inside CVS Pharmacy to take care of this). Some even say that eating locally-sourced honey and natural remedies can help you build up your defenses.
Don’t let seasonal fall allergies keep you off the running trails.
Practical tips can help reduce allergies, as well. For example, don’t leave windows open during the day and avoid the use of a window fan – both will fast track unwanted pollens and mold spores into your home. Remember to clean and change air filters every three months to reduce the amount of dirt, debris, and allergens you come into contact with daily. Shake out bedding and wash it often and don’t go to sleep after being outdoors without washing your hair (allergens get trapped in there).
Practicing yoga can also be a good way to help alleviate allergies and boost your overall immune system. Plus, spending even just 10 or 15 minutes a day practicing yoga can reduce overall stress and create a calming effect which, in turn, makes it easier to deal with seasonal fall allergies. Today, I’m sharing Four Yoga Poses to Alleviate Fall Allergies to help you start feeling less clobbered and optimize your overall health. Remember, yoga isn’t a cure-all, although it can aid in your overall allergy-fighting plan. Please seek medical attention for serious allergy symptoms, if you have a fever or think you could have the flu.
Downward Facing Dog along with other more advanced inversions can help to release drained mucus trapped in nasal passages. However, experts suggest remaining upside down no longer than one minute.
Plow Pose helps to relieve the pressure of allergies by relaxing and opening up muscles at the base of the neck.
Bridge Pose helps to open the chest and lungs and improve breathing. Backbends and leaning backward over a large exercise ball are other alternatives.
Mindful Breathing helps to increase lung capacity, expel toxins and alleviate allergy-related congestion. Attention to deep, relaxed breathing also helps to relieve stress and create an overall calming effect.
If you’re going to include over-the-counter or prescription medications in your allergy-fighting arsenal, MinuteClinic is a convenient solution to get you feeling better quickly. This walk-in clinic located inside CVS Pharmacies has nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can give you a good look over and recommend the right over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate.
Do you have any allergy-fighting tips? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer
This post is sponsored by MinuteClinic, however all opinions and yoga suggestions are my own.