How to Enjoy Outdoor Activities While Managing Winter Allergies
While it is true that many tend to spend more time indoors to escape the cooler winter breeze, you don't have to be strictly confined inside. There is an ample amount of outdoor winter activities many enjoy. Some like exercising outdoors, hiking, or biking to enjoy the breeze a little more.
Unfortunately, allergies don’t stop in favor of the festive season. While dropping everything to avoid triggering your allergies is a tempting choice to make, it’s not exactly the best way to go about the festive season.
It does, however, mean that you should consider taking extra precautions to manage your winter allergies and keep symptoms at bay.
How Are Seasonal Allergies During Winter in West Palm Beach?
The city of West Palm Beach Florida is a popular destination for both tourists and people looking for someplace to settle down long-term. It has so much sunshine to offer and palm trees as the cherries on top.
The state of Florida has great weather all year round. While this is good news for people who prefer the sunshine over the cold snow, it’s not so good news for people suffering from allergies. Allergens from trees, weeds, grass, and mold are present throughout the year.
While some allergy sufferers in some states get a little break in between allergy seasons, those in the sunshine state don’t get the same luxury. This means allergy sufferers in Florida experience an endless cycle of allergy triggers all year round.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities While Managing Your Winter Allergies
Having seasonal allergies doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to give up enjoying life. There are several ways you can still enjoy outdoor activities while managing your allergies, no matter the season:
- Identify and understand your allergy triggers
The first and most important step to enjoying outdoor activities while managing winter allergies is identifying and understanding what triggers your allergies. Are you allergic to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds? Or are your triggers something else like mold spores or pet dander? Are your allergies triggered by certain activities or foods? Recognize patterns and take note of any important information.
- Always check pollen counts and air quality
Before heading outside for outdoor activities, always check your area's pollen counts and air quality index (AQI). If the day has especially high pollen counts or poor air quality, consider doing an indoor activity for the time being instead.
- Time your activities wisely
Depending on your allergy triggers, avoiding going out on certain parts of the day can help. Grass pollen counts are typically at their peak in the late afternoon and early evening. Ragweed pollen counts are typically high in the early midday. Many pollen counts are also high in the early mornings. Going out in the early afternoon may typically be good for allergy sufferers.
You will also want to avoid going out on dry and windy days as pollen can travel for miles in the air on these days. Water can lower pollen counts so consider conducting your activities after a recent rain.
- Choose the right location for your activity
Avoid doing activities in allergy hotspots like areas surrounded by grass or fields. Stay away from blooming flowers or heavily wooded areas. As water can reduce pollen count, consider water activities and water sports.
- Wear protective clothing and gear
When going out, limit your exposure to allergens by wearing protective clothing and gear, especially on days when the pollen count is high or when there is poor air quality. Hats, scarves, and wrap-around glasses can help keep allergens and allergies at bay.
- Take your allergy medications
Take any prescribed allergy medication. Antihistamines and nasal sprays can help manage symptoms so taking them before going out will help.
- Change and shower after getting home
After getting home, immediately change out of your outdoor clothes and get in the shower. Wash away any allergens you may have collected while you were outside.
- Always listen to your body
Always be tuned in with your body and recognize your allergy symptoms immediately. On days you’re not feeling well, it would be best to forgo going outside and stay indoors instead.
Winter Allergies? Let West Palm Beach Breathe Free Help!
Don’t let winter allergies stop you from enjoying outdoor activities with your friends and family. With a little bit of preparation and extra precautions, you can be one with nature in no time. At West Palm Beach Breathe Free, we are committed to helping our patients manage their allergies so they don’t have to sacrifice all enjoyment in life.
Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you do the same!
