Spring is in full swing! And in about a month and a bit, it will be summer which means more days spent outdoors with the family.

If it were up to my kids, they’d be outside from the moment they wake all the way up to bedtime. The only minor issue that comes along with warmer weather is dealing with seasonal allergies. My eyes get itchy and I go through a box of tissues by lunch time because my nose is alternating between sneezing or dripping like a faucet.

I’ve had seasonal allergies for as long as I can remember so every spring when over the counter allergy medication goes on sale, I buy a few packs to get me through allergy season – most years it is May to October.

Winter is my least favourite season so I will put up with anything if it means not having to walk outside in bone chilling weather – watery eyes and stuffy nose included.

I know, I know, I wrote about how awesome Canadian winters are a few months ago but given my genetic makeup (my parents are from countries that never get snow) I really can’t help it when I say I prefer light jacket seasons over parka and long john weather.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, here are a few tips that will make your time outdoors more enjoyable:

1. Avoid the Outdoors from 5AM to 10AM

Pollen concentrations are the highest during this time so stay indoors and plan to start your activities later on in the day if possible.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses minimize the amount of pollen spores that get into your eyes. I rarely wear contact lenses during spring and summer months because my eyes get irritated easily due to my allergies. Wearing prescription sunglasses allows me to worry less about if contacts are going to fall out if I keep rubbing my eyes.

3. Change Clothes After Returning Indoors

Changing clothes after returning indoors means you won’t be breathing in pollen from outside.

4. Take a Shower Before Bed

Taking a shower and washing your hair before bedtime eliminates excess pollen that may have collected on your skin and hair.

5. Avoid Yard work

Take advantage of your seasonal allergies and cut down on chores! Don’t mow the lawn or spend too much time gardening because it will stir up pollen and mold which will make allergies worse.

If you are travelling during allergy season, the next three tips may also be helpful:

6. Plan Ahead for Travel and Check Pollen Counts

Avoid spending too much time outdoors during high pollen count days.

You can check the pollen index for your location on Reactine.ca or follow @ReactineCA on Twitter for local forecasts.

Keep windows closed to avoid pollen from entering your hotel room or rental vehicle.

7. Pack Medication for Vacation

Make sure you pack your medication in your carry on so you minimize having your allergies flare up when you get to your destination.

Also, pack some in your suitcase just in case. It’s not fun when you have to deal with a runny nose and itchy eyes when on vacation and then not being able to find over the counter medication when you desperately need it. I’ve been there before – in a foreign country where allergy relief meant me being stuck in the hotel until late afternoon.

8. Bring a Pillowcase from Home

Consider bringing an allergy protector pillowcase from home to keep pollen, mites, and other allergens at bay. Alternatively, check with your hotel or resort to see if they have non-allergenic pillows and bed linens for guests.

9. Head to the Beach

Pollen levels are lower around bodies of water so if you’re considering a long weekend getaway or summer vacation, head to the beach, ocean, lake or bay. Your allergies may disappear completely – no promises, though – I’m speaking from personal experience. I love being by the water!

Here’s to spending a few hours outside every day for the next few months. Vitamin D is good for you!

Unsure if you have allergies or if you’ve got a cold? Check out Reactine’s guide to allergies.

*Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Reactine, but the opinions and images are my own. For more information please visit www.reactine.ca

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