Most people love it when the leaves begin to turn those lovely shades of yellow, orange, and brown. While I can surely appreciate jumping into a pile of freshly raked leaves, I absolutely hate the allergies that come along with this change in season. With one of the most severe allergy seasons ahead of us, here are 5 ways to ease your suffering!
Vacuum
If you are anything like I am, you may only vacuum your apartment to avoid starting that project due in two days. Or, you may not remember the last time you dusted off your Dyson.. But chances are, if you aren’t vacuuming with a decent-quality vacuum, there are allergens lurking in your carpets and bathroom rugs. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America recommends vacuuming once or twice weekly, but I say vacuum whenever your allergies are behaving badly.
Wash your Sheets
It is estimated that almost one out of every two college students only change their bed sheets once a month. A few never change their sheets, which is even grosser when you realize that over 330,000 yeast and mold colonies may lurk on your pillows and mattress pads, not to mention the 2,000,000 bacteria colonies that may also live in your mattress pads. Basically what I’m saying is to wash your bed linens! Not only is this a way to control dust mites and lower the severity of your allergies, it’s a matter of health and safety!
Meow! Clean up that Hairball
Avoid keeping your furry friend in the bedroom during allergy season. Even if you’re not allergic to pet dander, animals can carry sticky, hard to remove allergens, like pollen, on their hair or fur.
Sauna Time
For 10 minutes after my evening workout, I always make sure to spend time in the ARC Sauna to rid my body of as many allergens possible.. This simple (and relaxing) routine can help your skin and your health.
Wear a Mask
I’m not talking about a mud mask, I’m talking about the kind you see the doctors wearing on television! If your allergies get especially hard to deal with, wear a mask in the privacy of your own apartment while doing homework. While you may feel silly, a mask provides an additional barrier against allergens that make you go crazy just in time for midterms.