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[April 2022] Many of us suffer with hayfever. Mine developed in my childhood/early teens. I have learned a lot about it since then. Here is my advice: Recognise the early symptoms; itchy/dry eyes is what I experience first. I respond by drinking a glass of water. Recognise those early symptoms, and respond in this way. This might sound overly simplistic but doing so this not only hydrates but it calms the nervous system - drinking water in such a situation is very powerful in this regard. Staying calm is of importance because an allergic reaction is a response by the body to something (or things) that are stressing it out. In the worst cases I have experienced my symptoms escalate and develop over days and weeks and have lead to breathing difficulties (I developed asthma in my childhood too). In the case of hayfever it is the presence of pollen that triggers all of this but we might ask ourselves, "Why does pollen affect me and not others?" I have come to learn that hayfever is symptomatic of what might be defined as having "a sensitive disposition." What I mean by this is that there are possibly other things that affect the hayfever sufferer, or are having an effect prior to the arrival of the pollen season. This could be toxins in food or environment and/or other stresses of a psychological nature. These, however mild, will be having a cumulative effect; pollen is like the last straw (no pun intended!) Reduce the toxins and stresses in your life. This comes back full circle to the point about staying calm. Avoid coffee and other stimulants and keep your environment clean. Drink plenty of water and avoid processed food. Are there things in your home life that are causing you stress? - that my hayfever developed during my school years could be a key factor (stress is stress, regardless of its form).
Avoid pollen? I began
this piece with the immediate
response to the symptoms (to
drink water), but the ultimate
advice is to avoid (or rather
minimise) those other,
underlying stresses, and this
begins way before the pollen
season. Avoiding pollen is not a
solution (nor is it likely
practical, except once symptoms
have developed or are escalating
- although this should not be
done in a fearful manner, but
again, calmly). One should, I
believe, acclimatise oneself to
the seasons; spend plenty of
time outdoors all year round
(ideally each and every day),
indeed low Vitamin D levels
following a winter indoors could
be a contributing factor [See
below]. Don't stay in doors
throughout the winter and then
suddenly spring Spring on
yourself in its entirety; enjoy
the developing season as it
develops. |
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This is a real experience for many, if not all people who live in an area that experiences dull and grey winter months. A/the reason for this is a lack of Vitamin D. Our bodies produce this vital vitamin from being exposed to sunlight; I like to think of how Superman heals himself in the sun. Ideally our exposure to sunlight through the summer months is enough to tide us over through the darker ones, but it has been shown that this is not always the case (see right). I therefore try and spend some time outside each and every day, ideally a minimum of an hour. I now consciously acknowledge when I miss a day outside (such as due to poor weather) and now use a Vitamin D supplement following those days. (You can read more about my Vitamin regime here.) A lack of Vitamin D can not only affect the mood but can lead to poor immune health, leading us to suffer more and for longer when dealing with anything from a minor cold, the flu, or viral infection. Vitamin D is also said to assist in regulating our sleep, and not enough sleep can also lead to us being less resilient. In addition to a natural dose of Vitamin D (the best kind), being outside provides one with fresh air and is usually combined with physical activity such as a walk. I try to maintain a Morning Routine that includes a run, and later on I like to go out on my bike for an hour or more. If one is not used to such things then they can seem like a chore and hard work, but once a routine is achieved it all becomes that, routine, and just something that is part of your day-to-day life. Once
time outdoors in all seasons is
achieved another thing can be
noticed... a lack of need for
excessive heating in the home;
doing some daily brisk exercise
opens up the blood vessels and
improves circulation. I believe
that a home that is too warm is
not good for the health
(providing you are generally
physically active), can cause
mould to grow (also not good for
the health), and leads to a
higher energy bills. |
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Addictions, Habits, and Routines...
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