1) I am still caffeine free with no pesky intensely nauseating migraines. Which is a huge accomplishment and I'm already patting myself on the back about it. No tea even! I'm not planning on being caffeine-free forever, but I think sometimes, you body needs to detox off of it.
2) Cake Batter Frozen Yogurt is delicious. Mike and I went to a new frozen yogurt place called "RazzyFresh" in Squirrel Hill which was delicious and an awesome business model. The frozen yogurt is actually self-serve and you add your own toppings, then they weigh it to get a price. Plus, they have all of the ingredients and nutritional information posted right by the ice cream which is comforting when you are trying not to eat anything that you a) can't identify b) can't pronounce.
3) Meditation is hard. We are starting a meditative practice at least 2x a week using some podcasts I downloaded and while it was really good, I definitely struggled with staying in the moment.
So, I want to use Wednesday posts to drop some knowledge (hello, font of knowledge speaking, check my flow) by posting some sort of lesson, project, or tips.
My tips for this week are Things to do When Your Allergies Are Kicking Your Butt.
1. Accept being uncomfortable. I start with this tip because it has taken a long time for me to learn that being a little uncomfortable isn't that bad. I have really severe hay fever and regular sinus infections, so when I take medication, I can get a little better but usually I still drag a little bit. For me, it is a trade off. Either I can be a little uncomfortable or I can regularly go get allergy shots. I think that a lot of people have a hard time with mind over matter but sometimes, to treat the issue, you have to accept that it might be an uphill climb.
2. Don't be a hero. While I know I just said to accept being uncomfortable, you should also know that it is not worth spending everyday of the spring miserable because you don't want to take a pill. I hate taking medication and do a lot of more natural remedies, but some days, if I want to go to the park and walk around during the day time, I have to accept that medication will help me be a more present and pleasant person.
3. Nasal irrigation is your friend. While due to some sinus issues, a neti pot was a rare torture device for me, for a lot of people they are a god send. If you don't like the neti pot or don't want to spend the money on it, just pick up a saline nasal spray from the supermarket. They are about 2 bucks and will save you on days where your sinuses are preventing you from breathing normal.
4. Try different treatments until you find one that works. I avoided all allergy medicine for years due to the horrible reaction I would have to the medicine I took as a child. Now I balance another over the counter medicine with Olive Leaf supplements, ample water, and another herbal allergy medication. It may take time to find something that works for you, but keep trying. The spring time is too pretty to be stuck inside.
5. Keep an open mind. While some people may scoff at using Olive Leaf supplements or the importance of exposure to the elements to build up a resistance, it is important to recognize that not every remedy comes from a doctor.
6. Change your sheets! When you get home, make sure your clothing does not interact with your bedding. Don't wear your shoes around the house. Do anything and everything to prevent exposure in your home. When my allergies got really bad, we hooked up the air conditioner months early in our bedroom. Sometimes, your best bet is to treat yourself like the bubble boy, just stay away from the pollen.
7. Look up the allergy report. Most weather sites now list a pollen forecast. This is your friend. This will let you know if you do need to take your meds or if you can take a day off.
8. Read, read, read. Since the internet made everyone a hypochondriac, most people know the usual suspects (webmd, mayo clinic) to see tips. One of my favorite resources is http://www.wholeliving.com/ , the website for Whole Living Magazine. If you come across any site that you love, comment and I will add it to the post.
Just remember, the spring time is short, and if you are like me, you will be sneezing till winter. Try new things and work at it, you can enjoy the outdoors. Pollen can be your friend.
image via onlyducks etsy
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