Dealing with a congested nose can be incredibly frustrating. It can affect your sleep, your work, and your overall quality of life. While there are many medications available to help relieve a stuffy nose, you might not want to rely on them all the time.

Luckily, there are some clever breathing hacks you can try to relieve your congestion and get back to feeling like your normal self.

1. Get Steamy

One of the simplest breathing hacks to try when you have a congested nose is to get steamy. Steam can help to loosen the mucus in your nose and make it easier to breathe.

You can take a hot shower or bath to get the steam going, or you can try something like a steam inhaler. Simply fill the inhaler with hot water, place your face over the mask, and breathe in the steam for several minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel afterward.

2. Use a Humidifier

If you don’t have a steam inhaler, you can still get the benefits of steam by using a humidifier. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can make it easier to breathe.

You can use a cool mist or warm mist humidifier, depending on your preference. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when you have a congested nose. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin out the mucus in your nose, making it easier to breathe.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider drinking hot beverages like tea or broth to help clear your sinuses.

4. Try Saline Nasal Spray

Saline nasal spray can help to flush out your nasal passages and relieve congestion. You can buy saline spray over-the-counter at most drug stores, or you can make your own with a simple recipe.

Mix a teaspoon of salt in a pint of warm water and use a dropper or nasal spray bottle to administer the solution in each nostril. Repeat as often as needed to clear your nasal passages.

5. Use a Neti Pot

A neti pot is a device that looks like a small teapot. It’s used to flush out your nasal passages with a saline solution. To use a neti pot, fill the pot with a saline solution and tilt your head to one side.

Place the spout of the pot in one nostril and pour the solution into your nose. The solution will flow out of the other nostril, flushing out any mucus or debris. Repeat on the other side.

6. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help to relieve congestion by increasing blood flow and opening up your airways. Even a short walk can be beneficial, so try to get moving whenever you can.

Just be sure to avoid exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high, as this can make your congestion worse.

7. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil can help to clear your nasal passages and relieve congestion. You can add a few drops of oil to a hot bath, a pot of boiling water, or a diffuser.

Just be sure to use oils that are safe for inhalation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Elevate Your Head

When you lie down, mucus can collect in your nasal passages and make congestion worse. To help prevent this, try sleeping with your head elevated. You can prop up your head with extra pillows or use a wedge pillow designed for this purpose.

9. Avoid Irritants

There are many things that can irritate your nasal passages and make congestion worse. Common irritants include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong odors like perfume or cleaning products.

Avoid these irritants whenever possible to help relieve your congestion.

10. Know When to See a Doctor

While many cases of nasal congestion can be treated at home, there are times when you should see a doctor.

If your congestion lasts more than 10 days, you have a high fever, or you have severe pain in your sinuses, it’s time to make an appointment. Your doctor can help to diagnose the underlying cause of your congestion and recommend the best treatment.