The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness. For many people, this means celebrating with family and friends, enjoying festive foods, and partaking in other seasonal activities.

But for those with allergies, the holiday season can also be a time of stress and discomfort. Allergic reactions can put a damper on holiday cheer, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay allergy-free this holiday season.

Know Your Triggers

One of the most important steps in staying allergy-free this holiday season is to identify your triggers. Allergic reactions can be caused by a wide range of substances, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.

If you’re not sure what’s triggering your allergies, consider getting tested by a doctor. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to them.

Protect Your Home

Since you’ll be spending more time inside during the holiday season, it’s important to make your home as allergy-free as possible.

Start by cleaning your home regularly, especially areas where allergens like dust and mold are likely to accumulate. Use an air purifier to remove allergens from the air, and be sure to change your HVAC filters regularly. Additionally, consider investing in allergy-proof bedding and pillows, which can help reduce exposure to dust mites.

Be Mindful of Food Allergies

Food is a big part of holiday celebrations, but for those with food allergies, it can be a source of anxiety. If you or someone in your household has a food allergy, be sure to communicate this to your hosts or to those preparing the food.

Bring your own food if necessary, and carefully read labels to make sure that foods don’t contain the allergen in question. If you’re planning on eating out during the holiday season, be sure to research restaurants ahead of time to find ones that are allergy-friendly.

Stay Active

Exercise is a great way to keep allergies at bay. Not only does it improve your overall health, but it can also help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system–both of which can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a swim. And if the weather is nice, take your workout outside–just be sure to check the pollen count first.

Be Prepared

Even with all your best efforts, there’s always a chance that you’ll experience an allergic reaction this holiday season.

To be prepared, keep allergy medication with you at all times, whether it’s an over-the-counter antihistamine or an epinephrine auto-injector for severe reactions. Make sure that those around you are aware of your allergies and know how to help in case of an allergic emergency.

Avoid Open Fires

Crackling fires are a cozy part of the holiday season, but they can also be problematic for allergy sufferers. Smoke, soot, and other air pollutants emitted by open fires can irritate the lungs and trigger allergic reactions.

Instead of an open fire, consider using an electric fireplace or space heater. And if you do choose to have an open fire, make sure the chimney is clean and that the room is well-ventilated.

Travel Smart

If you’re planning on traveling this holiday season, take steps to stay allergy-free on the road.

Pack allergy medication and any other necessary supplies in your carry-on, and research your destination ahead of time to find allergy-friendly restaurants, accommodations, and activities. If you’re traveling by car, keep the windows up and the air conditioning on to reduce exposure to pollen and other allergens.

Avoid Candles and Scents

Candles and other scented products are popular during the holiday season, but they can also trigger allergic reactions.

Scented candles and air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate the lungs, and even natural scents like pine and cinnamon can cause problems for some. Instead of scented candles, try using unscented beeswax candles or diffusing essential oils. And if you’re hosting a gathering, consider asking guests to refrain from wearing perfumes or scented products.

Manage Stress

Stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms, so it’s important to take steps to manage stress during the holiday season.

Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, and prioritize self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. And if holiday-related stress is getting to be too much, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional or a mental health provider for additional support.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and discomfort for allergy sufferers. With a little planning and preparation, however, you can stay allergy-free and enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer.

By identifying your triggers, protecting your home, being mindful of food allergies, staying active, and being prepared for allergic reactions, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions and enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.