Almost eight percent of American adults have allergies, or more specifically, hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. It seems as though the allergies this spring are at an all-time high. A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology found that among 179 individuals with rhinitis, those allergy sufferers under persistent stress experience more allergy flares than those individuals not under stress, suggesting that stress reduction may be a beneficial practice for people with allergies.
The researchers found that many allergy sufferers experienced an allergy flare within days of increased daily stress. They recognize the potential benefit of reducing stress, “While alleviating stress won’t cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms,” noted Amber Patterson, MD, lead researcher.
To help reduce stress, and hopefully improve your allergies, experts recommend a few options:
- Remove or reduce those things that stress you out. Learn to delegate, change your priorities, and organize your schedule to help reduce your stress load.
- Get plenty of sleep each night.
- Schedule some time for relaxation every day, even if for just a few minutes.
- Exercise daily, even if it’s just a 15 minute walk.
- Learn to meditate.
While it may seem that allergies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your suffering. Reducing stress is an important step toward feeling better this season—and every day!