Spring is coming and nearly everyone else in the world is looking forward to shedding their winter coats, and taking to the outdoors to enjoy picnicking, gardening, or walks in the park. You, on the other hand, are dreading the arrival of the season that brings itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion. And not just because of the physical symptoms, but because of feeling left out. Here are 5 things to do that will help you look forward to spring too.
Plan a Trip-If you live in a city that is a hotbed for spring allergy because of the trees and flowers native to your town, you don't have to celebrate spring where you live. Plan a trip up north where spring has not yet sprung, and enjoy the last bit of snow, or skiing. Do some research, and plan a cruise so you and your family are gone for a couple of weeks during the height of the season. For a less costly trip, plan to use a friend or relative's home (who lives in a more allergy friendly location) as a base for sightseeing, shopping, and exploring a new town.
Start Your Own Club-There are an estimated 10 million Americans who suffer from indoor and outdoor allergy, and if you live in a city that is known to have high pollen count in the spring, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of others in you town in the same boat with you. A weekly book club, or lunch club can be done inside in a controlled environment and still allow you to look forward to socializing with others during the season. Talk with friends and neighbors about what you want to do, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how many others that you know have the same need.
Get Fit Indoors-Join a fitness center where you can run, swim, pump iron, and socialize with others who have fitness as a common goal. Use your time indoors to tone your muscles, build your endurance, and shed any extra pounds that have climbed aboard since the holidays. Come summer when the pollen is gone, you'll be the envy of all you meet when you put on your bathing suit and head for the beach.
Volunteer-Even though living through allergy season can literally be a pain, set aside time each week to turn the focus from your problems to those of others-and sadly, there are plenty of people who are less fortunate these days. Choose a charity where you can work indoors and volunteer for several hours a week. Your job can be as simple as answering their phones, helping with mailings, working at a church, or preparing food for the homeless. There is no shortage of ways that your community can benefit from your help. (And there's another club idea-a volunteer club!) After volunteering, it will be easy to dwell on how much you have to be thankful for.
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