Think Anxiety
The mere thought of spring has the ability to pique the anxiety of someone with seasonal allergies or asthma. In a curious way, that anxiety and stress can lead to worsening asthma symptoms.
If you find yourself feeling nervous about your next attack or being worried about performing the required outdoor tasks, spend some time working on your relaxation skills. Paying attention to your body is doubly important for someone with asthma. Increased attention and self-monitoring can identify an attack before it starts and can reduce the risk of a future attack.
Relaxation techniques involving deep, diaphragmatic breathing are the obvious choice. Sit comfortably in a chair or lay flat on your back to fill your lungs with air. Imagine your stomach inflating like a balloon to avoid shallow breathing in your chest.
This process increases oxygen in your blood, which leads to a slowed heart rate and an overall feeling of relaxation. It’s just what you need.
Think Safety Plan
Your spring needs to be a safe spring. What interventions will increase your safety? Steps like taking your medication as prescribed and having your inhaler handy may seem simple but are often overlooked. Having an asthma action plan, like this one, can remind you and those around you of the steps needed to maintain your health in the spring.
Asthma alert bracelets can complement your toolbox well by informing people about your condition. You may not be able to prevent every asthma attack or flare in symptoms, but you can always stay prepared.
Think About Afterwards
Staying safe isn’t only about the time that you are outdoors, it extends to the time that you return inside. Avoiding contaminating your home with outdoor triggers can go a long way for continued symptom management.
Anything that flies through the air can stick to your body and can shed off inside. Track the benefits of changing clothes and showering when returning inside. Never hang your clothes outside to dry for the same reason.
Conclusion
If springtime has you hiding inside while your anxiety grows, take some steps to change your behaviors. A few modifications can make exercise, landscaping, cleaning and parties much more fun.
Along the way, be sure to focus on steps to reduce the anxiety that accompanies springtime asthma. Taking these steps and keeping yourself safe will change spring into your favorite time of year.
Find new options for your symptoms as new life bursts around you.
