(3/2019) Allergies have arrived! Allergy medication, shots and staying inside as much as possible are what get people through this time of runny eyes, noses, coughing and just feeling overall miserable.

Did you know that staying on your regular exercise program or maybe adding some exercise to your daily routine just may help lessen some of your allergy systems? I know when allergies strike you really don't feel like going for that walk, jog or to the gym for your workout but that may be just the thing to make you feel a little better.

A doctor once told me that walking may help relieve some of the congestion and give my energy and immune system a boost. I had never heard that before and I can't say I felt better the next day but I followed his advice and I seemed to have more energy and get over the cold sooner than usual. Exercise will raise your endorphin level and help relieve depression so it makes sense that it may make you feel better when your body is fighting off any illness.

Having something to look forward to each day can give you a positive attitude and that will always make you feel better. I realize that going for a walk or jog may be just the thing that will set off some people's allergies because as soon as you set foot outside the door you are sneezing and coughing. Try to prepare ahead of time before the buds and allergens are in full force. Being outside in the early morning may help some people because the air seems fresh and cooler in the morning before the sun gets hotter.

Find some DVDs that you can use in your own house so that you can walk or do a cardio routine right in your living room. Maybe you can get to the gym early in the morning or later in the evening when the wind calms down and is not blowing the allergens around so much. Think about a spin class or some other inside activity that you can do to stimulate your system and get your cardio and strength training workout in without being outside.

There are many classes offered at gyms and even some of the local schools. Taking a shower as soon as you finish your workout may also wash away allergens from your skin and hair. Changing clothes may also help eliminate the irritants from bothering you as much.

Talk to your friends and maybe you can get together for some exercise as well as social time. I have read different articles that suggest sharing social time with friends is just as beneficial for weight loss and many illnesses as the medication you may take or the treatments you may receive. That is not saying it should replace your medication or treatment. Being around other people can also help strengthen your immune system.

Exposure to germs will boost your ability to not contract or fight off illnesses. You know how children seem to catch every bug that is going around school because they are in close contact and in a small area with others that are sick. Even though they pass around their germs, they are also building up a resistance to the same illnesses. This exposure is how we are able to avoid getting sick. When you do get sick it may be a milder case or you wouldn't get sick as often.

I think sharing and spending time with people can let you see that you are not alone and many others have gone through or are going through right now what you are. This time together can improve your mood, give you ideas and help you find help you may never have heard about if you stayed to yourself. We can learn so much and help each other just by talking to each other. I am always learning something new from my clients because they share what they have read or heard or learned from personal experience. That's why I end my articles saying, if you have any questions or suggestions you can contact me at 717-334-6009. I am always trying to learn more so I can help my clients and readers.

Remember, Keep Moving!!

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