Tips to control your allergies and enjoy the spring season:

> Schedule showers at night or after returning home: Showering at night can make for a much more pleasant night of sleep for those with outdoor allergies. This helps wash off all the pollen from skin and hair after returning home. This also helps keep the allergens off bedsheets and pillows and other parts of your home. > Keep distance from local gardens and parks: Although flowers and pollen is not as common in the UAE, more trees blossom during spring time and release pollen into the air. The best time to go outside in those areas is right after a heavy rain that helps wash the pollen out of the air. Pollen allergy sufferers will have the most trouble on dry, warm and windy days. > Keep indoor air clean: Although fresh air feels great, it carries in the pollen you are trying to avoid. Keep house and car windows closed and use air-conditioning in the car and at home to filter the pollen and other allergens out of the air. Change air conditioner and heater filters regularly to make sure the air is always filtered well. > Dress appropriately outdoors: Wearing a widebrim hat and sunglasses can keep pollen out of eyes. While limiting outdoor exposure is recommended, some may need to wear a mask if being outside is unavoidable and if the symptoms are severe. > Super Food Diet: While taking the necessary precautions for your outer body, you need to be cognisant of what you consume, for your health. Making simple changes to your diet will help relieve and ward off allergies and make you feel better. Tea, especially green tea, is very good for those with allergies.