There’s Much to Be Said for Distraction

First off, I want to caveat this article by saying that if anyone finds themselves going through a really nasty flare or allergic reaction, whether it be a respiratory allergy or food-related allergies and the like, then the only thing that can help in these situations is usually the use of the relevant and appropriate medications or treatment. So this article is not a solution to any allergy conditions but a coping mechanism that people might find helpful before the flare reaches!

What do I mean by distractions?

I have mentioned in previous articles that I live in a very minimalistic environment to reduce my allergy symptoms. Reducing the clutter in my home has decreased my chances of breaking out into a sneezing or itching fit because there is a lessened surface area for dust to settle.

I'm on it big time with cleaning! All the floors in my home are hardwood, so I can easily clean dust versus it locking into the carpeting.

Cleaning is a good distraction from allergies

If I keep disciplined with my routines, such as cleaning, my mind almost forgets that I have allergies and eczema. My free-standing bookshelf is the only shelf I need to dust. So with regular vacuuming and cleaning, not only do I reduce the chances of triggering a flare, but the act of cleaning itself can be a nice distraction.

Music is powerful for mindfulness

I play and produce music. I have been in and out of bands all my life, and there is nothing like this art form! Playing and listening to music uplifts me and, I believe, changes the chemistry in my brain.

I've found that music can be a positive distraction from my health conditions or allergies and can occasionally prevent a trigger. Music also has the power to alleviate my stress and anxiety.

For example, I am currently listening to a song called "Saturn" by Plastic Mermaids. It's an electro-indie tune that is uplifting and keeps my mind preoccupied.

Sport and exercise

It almost goes without saying that physical activity is a great way to reduce mental health issues. Unfortunately, in my case, I have respiratory allergies and other problems that make exercising tricky. I incorporate 20 minutes of physical activity each morning. I would love to do more, but I am a bit weary about pushing myself too hard.

Moving my body in a way that feels good is a great way to be present and temporarily take my mind off of my health concerns. Sometimes I fall off of my exercise habit. On the days when I struggle, I go on a walk to keep moving. When I exercise regularly, it has an incredible influence on my well-being.

Coping mechanisms to deal with allergies

There are more coping mechanisms that I use, and we all use, perhaps not always realizing that we are distracting ourselves from the harsh realities of life, such as reading books and watching films and TV.

What do you do to distract yourself? Share in the comments!