While most may be relieved to see the COVID restrictions ending, some greet it with more trepidation. For the past couple of years, there has been a shift in how life is conducted, with more appointments, jobs, and classes happening remotely. Some have responded to this by going a little stir crazy. Allergy sufferers have had more power than ever to avoid the things that trigger an attack. This has led to a growing feeling of unease about things “returning to normal,” with more workers returning to offices and having to start their commute again. If you’re among those experiencing nervousness in a post-COVID world, you’re not alone.

Avoiding Allergy Attacks In A Post-COVID World

For severe allergy sufferers, there was a regimen of practices they adhered to that limited their exposure to allergens. Among these were AALRAs, or Allergist-Approved Low-Risk Activities. These guidelines are typically created with the joint effort of the patient and the allergy sufferer. Children, of course, would often have their parents involved in the process. Getting back into these practices is important as the world teeters back towards a more normal day-to-day routine. Doing so will help restore confidence and get you comfortable with being social again while reducing the impact of your allergies.

Another important facet of these activities is restoring a sense of self-sufficiency. Feelings of self-sufficiency are created by engaging in activities and being successful in their execution. This starts with being active in the world at large and following the guidelines of your AALRAs. Lacking these experiences, feelings of anxiety will likely increase due to your avoidance of them. Many allergy sufferers will refute this conclusion. When doing so, they’re only looking at the immediate results. The initial avoidance of these activities decreases anxiety, but it will cause an increase if done persistently.

There is a selection of approaches you can take to overcome this:

• Start engaging in favorite activities from before the pandemic began
• Review your AALRAs, and be sure to incorporate them into your day
• Take baby steps, but be persistent. Repeated activities can reduce anxiety.
• Remember your alternate definitions of success, and use them as your gauge.
• Educate yourself about the latest news related to your allergy
• Remain flexible and grateful, for the life you live

These steps can have a significant impact in promoting a generalized sense of positivity about the upcoming changes. It remains to be seen just how back to ‘normal’ the world will go. Many of the changes that occurred during the pandemic are influencing paradigms going forward. How we work, educate, and treat may never return to pre-COVID standards. A better way forward has been found.

Speak To Your Allergist For More Guidance

Contacting your allergist for a consultation is a good first step toward getting back on track. They’ll keep you informed about the latest trends in treating allergies. They’ll update your AALRAs and help you adjust as things start swinging back to a world without COVID.