Kicking Allergies in the Butt

If you've ever had to deal with allergies, you know they're awful. You wake up and you're stuffy, have a scratchy throat and are probably coughing up a storm. I have gone through an entire jumbo extra large family package of cough drops already the last two months because my allergies have been a mess.

The news reports all say this is going to be the worst year for allergies yet. The pollen levels are going to be out of control.

But how can we deal with these? Allergy medicine is, of course, an easy way out but it can make some people super drowsy. I know, for me, even if it's "non-drowsy," I feel like it's nap o'clock after the meds kick in. Well, I recently learned that the ingredients are what cause drowsiness. When you're at the store, look for an anti-histamine (offbrands work just the same as Benadryl and the more pricey versions) that DOESN'T contain chlorpheniramine, clemastine, and diphenhydramine. Those are what cause the drowsiness and will certainly make you sleepier than any other ingredients.

Remember, if you do go the medication route, start taking it immediately, you need to take it every single day or it won't work. That's a pain in the rear, I know. I always take it before I go to bed. I generally keep a bottle of water next to my bed, so I put the bottle of pills there, too, and just take it right before sleeping. Otherwise, I will totally forget. (And yes, try and find the 24 hour pills--that's why I can take it at night.)

Keep your windows shut--at least in your bedroom and the rooms you frequent! The pollen will make its way inside and will cause you more grief than it's worth. If your parents say no air conditioner, we must use the windows for cool air, try and stay away from the windows. My best recommendation: take your shoes off when you come inside--they bring in all sorts of allergins. Then, and I know this isn't fun but it works I swear, vacuum your house! Or, again, at least the rooms you frequent. You'll make your family happy and save yourself some tissues.

Have to go outside? Wear a mask! They make super cute masks on Amazon that are also really cheap--you can get a cute set of 6 for under $10.

I know, people may look at you like a weirdo but these are super normal in a lot of other countries and they also help prevent illness, as your mouth and nose are protected from any germs as well. I love face masks.

The most important factor is to keep up with pollen counts. It's annoying and tedious but if you know the pollen count is going to be super high, stay indoors as much as you can, or you will have a massive headache and won't be able to stop sneezing until the pollen is all out of your system.

We will get through this awful allergy season together! Just remember that, eventually, winter will come back and the snow will destroy the allergens. As awful as snow can be, I honestly prefer that to feeling like I'm going to die from my allergies, even using all of these tips.

Battling Bullying

Bullies are apart of every day lives--some times you may not even notice it happening around you. Bullying can be as intense as someone throwing someone into a locker, or as subtle as someone constantly giving you the stink eye for no reason. And it's not something you have to put up with, nor is it something you can ignore. Stepping up to the plate when you see bullying can help the person being attacked more than you will ever know.

What is bullying?
It can be a multitude of events or circumstances. You may hear someone insinuating that another person doesn't smell clean in the locker room at gym, or you may see a group of people constantly trying to make another feel like an outcast. No one should have to feel that way. Bullies are people who want others to feel inferior to them--think Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter or Regina George from Mean Girls. Regina is the queen of talking negatively behind someone's back, and that's bullying as much as calling someone a mudblood, for you Harry Potter fans reading.

Studies have shown that bullies are usually kids who need to pick on others to feel better about themselves. I'm not saying you have to feel bad for someone bullying you, but there is definitely a bit of compassion needed for him or her. And, if you are being bullied, you certainly do not need to sit and take it, even if it doesn't bother you all that much.

But how does one prevent such an unstoppable force as a bully? Simple: confidence and positivity. No one wants to pick on someone who will be unaffected by it. I know you're probably thinking, "There's no way I can walk around school confidently. It's just not me." Okay. No problem. If someone tries to attack you verbally, start walking away. You can turn and smile to them, "Have a good day!" My mother always says "Kill 'em with kindness!" And she's absolutely right. It works almost every time.

"Okay, but what if the bully is physically attacking me or someone else?" If you're witnessing the attack, find a teacher, teacher's aide--any adult that works in the school immediately. It can be a secretary or even the lunch lady. Don't try and fight back because you could get hurt and get the person being attacked hurt even more. It's best to be safe and just try and get help immediately. Bullies don't want to feel embarrassed and getting an adult to call them out on their behavior and send them to the principal's office for a suspension or something along those lines will always work. If you can't get help and you're stuck alone, then you can fight back. I find a good punch to the nose always works! (I'm joking--but I do know from experience being a goalie in soccer than getting hit in the nose freaking hurts!)

Most importantly, remember that you are important. You matter. If your parents or whoever you are living with are ignoring your cries for help against a bully, find someone who will care. Find a teacher or, again, even a secretary. I know guidance counselors aren't always the most welcoming, but they will be helpful, they will listen and they will believe you. It doesn't matter how old you are--your life matters and you should be able to live a life free of bullying and free of feeling attacked at school. You have the power to take control and help yourself and even help others.