The sound of typing keyboards, the hum of the coffee machine, and the occasional chatter of coworkers make up the symphony of office life. For allergy sufferers, though, there’s a less welcome soundtrack—sneezes, sniffles, and the endless shuffle for tissues.
Managing allergies while working in an office may seem like a never-ending battle, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few practical strategies, you can take control of your workday without letting itchy eyes or a stuffy nose derail your productivity.
Medication on Hand
There are few things worse than a sudden allergy attack catching you off guard in the middle of an important meeting or a tight deadline. Leaving your allergy medications at home can turn an otherwise manageable moment into hours of discomfort.
Prepare by keeping essentials like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops readily available. Stash them in your desk drawer or bring them along every day so you’re always ready for the unexpected. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Personal Hygiene Practices
Your daily habits play a significant role in managing allergies at work. Washing your hands frequently removes allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander that you might unknowingly carry into the office.
Take it a step further by shaking off or removing outerwear like jackets and scarves as soon as you arrive. These items often trap allergens, and leaving them on can transfer irritants to your workspace.
Cleaning Measures
Another smart strategy involves reducing allergens at the office through targeted cleaning. Use the proper air filters, vacuum the carpet, and maintain a tidy workspace overall. Even at individual workstations, a quick daily wipe-down of surfaces like keyboards, phones, and desks can really help.
Using Devices
Technology can lend a hand—or a fresh breath of air—when tackling workplace allergies. A portable air purifier at your desk filters out allergens in your immediate vicinity, providing a cleaner, more breathable space. Adding a dehumidifier can prevent mold and mildew, especially in offices prone to humidity or poor air circulation.
A Clearer Path to Productivity
Now that you know how to manage allergies while working in an office, the choice is yours. Will you let allergens derail your focus, or will you take proactive steps to seize your workday? Allergies don’t have to get in the way of a job well done.
Bio: Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
