For all of us who suffer from the dreadful seasonal allergies, we know that spring time sadly isn't our friend. At this time of the year, it's wonderful to be outside for a lot of people. The sun is finally starting to shine, everything is growing, and everyone is taking to the outdoors.But unfortunately, those of us who have horrible allergies, this puts a damper on our outdoor activities.

When I was a little girl, I began having horrible seasonal allergies. Spring, summer, and even at times in the winter I would struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, feeling tired constantly, etc. I eventually visited an allergist one summer after my eyes were swollen shut one morning when I woke up, from playing outside the previous day.

The allergist pricked my back 50 times, which felt like individual mini bee stings. When pricking my back, what the doctor was doing was injecting allergens into my skin. The ones that would raise into a hive would indicate my allergic reaction to it. It came back that I do indeed suffer from everyday allergies that sadly I can't avoid.

I was told I have an allergy to pine trees, grass, cats, dogs, lavender, and a severe pollen allergy. So then, of course, I thought "great, I can't even function." I was offered allergy shots, but at the time, we turned them down because my parents aren't really big fans of things like that.

So, as I grew older, we figured out ways to help make me feel less miserable and more like a human being. I began searching online natural and pharmaceutical ways to help control seasonal allergies. Some of the things that I've begun to do weekly and every day, have changed my reaction to a lot of the previous struggles I had.

Pillow cases are a big one. It is suggested that a person washes their pillow cases (and sheets if possible) once a week, to get rid of all of the extra dirt, pollen, and other allergies you face and body might contract outside your home. Washing off your face once you come from being outside, helps get some of the pollen and other pathogens off your skin's surface.

Next, using fragrance-free EVERYTHING is a great way to avoid reactions with your skin. I am allergic to lavender and noticed I had been breaking out in small itchy hives when I used to use lavender scented detergent. Once I switched my lotions, soaps, and detergents to fragrance-free, I started noticing a change in my body.

Another great way to help protect your body is probiotics. Probiotics have been proven to help the body with allergies, as it strengthens our immune system and gut. A sinus rinse helps as well, but you have to make sure the water is clean before you use it.

If you'd like to go a pharmaceutical route, I am a huge fan, Allegra. It doesn't work for everyone, but there are so many different choices that you have at a pharmacy. Eye drops, and nasal spray have been my savior as well.

There are many ways you can start protecting yourself from seasonal allergies. Being smart about what you eat, the kinds of medications you take and keeping your sheets, face, and clothes clean are helpful ways to allow you to enjoy this great weather.