Do your allergy symptoms tell you that spring is coming long before you see it on the calendar? Here are five simple tips and tricks to help keep reactions to outdoor allergy triggers under control.

1. Plan outdoor activities around pollen levels.

Check daily pollen counts and forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen levels are highest (between 10AM and 4PM). Try to focus your time outdoors in the early morning.

2. Keep your home clean and keep allergens out.

Use an air filter and keep your windows closed during the day. Use washable curtains and wash them often. Mop your floors regularly, and for carpets, use a vacuum with a high-efficacy particulate air (HEPA) filter to ensure that allergens are minimized.

3. Change your clothes, shower and wash your hair.

Once you’re done with your outdoor fun, put your clothes in the laundry basket, take a shower and wash your hair. This helps reduce the allergens you bring into your home. It’s also a good practice to shower before bed, keeping allergens out of your bedding.

4. Keep your furry friends groomed, too.

Pets can carry pollen and mold on their coats, so bathing and grooming can keep allergen levels down. If your pet enjoys time outdoors, keep him out of your bedroom to minimize allergens.

5. Track your allergens.

The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping an allergy diary. Keep track of all your activities, including the time of day when symptoms occur and what helps lessen them. This can help your doctor identify your triggers and manage your symptoms.