Dear Healing Friends,
Depending on where you live, this might be relevant for you. I posted it as part of an answer in the Q and A Room of our Hope and Healing Circle, but thought I would share it here too and include those of you now dealing with exposure to the Sahara Dust which just left the Caribbean and is now in South Florida. Don’t be alarmed. You will be fine. Just if you are exposed, these tips can help.
Stay Indoors When Possible
Avoid going outside when air quality is poor. Keep windows and doors closed, especially during peak smoke hours (usually early morning and evening). If ventilation is needed, use filtered air or wait for a time when the air improves.
Use Air Purifiers or DIY Filters
If you have an air purifier with a HEPA filter, keep it running in your main living area or bedroom. Quite easily, you can tape a HEPA or furnace filter to a box fan to help trap particles.
Wear a Mask if You Must Go Out
If going outdoors is unavoidable, wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask can help reduce the inhalation of fine smoke particles. Even brief exposure can affect the sensitised system, so protection matters.
Stay Well Hydrated
Smoke can dry out your throat and mucous membranes. Sip water throughout the day to support your body’s natural detox pathways and reduce irritation.
Soothe Irritated Airways
Gently breathing over a bowl of warm water with a towel over your head can bring relief. (Only if this is something you are able to do, but if too sensitive, then don’t try this.)
Lower Sensory Load
Because smoke can increase overall sensitivity, keep lighting soft, sounds gentle, and stimuli minimal. This helps reduce nervous system activation and prevents layering discomfort.
Avoid Additional Triggers
You may already not use these but just in case, it is best to not use inhalants or exposures (e.g., incense, candles, strong cleaning products), as your body may be more reactive to multiple inputs when already dealing with smoke.
Support Natural Detox Gently
Support your body’s innate ability to recover by resting, breathing slowly and calmly (hand on heart can help), and offering your body quiet gratitude for protecting you.
Validate the Experience
If you are affected by poor air quality, it is okay to validate your experience. You are not imagining things. How it is impacting your signs of healing… any discomfort is real, and your experience matters. Even though it is temporary, you can acknowledge how you feel and implement your self-care regimen. ♫Take good care of yourself♫
Sending much compassion,
