Helpful Tips For Harmattan Period

By Charity Olufokunbi 

● STAY HYDRATED. 

One very important tip for this harmattan period is staying hydrated. This is a very good period to drink a lot of water as you go on with your daily activities. You can carry a water bottle with you and refill with water when it's empty. The reason for drinking enough water during this period is to first of all, prevent dehydration. Also, drinking water will regulate the body temperature and help in delivering oxygen throughout the body. Drinking water will also prevent the restriction of airway by the body. Another thing to note is that you don't drink water only when you feel thirsty but you keep drinking water to keep your body hydrated.

● KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZED.

One notable fact about the harmattan period is its dryness. It is also referred to as the dry season. There is a need for  the skin to be properly moisturized during this period. Apply a generous quantity of body lotion to the skin every morning.  This would prevent the skin from getting dry. If possible, use a body oil to moisturize the skin. Moisturizers with humectant  and occlusive ingredients are helpful because humectants draw moisture to the skin while occlusive seal moisture.  This would prevent dryness of the skin. Also, getting a lip balm or gloss is helpful in keeping the lips moisturized  thereby preventing chapped lips and lip injuries. 

● MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS.

The harmattan period is a very wrong time to be unhygienic. It is very important you maintain cleanliness.  One peculiar thing about this period is the dust which contains germs and bacteria. You have to make sure you dust, mop and wipe surfaces as it's very likely dust particles stays on such surfaces. Also, curtains, bedspread and pillowcases should be washed regularly as they get very dusty and hosts germs. Another thing to note is that disposable nose masks shouldn't be used for more than a day. If you've been reusing the same disposable nosemask for weeks, please drop that habit as it's not in any way hygienic.

● EAT HEALTHY. 

This period is a time to eat good food, balanced diet to be specific.  Eating food rich in Vitamins is very essential. This is the time to consume more of fruits and vegetables.  They contain water and vitamin which would keep the body healthy and hydrated. The intake of fruits and vegetables will also reduce dryness of the skin. Eating of fruits will give  your body a strong immunity against illness and even cough which is a peculiar illness during this period. As much as possible,  avoid eating of junks as this is of no health benefit to the body but rather eat fruits, vegetables and other good food.

● COVER UP NOSE AND MOUTH WITH A MASK WHEN IT'S DUSTY.

This is a very important measure to put in place during this harmattan period. You should always put on nose mask when you're in a place that's dusty. What the nosemask does is to prevent you from inhaling dust particles which contains germs and bacteria. Most times,  catarrh and cough is gotten when dust particles are inhaled through the nose. Wearing of nose mask is very necessary in this period as it would save you from a lot of problems inhalation of dust can bring to you.

Image Credit: Green Views