There’s something magical about the monsoon season. The smell of wet earth, the rhythmic drumming of raindrops on rooftops, and the comforting pull of a hot cup of chai by the window—it all feels like a scene straight out of a movie. But as much as I adore the rain, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that monsoon weather brings along its own little bag of health tricks—sneaky infections, muddy mishaps, and sudden sniffles.
Over the years, I’ve developed my own mini survival guide to sail through the monsoon months without falling sick every other week. Here are my top 10 practical, honest-to-goodness tips to stay healthy and safe when the clouds roll in.
1. Boost Your Immunity Before the Rain Hits
Here’s the thing—monsoon is open season for viruses and bacteria. I used to fall sick every year like clockwork until I made a conscious effort to improve my immunity.
Start loading up on vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants before the rains begin. Think citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and yes, your grandma was right—turmeric milk does help. A little bitter? Maybe. But I’d take that over a week in bed with a fever any day.
2. Watch What (and Where) You Eat
As tempting as roadside pakoras and spicy chaat can be on a drizzly afternoon, I’ve learned to be cautious. Monsoon humidity helps bacteria thrive, especially on street food.
If you’re craving something crispy and fried, make it at home. Use clean oil, fresh ingredients, and enjoy it without the risk of spending the next 24 hours hugging the toilet. Been there. Don’t recommend it.
3. Keep Your Feet Dry
This one might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer. Wet feet = fungal infections = itchy regrets.
Keep a pair of waterproof shoes or sandals handy (flip-flops are not your friends when you’re navigating puddles). Always dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. A sprinkle of antifungal powder after a rain-soaked walk has saved me more than once.
4. Drink Clean, Filtered Water
During monsoon, water contamination is a real issue. I’m not trying to sound paranoid here, but even the tiniest slip can lead to waterborne diseases like typhoid or jaundice.
Make sure your drinking water is filtered, boiled, or both. I even keep a portable water purifier bottle when I’m traveling during this season—just in case. It’s a small step, but one that brings serious peace of mind.
5. Don’t Skip the Gym—Or At Least Move Around
With grey skies and cozy blankets, it’s far too easy to turn into a couch potato. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of Netflix marathons in oversized pajamas.
But movement is essential to keep your metabolism humming and your spirits high. Even if you can’t hit the gym, do some stretching, yoga, or a quick dance session in your living room. It makes a bigger difference than you’d expect, especially on those gloomy days.
6. Keep Mosquitoes at Bay
Ah, mosquitoes. Those uninvited guests who turn up every monsoon without fail.
This season breeds them like wildfire, thanks to stagnant water and clogged drains. Use mosquito nets, repellents, and, if possible, don’t let water collect in your home or surroundings. I’ve even started keeping citronella oil diffusers at home—bonus: they smell great too.
7. Prioritize Skin and Hair Care
Humidity messes with everything, especially your skin and scalp. If you have oily skin like me, you might notice more breakouts. And hair? Don’t even get me started on frizz and dandruff.
Keep your skincare routine simple: a gentle cleanser, toner, and a lightweight moisturizer should do. For hair, wash regularly but avoid over-shampooing. I switched to a mild, herbal shampoo last year, and it made a world of difference.
8. Dress for the Weather
Monsoon fashion can be tricky. I once wore light-colored pants during a surprise downpour. Let’s just say… not my finest moment.
Stick to breathable, quick-dry fabrics. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, which can irritate your skin when they get wet. And please—don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. You may feel silly lugging it around on a clear morning, but when the skies open up mid-commute, you’ll feel like a genius.
9. Maintain Indoor Hygiene
Our homes often become damp and musty during the rains. Mold and mildew aren’t just unpleasant—they can also cause respiratory issues.
Keep your living space well-ventilated, use a dehumidifier if you need to, and change your bedsheets regularly. I also light a few camphor tablets around the house—it keeps the air fresh and adds a lovely, clean scent.
10. Listen to Your Body
Lastly, and most importantly, listen to what your body is telling you.
Feeling a sore throat coming on? Rest. Starting to sneeze uncontrollably? Hydrate and load up on immunity boosters. I used to power through, ignoring small signs until they turned into full-blown illnesses. Now, I give myself grace, slow down, and act early. Prevention, as they say, really is better than a cure.
Wrapping It Up
Monsoon isn’t just a season—it’s an experience. It’s muddy, unpredictable, inconvenient at times—but also beautiful, romantic, and oddly refreshing. With the right habits in place, you can enjoy every rainy day without dreading the next sneeze, rash, or upset stomach.
So go ahead—curl up by the window, sip your favorite brew, listen to the rain. Just don’t forget your umbrella and wash your hands when you get home.
Stay dry, stay warm, and most of all—stay well. ☔💚
