At six in the morning, I was awakened by a series of my own sneezes. Outside the window, the cold wind howled, while inside, the heating made my mouth and throat parched. I groped my way to my child's room in the dark, afraid he might have kicked off his blankets and caught a chill, only to find I couldn't even hear his steady breathing clearly—my nose was "completely blocked" again.

This is the fifth winter that allergic rhinitis has accompanied me since I became a mother. I used to dismiss it as a minor nuisance, thinking I could just tough it out. It wasn't until that morning at minus five degrees Celsius, when my hands slipped from frequently wiping my runny nose and I nearly spilled hot water on my child, that I was jolted awake: The physical signals I had been ignoring were, in fact, reminding me in another way: the script of the supermom needed to be rewritten.

I. The Winter "Uninvited Guest": When Rhinitis Becomes a Stumbling Block in Daily Life

"Achoo, achoo, achoo—" Every morning, my wake-up call isn't an alarm clock, but these relentless sneezes. They are like well-trained soldiers, precisely and persistently occupying my dawn.

Winter becomes a high-incidence period for allergic rhinitis, closely related to two major factors. First, the concentration of indoor allergens increases. As the weather turns cold, people reduce outdoor activities. Keeping windows and doors closed leads to poor indoor ventilation, allowing allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander to accumulate indoors. Dust mites, in particular, thrive at temperatures of 20-25°C and humidity levels of 75%-80%, conditions often found in warm indoor environments during autumn and winter. Second, cold air itself is a potent physical irritant that can directly trigger nasal symptoms.

The rate of tissue consumption became the "barometer" of my condition. At its worst, a box of tissues a day wasn't enough. My nose felt like two perpetually running faucets, with clear nasal discharge dripping unexpectedly. Nasal congestion made it hard to sleep at night, forcing me to breathe through my mouth, leaving my throat dry and sore as if on fire the next day.

The cruelest aspect of allergic rhinitis is that it severs your connection to the beautiful moments in life. On weekends, I could have taken my child to the park to play in the snow, but I had to decline for fear of cold air triggering an attack; I couldn't taste the carefully prepared nutritious meals I made for my child; even the faint milky scent on my child became a blank void for me.

II. The Moment of Awakening: Reflection Triggered by an Accident

The turning point came after the "Major Snow" solar term last year. My child's class organized a parent-child skiing activity, which I had agreed to attend. However, on the morning of the event, my rhinitis flared up severely. I felt dizzy and lightheaded, even struggling to stand.

"Mom, can you really not go skiing with me?" The disappointment in my child's eyes pierced my heart like a knife. Lying on the sofa, watching other families walk cheerfully towards the ski resort outside the window, I realized for the first time that my "minor problem" was becoming a source of regret for my child.

This wasn't the first time my health issues had let my child down. Due to frequent rhinitis flare-ups, I had canceled too many plans: weekend trips to the library, short holiday getaways, even promised bedtime story sessions. Each time, I comforted myself, "I'll take you when Mom feels better." But promises were broken again and again, and the anticipation in my child's eyes dimmed each time.

That night, I couldn't sleep. Not because of nasal congestion, but because of an inner turmoil. I suddenly understood: A tired, sick, and anxious mother is the greatest drain on a family. And what I had once prided myself on—"sacrificing everything for the family"—was merely a form of self-gratifying stubbornness.

III. Letting Go of Obsession: The Transition from "Supermom" to "Wise Mom"

Change began with acknowledging my limitations. I mustered the courage to hold a family meeting, openly sharing my health condition and feelings. To my surprise, both my husband and child expressed understanding and proactively offered to share household chores.

I learned the wisdom of "taking it easy." I stopped forcing myself to prepare banquet-like dinners every day, accepting the idea that "simple and nutritious can also be delicious." I no longer took on all household tasks, allowing every family member to feel involved. I stopped feeling guilty about resting, understanding that proper rest is for the sake of better companionship.

Simultaneously, I began taking winter protection seriously:

1. Maintain Clean Indoor Air: Use air purifiers, clean frequently, and ventilate to help reduce allergen accumulation.
2. Control Indoor Humidity: Use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity between 40%-60%, reducing allergen proliferation indoors.
3. Comprehensive Outdoor Protection: During pollen season or when air pollution is severe, reduce unnecessary outings. When going out, wear masks like N95 or surgical masks, which not only protect against viruses but also serve as an effective physical barrier against pollen and dust haze.
4. Nasal Care: Rinse the nose daily with saline solution. This can reduce nasal sensitivity and help flush out bacteria and secretions from the nasal cavity.

These small changes made me realize: Caring for oneself is not selfish; it is the foundation for sustainable giving.

IV. Unexpected Gains: When I Changed, My Family Changed Too

When I let go of the "supermom" obsession, something magical happened. My husband began proactively sharing household chores, and my child learned to complete homework independently. The family atmosphere didn't become chaotic because of my "taking it easy"; instead, it became more harmonious and relaxed.

What moved me most was that my child seemed to grow up overnight. One evening, he quietly walked into my room holding a drawing: "Mom, this is for you—this is you resting in bed, and I covered you with a blanket." In the drawing, I was sleeping peacefully, next to his childish handwriting: "Mom, I love you."

In that moment, I understood: What a child needs is not a perfect supermom, but a real, healthy, and happy mother.

Now, I still coexist with winter allergic rhinitis. But I no longer see it as an enemy; rather, I regard it as a friend reminding me to slow down. It taught me: A mother's health is not a personal matter; it is the cornerstone of family happiness.

Advice for Every Mother Struggling Similarly

If you are also troubled by winter allergic rhinitis while bearing the expectations of being a "supermom," I would like to share a few heartfelt insights:

1. Body Signals are the Highest Priority: Continuous sneezing, nasal congestion, and headaches are clear alarms from your body. Do not delay. Early intervention can not only alleviate symptoms but also prevent the condition from worsening.
2. Treatment Should Address Both Symptoms and Root Causes: During acute phases, follow medical advice to use medication for symptom control. During remission periods, improve your constitution through methods like Traditional Chinese Medicine调理 (regulation) and nasal care.
3. Take Off the Superhero Cape and Learn to Ask for Help: "Living for yourself" is not selfish; it is the foundation for sustainable giving. Bravely express your needs and difficulties to your family. You will find they are far more willing to support you than you imagined.
4. Redefine the Standard of a "Good Mom": A good mom is not about doing everything, but about doing the right things. A child's growth needs space, and our "imperfections" provide opportunities for their development.

Winter Allergic Rhinitis Protection Mini-Class

1. Before Going Out: Apply a warm towel to the root of the nose. Then, open the door to let the child adapt for a moment before going out to help alleviate symptoms.
2. At Home: Keep the indoors clean, focusing on areas prone to mold growth like bathrooms and kitchens. Ventilate frequently, but avoid peak pollen hours.
3. Diet: Eat more foods rich in vitamins C, B, and E, such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and broccoli, to boost immunity.
4. Daily Routine: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to improve immunity. Get adequate rest and reduce fatigue.

Winter allergic rhinitis is ultimately just an episode in life's journey. But the lesson it taught me—about letting go, about self-love, about how to truly love and be loved—is one I will remember for a lifetime.

In this cold winter, I choose to no longer be the supermom who toughs it out, but to be a healthy mom who knows how to care for herself and wisely balances life. Because I know that only by taking good care of myself can I become the warmest support for my family.

I hope my experience can give you a bit of courage to let go of unnecessary obsessions and start loving yourself well from today.