While it sounds and appears super mesmerising with the lush green landscapes spread across Dhofar, the green comes with a cost. Khareef in Dhofar begins with pleasant drizzles that wipes out all the exhaustion from the scorching summer heat.
These drizzles prevail for more than a couple of months with cloudy skies and the bright sunlight becoming a rare sight. With all these settings set, it becomes challenging for the locals to thrive.
The absence of sparkling sunny days and all-embracing cloudy skies makes it gloomier for many. Stepping outdoors means dampness everywhere which is not a cup of tea for everyone.
For a visitor, the lush green wadis and pleasant weather make a worthy period of a few days stay but the continuous drizzle, and damp conditions may likely to get unbearable and depressing for a considerable chunk.
When the damp air is inhaled internally, the mist present in the air enters the respiratory passage, causing a surge in frequent respiratory allergies and breathing issues. According to PubMed Central Journal Publishing, reviews published by WHO (World Health Organization) and IOM (Institute of Medicine) guidelines as well as follow-up guidelines reviewed by WHO documented that occupants of damp indoor environments are at risk for upper and lower respiratory symptoms, onset and exacerbation of asthma, respiratory infections, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and bronchitis.
The indoor ambiance needs another level of precision and maintenance. The persistent mist when soaked by the upholstery, carpets, and curtains turns the internal habitat damp and breeding ground for various skin allergies and infections.
Even wooden furniture, doors and cabinets, carved wooden items, and wooden kitchenware need extreme care and precaution while handling and usage as the wood soaks moisture turning it into mold’s happy place.
Moreover, the washed laundry takes forever to dry in the absence of an air-conditioning environment. Likewise, the moment you open your favourite packet of snacks to munch on, they are gone not with the wind, but with the moisture into a soggy despicable thing.
The rainy weather has always been an enemy for cooked food owing to its higher vulnerability towards rotting. The more and longer it is left outside the refrigerator unconsumed it will become a thing of the past unfit for eating.
All that being said, here are quick tips to make Khareef pleasant for everyone: For those facing monsoon blues, tuning in to exercise mode amplifies your mood by releasing endorphins, the ‘feel good’ chemicals.
Home workouts or yoga, meditation, and some good stretches will bring immense help, and whenever the sun peeks, step out and indulge. For the interiors, we all know ACs and dehumidifiers are the go-to solution to evacuate the dampness. Add it up with some frankincense, Salalah’s staple to get rid of unpleasant odours and insects.
Better to turn on air conditioning for the entire housing from time to time even the spaces that aren’t used frequently to avoid dampness or molds. Keeping the cabinets open while the ACs are on provides ventilation throughout the wardrobe and keeps your belongings safe. Again, keeping some burning frankincense for shorter frequent intervals will revive your fabrics with a fresh fragrance.
Before venturing outdoors, put on your insect-repellant emollients to prevent insect bites and post-scratch skin rashes. Full-sleeved clothing will come to your rescue. Using a face mask will quite relieve the breathing issues. Asthmatics need extra care; better to discuss with your healthcare provider if the monsoon causes trouble for you. Winding up, cook a little to avoid stale, eat fresh, and stay healthy to enjoy Khareef in full bling!
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