Soaked From the Inside Out? Monsoon Humidity Explained, and Ways to Combat It

I stepped outside this morning and felt like I was walking through soup. The skies had poured all night, but somehow, it felt like the air itself was sweating. Sound familiar?

Across India, the monsoon has fully arrived, and so has the unseen aftermath: humidity levels reaching 80% and above. We're not just drenched by the rain anymore. We're drenched because of it. Clothes won’t dry, walls feel damp, and let’s be honest... most of us do too.

I’ve been speaking with health experts over the past week to make sense of what this sticky, suffocating weather is actually doing to us and how we can push back. Here’s what I learned…

What This Humidity Is Actually Doing to Us

Let me tell you what I've learned about why we're all feeling so off lately. When humidity climbs this high, our lungs have to work harder just to do their job. I've noticed I get winded more easily, and if you have asthma or any breathing issues, you're probably feeling it even more. Because of the rain, the air is so thick with moisture that our natural cooling system—sweating—basically gives up. We sweat, but it doesn't evaporate, so we just stay hot and sticky.

And here's something that really got my attention: all this dampness is creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungi. The sneezing, the congestion, the general feeling of being unwell… it's not just the weather. Our immune systems are actually under attack. 

I've also been dealing with more headaches lately, and my joints feel stiff in ways they never used to. Turns out, humidity changes how our blood circulates and can trigger all sorts of aches and pains. 

Real-World Solutions That Work

Here's what you can do to fight back against the humidity, and I'm sharing these because they've genuinely made a difference in how I feel:

Charcoal Briquettes: The Silent Dehumidifiers

Place a few in baskets in damp spots like bathrooms or under sinks. They soak up moisture quietly and effectively. Replace every few months.

Houseplants That Help

Spider plants and peace lilies absorb water from the air. Just don’t overcrowd your space. Too many plants can make things worse.

Button-Up > T-Shirts

Looser fits and airflow between buttons help you stay dry longer. Pair with sweat-wicking fabrics if you’re outdoors a lot.

Dry Mode In Your AC

Most modern ACs have a dry mode, which focuses on removing moisture from the air as opposed to reducing temperature. Try it!

Adjust Everyday Habits

Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms. Skip indoor laundry drying. Water plants less. All these prevent extra moisture buildup.

Light, Warm Meals Over Cold Salads

Digestion tends to slow down during the monsoon. Swap cold/raw meals for light, warm, and cooked foods like khichdi, steamed veggies, or soups. They’re easier on the gut and help prevent bloating.

Spices That Fight Dampness

Turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cloves are not just tasty, they’re antimicrobial and help improve circulation. 

Reduce Dairy and Fried Foods

They tend to increase mucus production and make you feel heavier. If you’ve been dealing with throat congestion or sinus issues, this might be why.

Wash Produce Thoroughly

Fungal spores love leafy greens in the monsoon. I soak veggies in salt or vinegar water for a few minutes before cooking.

While we do our bit to stay healthy through this heavy, humid season, it’s also reassuring to know there’s a larger system of support looking out for us. At Alyve Health, we’ve been working on a few initiatives to help you breathe easier, move better, and care more, not just for yourself, but for the people around you too.

Here’s what’s new on our side of the umbrella...

Alyve Health Updates

Yoga for One Health, One Earth

We did the "Yoga for One Health, One Earth" event at Equitas offices, facilitating a beautiful reminder that taking care of ourselves and our planet go hand in hand. During these challenging monsoon months, when our physical and mental health are being tested by the elements, yoga becomes even more important as a tool for resilience and balance. 

Alyve Empower Milestone

Here's something that's made my heart full: Alyve Empower has grown to over 200 users completely organically! It tells me we're building something that truly matters, something that's genuinely helping people navigate their health journeys, whether they're dealing with monsoon humidity or any other challenge life throws their way.

You've Got This

I know this humidity feels endless right now, and some days it feels like we're all just surviving rather than thriving. But here's what I want you to remember: your body is incredibly adaptable, and with the right strategies, you can feel good even when the air feels like soup.

Try one or two of these tips that resonate with you. And remember, this monsoon season will pass, but the tools you learn now for taking care of yourself will serve you for life.

Stay cool, stay healthy, and stay connected.

Until next month, 

Aalen

Content@Alyve