Fresh Air Benefits
Pure air plays a crucial role in your life, and nothing keeps you energized and relaxed, like being outside in the fresh air. Having that morning run or evening walk, enjoying the fresh air benefits, and hearing the birds singing is just magical.
There’s a saying that goes, “some people walk into a room and oxygenate it; by their very being, there’s fresh air. Then some come in with a smell of death, and they suck the life out.”
That’s precisely what stale air does to you.
Try opening your windows first thing in the morning and feel the fresh air come in. The feeling is so refreshing with an energy outburst that you can’t comprehend.
Regardless of the time of the year, having an outdoor time routine to enjoy some fresh air can be helpful for your wellbeing, and here is why:
1. Fresh air makes you happier.
Fresh air is rich in oxygen, which increases the level of oxygen circulating in your blood. This also means more oxygen supply to the brain, which facilitates the release of serotonin, a feel-good hormone associated with increased energy levels, happiness, mood stabilization, and feelings of worthiness.
2. Fresh air cleans your lungs.
Long-term air pollution is associated with chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cancer. This is because indoor air or air in a highly-populated area is often a combination of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. This gives your lungs a hard time filtering out all the waste to provide you with sufficient amounts of oxygen.
Nevertheless, fresh air means high levels of oxygen with fewer pollutants. This improves your lung functions by dilating the blood vessels supplying them, causing them to expand even more. This allows more gas exchange to occur and for the body to release more airborne toxins, thus promoting lung function.
3. Fresh air strengthens your immune system.
Each cell in the body needs oxygen to perform the metabolic processes necessary to sustain life. By increasing your intake of fresh air, you increase the amount of oxygen supplied to the body. This promotes the elimination of toxins and the destruction of harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses by the white blood cells in the body.
Acute inflammation also plays a role in helping the body fight off infection; however, inflammatory processes require energy or fuel in the form of oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen supply, the immune system will not be able to perform the needed inflammatory immune responses to keep the body protected.
4. Fresh air is good for your digestive system.
Fresh air increases oxygen flow into your cells which improves circulation and cell function and helps you digest food more efficiently.
But if you work in an office where you are busy all day long and probably take your lunch in a hurry to resume work; your blood supply to the digestive tract will be diverted. Instead, of it flowing to digestive tract, you’ll have more blood being supplied to the brain to help maintain concentration. This, in turn, may disrupt the proper digestion of food and facilitate indigestion and abdominal discomfort.
5. Fresh air reduces airborne illnesses and infections
Bacteria and viruses thrive in stale air, usually in a warm, humid, indoor environment but have minimal chances of survival in a fresh air environment.
That’s why in hospitals, chest clinics should be well ventilated to allow free air in and out of the room.
Optimum ventilation allows fresh air to act as a decongestant against any disease-causing pathogen in the air.
Besides, stale air is uncomfortable and smells awful, while fresh air acts as a catalyst to bring life into a room.
To enhance the level of fresh air in the house, always make sure the rooms are clean and well organized to allow for free movement of air.
6. Fresh air increases your energy and sharpens your mind.
If you take some time outside in nature, you’ll realize the tremendous amounts of energy with a feeling to get some things done when you get back home. This is when you’ll start having new ideas about your business, your vision, and life in general. It’s like your mind just went back to factory reset, and your passion for life just got ignited.
It might even be the right time to think over some issues and make a sound decision.
This is because with every breath of fresh air comes more oxygen uptake by the lungs. This promotes oxygen supply to the brain. Since the brain uses oxygen to fuel its activities, sufficient amounts will facilitate brain activities, increasing your energy, awareness, and productivity.
7. Fresh air helps you sleep better at night
Fresh air gives you a burst of oxygen, which increases the feel-good hormone serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps you stay calm and relaxed, and this automatically cancels out any negative thoughts, thus allowing you to experience a peaceful sleep at night.
8. It can prolong your lifespan
When you are exposed to fresh air, it can help increase your lifespan by improving your overall health. Fresh air contains a variety of important chemicals and elements that can improve your immune system, keep your lungs healthy, and even protect your heart.
The American Lung Association (ALA) released a report that concludes that people living in cities have shorter life spans than those who live in rural areas. The main reason for the difference is exposure to air pollution. The ALA’s report says that urban dwellers experience an increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses every year.
How to get more fresh air
Whether you have some extra time during your workday or want to enjoy the great outdoors on your free time! Here is how to experience more fresh air on a regular basis.
Go hiking
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the beauty of nature on a hike. It’s a great way to de-stress, get some exercise, and clear your head. Plus, you might even see some wildlife! Here are a few of our favorite hiking trails.
Do some camping
Camping can be a great way to get some fresh air outdoors.
Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV at a designated campsite, following a few simple safety tips can keep you and your loved ones safe while out in nature.
To avoid getting sick, always practice good hygiene when camping. Stay clean and remove any food or water sources that could harbor viruses or bacteria. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or diarrhea, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
In addition to staying healthy, make sure to take precautions for your emergency kit. Include supplies like first-aid kits, flashlights, radios, and tents in case of inclement weather or creature sightings. And if you’re traveling with children, be sure to pack plenty of entertainment and games to keep them occupied while you’re away from home.
Finally, remember to enjoy yourself while camping – it’s one of the best ways to relax and recharge after a long day of hiking or exploring. Go out and experience the great outdoors – you might just wind up feeling healthier in the process!
Head to your local beach
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, take advantage of it! The fresh air and sound of the waves can help clear your head and give you some much-needed outdoor benefits. Plus, the sand can be great for your feet. Just make sure to pack some water and sunscreen!
Visit an open market
There’s something about being outdoors and surrounded by fresh air that just feels good. And when you’re able to support local businesses at the same time, it’s a win-win! You can find fresh produce, flowers, and other goods all in one place.
Go on a bike ride
Cycling is a great way to promote fresh air intake and prevent diseases. When you cycle, you create a wind current that helps to increase the amount of fresh air that you inhale. Additionally, cycling can help to improve your cardiovascular health by increasing your overall aerobic fitness level and reducing your risk of heart disease.
According to the American Psychological Association, regular cycling can also help reduce stress levels, improve moods and decrease anxiety symptoms. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from anxiety or depression.
Take your dog for a walk
Taking your dog for a walk can be a great way to get some fresh air and promote healthy breathing habits in both of you. A study published in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology” found that people who took their dogs for walks had lower levels of cortisol, the hormone that’s associated with stress and anxiety.
Another study found that people who walked their dogs had increased levels of oxytocin, which is known as the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with happiness, relaxation, and stress relief. In other words, taking your dog for a walk can improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Open windows whenever you can
Opening windows is one of the best ways to promote fresh air intake in your home. When you open a window, it creates a breeze that will help circulate air throughout your house. This helps to reduce the amount of dust and other allergens that can accumulate over time. Additionally, opening windows also allows in natural light, which is vital for promoting good health and overall well-being.
Plant flowers and trees near your home
Plants are one of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home. They absorb pollutants from the air and release oxygen, which can help improve your breathing. Plant-filled gardens can boost your energy levels by providing you with plenty of fresh oxygenated air. This can help reduce fatigue and promote better overall wellbeing. In addition, there is growing evidence that having a plant-filled garden can positively impact mental health.
Install a fresh air purifier in your home
A fresh air purifier, also known as an air filter, is an electronic or mechanical device used to remove pollutants from the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they are one of the most effective ways to improve your health. Fresh air purifiers can help reduce the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems. They can also help reduce the level of pollutants in your home and improve your overall quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Nothing puts you in a better mood like a good dose of fresh air. It’s a natural remedy to invoke happiness, alertness, creativity, and productivity.
Fresh air is full of oxygen which the body needs for the normal functioning of different body systems, including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive, and central nervous system.
By breathing fresh air, you’ll facilitate a feeling of happiness, proper lung function, boost the immune system, increase your energy levels, promote better mental functions and enhance better sleep. Fresh air may also help decongest the air, which prevents airborne illnesses and infections.
You can enjoy the benefits of fresh air by incorporating certain practices into your daily lifestyle. These may include opening your windows first thing in the morning to allow fresh air in and the recirculated stale air out of the room, ensuring your house is clean and well organized to enable free fresh air circulation, going camping or hiking, installing a fresh air purifier, and going for that morning jog or evening walk in nature and just letting yourself breathe!
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