Most people know that it’s good for you to go outside. They might not know how great it is to spend time in nature and how good it is for you, from making your immune system more robust and less stressed. This article will discuss a few reasons you should go outside and breathe fresh air.
Get Fresh Air for a Healthier Life
The average person spends 93% of their time indoors! We are missing out on the healthy benefits of fresh air! Walking in a park may improve digestion, alleviate stress, help you get in shape, boost your immune system, decrease your sickness risk, accelerate your metabolism, and reduce your risk of being overweight or obese.
Fresh air promotes serotonin by increasing brain oxygen.
Poor brain mood regulation, biological risk, and a stressful lifestyle are associated with depression. Increasing blood oxygen can release serotonin. Serotonin enhances pleasure and well-being, thus fresh air improves temperament and may help cognitive mood control, however, this isn’t clearly validated.
The findings of the studies at the University of Southern California, “Inhaling air pollution particles can lead to inflammation throughout the body and changes in the brain associated with depression”
Furthermore, fresh air has also been linked with increased concentration and focus.
Quantitative evidence suggests that spending time outside can reduce depression, according to a study headed by Stanford researchers. Think about it the next time you’re stuck inside all day- getting some fresh air could be just what you need to increase productivity!
Not only does fresh air promote mental well-being, but it also physical fitness!
You’ll burn more calories when you’re working out outdoors because “there’s greater resistance in walking outdoors than on a treadmill” (Outdoor Workouts Burn More Calories). Walking is already a low-impact form of cardio, making it ideal for people looking for an accessible workout option.
And although any type of exercise will help boost your immune system, “Some studies found that exercising outdoors exposed people to more diverse microbes than indoor workouts, due to contact with different surfaces like pavement, grass, or trees”. So not only will working out give you more energy and make you happier, but it will also make you less likely to get sick!
The Many Benefits of Fresh Air
Boosts Brain Oxygen Levels: Numerous studies published in the National Library of Medicine found even just a little while of fresh air exposure can significantly increase brain oxygen levels. This is important because brain oxygen levels play a role in cognitive function, mood, and attention. In other words, getting some fresh air can help you think better, concentrate more efficiently, and feel happier!
Improves Sleep Quality: According to the National Sleep Foundation, spending time outdoors during the day can help you sleep better at night. According to the findings, taking at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise outside (such as walking) promotes peaceful sleep. So if you’re finding it hard to catch some z’s, a little time outdoors may be just what you need.
Lowers Stress Levels: Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can help lower stress levels. One review of 10 studies found that participants had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after spending time in nature. If you’re stressed, take a walk in the park or spend some time outside in your backyard!
Getting the Most Out of Fresh Air
There are many benefits to getting the most out of fresh air, including relieving stress, boosting happiness, and enhancing oxygen flow.
Here are some tips to help get the most out of fresh air:
1. Make time for outdoor activities every day. Whether it’s a morning run, a walk around the block, or a bike ride to work, Getting some fresh air outdoors is a terrific method to reduce stress and increase your mood.
2. Open windows whenever possible. Opening windows and doors is a fantastic start whenever you want to enhance the air quality in your house or workplace.
3. Gardening is a great way to go outside and exercise while also getting some health advantages from natural sunlight and air.
4. Have a picnic or walk your dog. Taking advantage of parks and other outdoor spaces for recreational activities is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and exercise simultaneously.
5. Take deep breaths through your nose and mouth. By breathing deeply, you allow more oxygen to enter your bloodstream, which can help improve your cell metabolism.
6. Backyard space is a good investment because it allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while getting some exercise. Outdoor spaces also provide a quiet place to relax and rejuvenate.
The Connection Between Fresh Air and Happiness
It’s no secret that fresh air can do wonders for your mood and well-being. But what is it about fresh air that makes us feel so good?
One hypothesis is that it has to do with the release of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that act as natural painkillers and have mood-boosting effects. Exercise is one of the most well-known endorphin-releasing activities, and it’s no coincidence that many people feel happiest when they’re outside, getting some fresh air and exercising simultaneously.
So next time you’re feeling down, take a walk outdoors and breathe deeply to enjoy the benefits of fresh air!
Final Word on Fresh Air
Undoubtedly, fresh air can positively impact your health and happiness. Therefore, get outdoors every day and breathe deeply to get all the advantages of fresh air!
Sources of Information
SnowBrains. (2022, June 2). Brain Post: How Much Time Does the Average American Spend Outdoors? SnowBrains. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://snowbrains.com/brain-post-much-time-average-american-spend-outdoors/
Deutchman, J. (2022, May 26). Exposure to air pollution can worsen patient outcomes from COVID-19 | Keck School of Medicine of USC. Keck School of Medicine of USC | Leaders in Medical Education, Research and Patient Care. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://keck.usc.edu/exposure-to-air-pollution-can-worsen-patient-outcomes-from-covid-19/
Harvard Health. (2022, January 10). What causes depression? Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression
Stanford University. (2016, April 9). Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature. Stanford News. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/
Oxid Med Cell Longev. (2017, March 5). Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Pubmed. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28357027/
Kim, H. J., Park, H. K., Lim, D. W., Choi, M. H., Kim, H. J., Lee, I. H., Kim, H. S., Choi, J. S., Tack, G. R., & Chung, S. C. (2013). Effects of oxygen concentration and flow rate on cognitive ability and physiological responses in the elderly. Neural regeneration research, 8(3), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.03.009
Kingsley, C. (n.d.). Why Does The Brain Need Oxygen? Lung Institute. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://lunginstitute.com/why-does-the-brain-need-oxygen/
I did not know that fresh air can increase brain oxygen. But many times I have gone out for a walk when my head was overwhelmed during my days at university. There where occasions when I even went out jogging. So, in those occasions when I felt fresh air, I immediate felt calmer.
It’s greatly appreciated, Paolo; your thoughts are quite illuminating. It’s something we should be very appreciative of regardless of our fate, yet nevertheless, manage to take for granted -Air-.
Many of us understand that getting fresh air is part of a healthy lifestyle. But because most people nowadays work indoors, they don’t bother anymore to go outside. They think they can just do everything indoors including working out and they’ll be fine. Little do they know that there are many health benefits to going outside and breathing fresh air and you mentioned some of them here in your post.
I also work from home but I always find time to go get fresh air by spending weekends at our farm. Aside from taking a break from the busy life in the city, living in the countryside also helps me and my family relax and bond while enjoying the peace and quiet.
Thanks for sharing the benefits of fresh air
You’ve brought a welcome breath of fresh air with a fantastic remark, Alice. I think there is no better way to get perspective and revitalize oneself than by taking a trip to the countryside and taking a stroll in the fresh air, away from the noise and chaos of the city.