Today, we need fresh air more than ever.
After a year of mask-wearing, social distancing, and more, many of us have been left physically and psychologically drained. And in part, a lot of this has to do with the effects of stale air on our brains.
The Harmful Effects of Stale Air
Have you ever felt groggy and unable to focus despite how much sleep you’ve had?
Well, you’re not alone. Studies have shown the impact of stale air on the human brain, and it is significant. Unhealthy air quality not only negatively impacts your respiratory system contributing to allergies and more, but stale air also contributes to lower cognitive function and even psychological depression.
How do we combat this? Here are 3 ways you can take care of yourself by treating your brain to fresh air:
3 Ways to Treat Your Brain to Fresh Air
1) Go Outside Often
This is especially important if you work in an enclosed office space and/or wear a face mask 6+ hours a day. If you can, make it a priority to go outside for some fresh air on your lunch break. Also, treat yourself to as much time outdoors as you can during off-hours.
2) Circulate the Air in Your Spaces
If you are one of the many who work from home as I do, it is especially important to circulate the air in your space! Research has shown that it doesn’t take much time for air to become “stale” indoors.
I love circulating the air in my home and home office every day by simply opening up the windows, turning up the fans, and allowing fresh air to come in.
Need more convincing? Check out this great Youtube experiment:
This Is Your Brain On Stale Air
3) Get an AC Checkup
With Spring season in full effect, it may be hard to distinguish between “seasonal allergies” and a dirty AC unit. Air conditioning experts recommend that you change your air filter at least 1-2x a month. And get a thorough unit inspection and cleaning at least twice a year!
For more information on this, check out these tips from my personal AC technician here.
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” –
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Stay organically opulent,
Goldie Wollman
For more on the topics discussed in this blog post, feel free to visit the following links below:
