In case you’ve not noticed, I have an interest in how our health and wellbeing is positively influenced by our environment. When it comes to fresh air and getting outside though, is it really beneficial or a load of old nonsense?
“You just need a bit of fresh air.” It’s the kind of thing older people used to say when i was a child, as if fresh air would solve all ills. While it sounds like a bit of an empty thing to advise, there is actually a lot of sense behind it.
More recent research has clarified that being in nature for as little as 2 hours a week can reap many rewards so we know the natural environment can offer a physical and mental reset. Plus, if you spend time near water, this seems to be the trump card for overall wellbeing.
Even so, getting out and filling our lungs with fresh air is beneficial. Even Florence Nightingale emphasised the importance of ventilation for a quicker convalescence. I feel it’s common sense. Who doesn’t feel a little different after a walk, moving and stepping outside?
Let’s break it down and check out what we need to know.
Clean air, clean lungs
When we step outside, even into our back garden, we’re breathing in oxygen that’s cleaner and a better quality to that inside our homes. Taking in fresh air cleans our lungs, helps the reparative process, and increases oxygen levels in our blood. Obviously, the air is better and cleaner in green or blue spaces. There’s less pollutants so fresh, cleaner air offers the chance to flush out our lungs and reduce irritants.
A serotonin boost
With our blood pumped with lovely fresh oxygen, our happy hormone, serotonin, kicks in. With an increase in oxygen comes an increase in serotonin; perhaps a reason why those with sedentary lifestyles report lower mood (as reported in The Lancet). In fact, even increasing time indoors, sitting down by an hour for those at secondary school, heightened the risk of experiencing depression at 18 years.
To be fair, it’s not just fresh air and increased oxygen that leads to the serotonin release. Sunlight helps too.
Better digestion
It’s documented that concentrated breath work improves digestion and strengthens the messages between the gut and the brain. It’s no surprise then that getting out and having some fresh air in our bodies also aids digestion. In a recent Zoe podcast episode, one lifestyle habit recommended to improve gut health was to have a walk after eating. It really emphasises the importance of a lunch break and moving as much as possible.
Fresh air leads to better sleep
Those with regular, daily exposure to daylight, and subsequently breathing in fresh outdoor air, slept for 46 minutes longer than those who didn’t. Who doesn’t feel great after a good night’s rest? Not only that, having fresh air flowing through your bedroom at night will also promote better sleep quality. Let’s face it, you can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep.
Stress relief and anxiety antidote
We can’t quite claim that fresh air alone helps lower stress and anxiety levels, but it’s part of being outdoors and the associated sensory experience. There is a correlation between stress levels and the amount of time spent outside.
I find a good walk works wonders, exploring the countryside and having some time for myself. Simply doing activities outside can help with anxiety and depression. The good news is, you don’t have to go far. You could be playing with your dog or tending to you garden.
Fresh air and immunity
Just think of all the germs and viruses that thrive in stuffy, warm atmospheres and recycled air. It’s no shocker that fresh air strengthens our autoimmune systems. Research shows that children in rural areas and those who spend more time outdoors enjoy better health. It’s not a coincidence. Even if it’s chilly out or if you’re feeling a little under the weather, you can bundle yourself up and feel the benefits. It’s refreshing and revitalising.
If in doubt…
Head out and enjoy the outdoors, knowing you’re helping your body and mind with a blast of fresh air.
