There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get after being outside in the fresh air – invigorated and energized but totally relaxed at the same time. Going outside and getting some fresh air is an old-fashioned, completely free way to contribute to your overall health.
In years past, people walked outside a lot more to get from place to place or rode on horses or in open carriages. In all but the coldest months, the windows of homes were open to let in the fresh, cool air in the days before air-conditioning was invented.
Nowadays, though, there are times when the only fresh air we get is the trip from the front door to the car or from the parking lot to the store. We hope from one air-conditioned or heated building to the next, rarely spending much time in air that isn’t stale. (And just think of all the stuff that’s in the air your breathing: residues from perfumes, cleaning sprays, air fresheners, hairspray etc!)
I’ve noticed that I always feel better after being in fresh air. Sometimes in the winter months, though, when it’s cold and windy, it’s really hard to get motivated to get all bundled up with a hat and scarf and all the rest. On those days, I have to remind myself of all of the reasons why I should go for that walk around the block and think about all the benefits that going out in the fresh air will give me.
Reason # 1: Sunshine and Sleep Going out for a walk in the fresh air gets you out in the sunshine. A short stroll around the neighborhood is just enough time to get some energizing sunshine and the vitamin D benefits without worrying about getting a sunburn. And getting that little dose of sunshine helps your body to regulate its circadian rhythms so it’s easier to fall asleep at night. It’s important to be outside and be active during the day when it’s light out so that when it’s dark in the evening, your body will get the signal that it’s time to settle down for sleep.
Reason # 2: Health Improvement Fresh air (especially if you take deep breaths) helps your body to eliminate toxins and helps all your body’s systems function better. Taking deep, relaxing breathes of clean fresh air gives your body the oxygen it needs to work properly, benefiting your respiratory system, digestive system, immune system, etc. And what’s even better, the health benefits of fresh air are completely free!
Reason # 3: Beauty Benefits Going out in the fresh air is the cheapest way to give your complexion a healthy glow. A brisk walk in the fresh air can do greater wonders than any blush or face powder could ever do. People in the olden days knew about this beauty tip too. A book from 1879 called Decorum: A Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress says: “If you would have beauty of skin and eyes, if you would enjoy a cheerful temper, and retain a youthful bloom, you must breathe a pure air all night, and all day, and always. No other law of health, no condition of beauty, is so imperative as this.” Clearly, the importance of getting fresh air was held in high esteem by people living in earlier eras.
Reason # 4: Relaxation Going outside in the fresh air gets you out in nature with the trees and flowers and plants. There’s just something about hearing the breeze rustling through the leaves and the birds singing and feeling the warm sunshine and smelling the freshness of the air and everything else that’s so wonderful about being outside that makes your whole body feel calmer and more relaxed.
Reason # 5: Happy Pets And, last but not least, the biggest motivator that gets me outside into the fresh air is my Golden Retriever/Yellow Lab mix Daisy. This is a picture from when she was just a puppy. She’s a little over a year and a half old now, but she still acts like a baby. How could I resist those puppy eyes? Even if it’s cold outside and I don’t feel like going out, Daisy gets so excited about her daily walk that I can’t deny her.
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| My Baby, Daisy |
If I didn’t have Daisy, I have a feeling that there would be many days I would convince myself that a stroll around the block wasn’t really necessary – especially in the middle of winter. Having a dog helps me get up and get moving out in the clean, invigorating fresh air! What motivates you to get out in the fresh air?
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