Breathe
This pandemic has affected the way that we breathe. We were already shallow breathers before but with the introduction of masks our breaths became shallower and we inhaled waste products that should be leaving the body. This led to headaches, impaired thinking and decreased lung function. Fresh air is precious and even without wearing masks we can be harming ourselves by staying inside the home all day. There might be something sinister in your home.
I hope I have your attention. I’m talking about the air you breathe, every inhale and every exhale. If you are staying inside all day, the air in your home is lifeless and stagnant and can be causing you harm.
Breathing in the same stale air everyday:
Weakens the immune system
Depresses the mood
Increases risk of infection and allergies
Reduces elimination of toxins
Increases headaches
Increases joint pain
Reduces overall health
Are you getting the picture? Many of the issues you already struggle with may be due to impure air.
Let’s take a moment to think about what’s going on in our bodies. When you inhale, oxygen travels through the nose to the lungs. The lungs are made of tiny air sacs called alveoli that look like bunches of grapes and the alveoli are covered by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. An amazing process called gas exchange takes place here. The oxygen leaves the alveoli and enters the capillaries. This oxygen rich blood is then taken to the heart to be pumped all over the body. At the same time, carbon dioxide from the capillaries enters the alveoli to be exhaled through the nose. This process takes place with every inhale and exhale. Oxygen is a precious commodity we can’t live without and carbon dioxide is the waste that the body doesn’t need.
So why am I sharing this? One of the simplest ways to optimize your health is to breathe pure fresh air every day.
Pure fresh air
Calms the nerves
Relaxes the body
Relieves anxiety
Improves digestion
Boosts the immune system
Improves blood circulation
Improves mood
Promotes sound sleep
Reduces stress
Now that we’ve established what happens when you breathe impure air and we’ve now learned about the benefits of pure air. Here are some simple ways to purify the air in your home.
Indoor plants: As I explained earlier, humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite, they use carbon dioxide, water and light to make sugar and oxygen. This process allows plants to improve the quality of the air that we breathe. Some of those plants are peace lily, dumb cane, spider plant, snake plant, dwarf, banana tree, rubber tree, or philodendron.
Remove scented products: Scented products such as air fresheners, scented candles and cleaning products can release fumes that can cause respiratory concerns.
Switch to all natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
Check your home for mold, asbestos and radon gas emissions.
Check your carpets: Carpets are not always cleaned properly and can release fumes in the air.
Keep your windows open: Allow for the free flow of air throughout the home.
I hope you are getting excited because I saved the best for last. You might be wondering how can I ensure that I am breathing properly?
Imagine a baby lying on his back. What happens when the baby takes a breath? The abdomen moves up and down. As you get older you start taking shallower breaths and some of you may even move your shoulders when you try to take a deep breath.
If you follow these steps you will get better at deep breathing.
Good posture – stand with the head erect and the body in a relaxed position
Without moving your shoulders, take a deep breath in for 5 seconds. If you notice your shoulders are moving, place your hand on your abdomen. Your hand should move out when you inhale.
Hold the breath for 7 seconds.
Exhale for 9 seconds. If you have your hand on your abdomen, your hand should move in when you exhale.
Repeat 3 times when you are just starting out. You can do this as many times as you like.
Now it’s time to give it a try. The benefits of pure fresh air are within reach. Fresh air is free and available anywhere you are in the world. Your path to better health starts now.
Inhale, Exhale, Breathe.