Covid 19 has drastically changed the way we live our lives and the whole world is in lockdown.  This lockdown has caused many people to stay inside their homes. With the convenience of the internet, you can get whatever you need with one click of a button. But while this seems like a good thing, may I suggest that staying inside all day may not the best thing for your health. There might be something in your home that is just as sinister as the virus.

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.

1. 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.

2. Remove scented products: Scented products such as air fresheners, scented candles and cleaning products can release fumes that can cause respiratory concerns.
3. Switch to all natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
4. Check your home for mold, asbestos and radon gas emissions.
5. Check your carpets: Carpets are not always cleaned properly and can release fumes in the air.
6. 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!.

Contributed
D. Dodd
Naturopathic Student

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Affiliated Article:

Vaccines are the Perfect Pathogenic Primer Part 1

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Discover healthy habits  from this book Habits that Heal