Photo by Jason Hogan
AIR
Every cell in the human body must have steady fresh supplies of oxygen to survive. Abundant fresh air has many health benefits. It improves the brain's ability to function; gives clarity to the mind, improves concentration, and boosts learning abilities. It gives a sense of happiness and well-being by altering brain levels of serotonin and promotes quality sleep. Pollution causes air to lose these capabilities.
Environmental impurities also cause sore throats, burning eyes, coughing, sluggishness, nausea, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and depression. Pollution is associated with increased asthma, and other respiratory problems, and many of these contaminants have been linked to increased rates of cancer and other illnesses. In closed areas the same air is breathed and re-breathed, over and over. The oxygen content decreases, and the carbon dioxide and other wastes increase. Breathing this stale devitalized air increases tension, anxiety, irritability, and headaches. It promotes depression and chronic feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Endeavor to get as much fresh air as you can every day. Here are some suggestions that may e helpful.
1. Keep proper ventilation in mind wherever you are. Avoid car exhaust, tobacco smoke, and stuffy ill-ventilated rooms.
2. Take a fresh air break several times daily. Find the freshest air available. Breathe deeply. Exercise; it forces you to breathe deeply and speeds up the circulation of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
3. Sit up straight and "walk-tall." This allows the lungs to enlarge and work at full capacity. Wear loose comfortable clothing. This allows the lungs freedom to inflate.
4. Grow houseplants. The absorb carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen for us to breathe. Some remove toxic pollutants from the air.
Fresh country air soothes the nerves, stimulates the appetite, and induces sound refreshing sleep.