How to Improve the Air You Breathe
If I were to ask you what you think is worse, indoor or outdoor air pollution, what would be your answer?
Believe it or not, the quality of the air inside your home is likely worse than the quality of the air outside. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they estimate that most homes have 2-5 times worse air quality indoors than outdoors.
There are numerous reasons for this, according to the EPA.
Control of indoor pollutants
Introduction and disruption of adequate outdoor air
Maintenance of acceptable temperature and humidity
Why is air quality so important?
Statistics show us that most people spend as much as 90% of their day inside. This isn’t hard to add up when you calculate the amount of time you sleep, prepare meals/eat, consume entertainment, work (if you’re inside for your job), etc.
Your very existence is dependant on breathing and so ensuring that the quality of the air you inhale every few seconds should be a high priority.
There are a number of symptoms that have been associated with poor air quality:
headaches
fatigue
shortness of breath
sinus congestion
coughing
sneezing
dizziness
nausea
irritation of the eye, nose, throat, and skin
What can you do?
Reduce the toxins you expose yourself, your family, and your pets to. I am a big believer in looking to the CAUSE of an issue vs. trying to bandaid a fix. If you are still using conventional household products like cleaners, laundry agents, hair care, skin care, dental hygiene, and more that are infused with chemicals…it’s time to stop! Ditch and switch those products to cleaner, less toxic ones.
Get outside more. When you add up the hours that you spend indoors, it’s no wonder we have health issues. Being outdoors, connected to nature, breathing in fresh air is crucial to our circadian rhythms, respiratory health, nervous system regulation, and immune function. If outdoor time is something you lack in your life, add in ten extra minute a day by walking around the block, spending time in your garden or local park, go for a hike on a nearby trail, etc. Even just being on your back porch is beneficial.
Open your windows. Such a simple task! We rely so heavily on heat in winter/air conditioning in summer that we keep our windows closed at all times. But the exchange of air throughout our home reduces stagnancy.
Switch to essential oils, plants, and air purifiers and ditch the candles, plug ins, and aerosol sprays to experience better air quality.
If you are really concerned about air quality because you have an older home or you and your family have multiple symptoms, you can get an air quality monitor. Depending on the model, they can test for pollutants, volatile organic compounds, airborne particulate matter, temperature, and humidity levels. A mold test would also be suggested if you have high humidity or any signs of mold in your home.
Take my Low Tox Lifestyle Course! My downloadable free guide is a good place to start but if your’e serious about reducing the toxins you’re exposed to AND helping your body detox from what you’ve accumulated over the years - this is the course for you! More details HERE.
Your health is your responsibility and there are so many ways you can improve upon your lifestyle choices each day.