Most people live in cities and have an office job from nine till five. Working indoors behind a desk, underneath artificial light. These days, it seems that getting outside is becoming increasingly harder for most of us. People often tend to forget about the importance of spending time outside. But the thing is, being outside in the fresh air can have some major upsides for your health. Let us walk you through some of the benefits.

Cleansing for the lungs

Fresh air helps the airways of your lungs to dilate fully and it improves the cleansing action of your lungs. When you exhale and breathe out through your lungs, you release airborne toxins from your body. This cleansing is really important because clean lungs give you more energy and better concentration through greater oxygen intake.

Fresh air and the immune system

There are a lot of bacteria and germs in offices. White blood cells are needed to kill and fight these bacteria and germs. The white blood cells need enough oxygen in return to work and function properly. Fresh air contains enough oxygen to fuel your white blood cells. This oxygen boost is especially effective in combination with exercise. Even a walk in the park can lead to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils and monocytes, which are all important for keeping those germs out and keeping you in good shape.

Get your tan on!

Yes, a tan looks nice but even more important, sunlight is crucial for the creation and activation of Vitamin D. This in turn, is important for strong bones and teeth. Further, studies also suggest that it boosts your immune system and supports healthy muscle functioning (Bartoszewska, Kamboj, & Patel, 2010). Try to get outside between the hours of 11:00-15:00 for 15 to 30 minutes. This will activate the Vitamin D processes in your body.

Nature’s antidepressants

Sunlight and fresh air both contribute to a better mood. While fresh air increases your oxygen levels, sunlight boosts the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. Research also suggests that serotonin lowers stress by decreasing the levels of cortisol and by lowering your blood pressure (Miyazaki, Tsunetsugu, & Matsunaga, 2011).

Niceday: Do you live far away from parks, forests or other places with fresh air? There are some plants that are known for their pollution filtering and air releasing properties. These can help you attain a healthy air climate at home or at work.