Fresh Air Makes Us Feel Better

There are few simple pleasures in life that feel quite as nice as stepping outside and getting a deep breath of fresh air. Science shows that going outside does more than just making you feel good—it can have some very surprising health benefits as well. Indoor air often has a suboptimal balance of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, especially in enclosed rooms with poor ventilation. While having indoor plants can help, absolutely nothing beats stepping outside for fresh air.

Fresh air generally has higher levels of oxygen than indoor air. Exposure to more oxygen causes the blood vessels in your lungs to dilate, which improves cleansing and tissue repair. As your lungs take in more fresh air, the oxygen levels in your blood go up. Higher oxygen levels mean more of it circulates to your brain, which helps you feel energized and improves your ability to concentrate and remember information. It can also help promote the production of serotonin, allowing you to feel happier and less anxious.

The simple act of stepping away and getting outside for fresh air and sunlight can help improve your well-being across multiple areas, from making you feel happier and more relaxed to having a measurable effect on your circulatory system, healing recovery time, and overall health. If you find yourself feeling stressed, tired, or sluggish, step outside and take a few good, deep breaths of fresh air. Your body and your mind will thank you.