I worked in large offices for many years and day after day watched dedicated employees ‘work through lunch’ or not take a break longer than the trip to the downstairs coffee shop for a refill. Preferring to get that report done or answer just a few more emails, feeling they were more productive by eating at their desk and forgoing a stretch or some fresh air. Now I work among dozens of ‘work from home’ entrepreneurs who can juggle their schedule to be there mid day for their child’s school talent show, but still don’t carve time away from their desk to take a fresh air break for themselves.
So what is the big deal? Being extra productive is good for business right?
It turns out not taking an outdoor break or time away from your desk is not so good for you. Studies show sitting too long can have many negative effectives on your joints, muscles and cardiovascular system not to mention the benefits you are missing from getting some mid day fresh air outside!
Now that Spring has sprung, it is time to boost productivity and throw open the windows and schedule some time in your busy work day to re fuel with a big breath of fresh air and a little outdoor activity!
Benefits of Fresh Air
Cleaner lungs
Fresh air cleanses your lungs as you inhale and with each exhale you are releasing airborne toxins from your body. Fresh air lets the clean in and flushes out the bad.
Clearer Mind
Your brain uses twenty percent of your body’s oxygen and the more fresh air you supply the greater clarity, improved concentration and more productivity you will enjoy. Fresh air lets you get more work done.
Increased Energy
Who doesn’t feel better after some fresh air? Even in the winter, those rosy cheeks leave you feeling energized. Sunshine, and its available vitamin D, has been shown time and again to improve mood, lessen Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms and reduce stress. Fresh air increases your energy level and encourages more activity.
Stronger Immune System
Your immune system works overtime to attack toxins and keep you healthy, when you add in fresh air, you relieve your immune system of some of its work by flushing out the toxins. The clean air also helps white blood cells kill and fight bacteria and germs. Fresh air keeps you healthy.
Better Digestion
Fresh air helps you to digest food more effectively. It is actually the walking that helps the food move through your digestive track and get absorbed easier, but nothing feels better after a big meal than a walk outdoors! Fresh air helps digestion.
Sleep Easier
Daily time in the fresh air and sunshine helps to regulate circadian rhythms for a better night’s sleep and some say the flow of fresh air in the house helps you fall asleep and enjoy a better quality sleep. Wake up well rested and ready for a productive workday. Fresh air for sound sleep.
