Too Much Time Indoors? – Get outside or consider Indoor Fresh Air?

Posted in Air Quality, on June 02, 2015

When was the last time you spent time outdoors? Perhaps it's time you enjoyed some fresh air. Canadians spend almost 90% of their time indoors; at work, at home, and in recreational settings yet most are unaware of the effects of poor indoor air quality on their health. Most people view spending time outdoors as a special event rather than part of their regular schedule. This is unhealthy especially due to the existence of numerous indoor pollutants. If you're thinking of staying indoors until summer, here are a few reasons why you should get outdoors.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

In this digital era, modern conveniences have changed the world considerably. Children and adults alike rarely spend time outdoors, resulting in various health implications including obesity. While most would rather spend their time in front of screens, here are numerous benefits associated with spending time outdoors including:

Boost Your Levels of Vitamin D

When sunlight hits your skin, it initiates a process that results in the activation and creation of vitamin D. Studies suggest that vitamin D helps fight some conditions such as cancer. The vitamin also fights infections including the flu and colds because it controls the gene expression that influence your immune system to destroy and attack viruses and bacteria.

Enhance Your Workouts

If getting outdoors becomes a routine, this implies less time in front of the computer and television and more time walking and engaging in other activities that encourage motion. Besides mood enhancement, outdoor exercise can be more demanding, resulting in superior physical gains. For example, if you jog, walk, or cycle outdoors, you'll expend more energy overcoming wind and terrain changes.

Relaxation

Modern lifestyles can get very hectic if you let the related stress remain unchecked. In this modern era, stress has become the norm that it could easily go unnoticed. Simple ways to relax include taking a walk or enjoying a picnic.

Ways to Spend Time Outdoors

1. Biking

Biking is not only a great exercise but also a fun way to bond with your family. If you don't own a bike, you can consider a rental. You'll discover biking is an easy way to exercise; you can cycle virtually anywhere at whatever time of the year without spending money. Other benefits of cycling include improvement of cardiovascular health, stress reduction, and increase in muscle tone.

2. Hiking

It's not surprising that Canadians enjoy strapping on a backpack for a hike given the country's natural splendor. Hiking can range from a walk in the park to a mountain climb. Hiking is fun and needs little equipment. Furthermore, the activity allows for a full body workout that enhances stamina and cardiovascular health. Canada offers various breathtaking hiking routes such as The West Coast Trail in Vancouver Island.

3. Walking

Walking is the most popular mode of exercise even in Canada. The simple, healthy, and low-cost activity offers various benefits such as the improvement of cardiovascular health. 30 minutes of brisk walking will make you sleep better, improve your mood, and give you more energy. Brisk walking works the heart, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure under control. The best thing about this activity is that it doesn't require any training. It comes naturally and you can do it at your own time and pace. Walking means less time spent driving and few air pollutants. While some people enjoy walking alone since it offers a quiet time to reflect and relax, others prefer walking with a friend or group.

4. Camping

What better way to enjoy the outdoors than pitching a tent for an overnight stay. Most people go camping because they're ready for an adventure or are tired of the city. Whether you enjoy hunting, biking, or other activity, camping allows you to focus for a couple of days without outer distractions. Camping offers various benefits ranging from the fresh air to socialization.

5. Indoor Fresh Air

You can also enjoy indoor fresh air by bringing the outside air indoors. Air filtration devices such as HRV’s or ventilation system as well as HEPA filtration systems can bring abundant fresh and clean air from outdoors into the home.

If you're the kind of person who doesn't enjoy outdoors, perhaps it's time you started reaping these benefits. If you're experiencing air quality issues, kindly contact us for assistance (416)414-5690