Fresh air is underrated.
Not only does Mother Nature provide us with an endless supply of the stuff, but it has some fantastic health benefits too! Breathing in a lungful of fresh air can help you feel more uplifted, increase your mood, starve off stress, and make you more productive too.
The problem is, the contemporary office is usually an indoor kind of deal, and provides a few limitations when it comes to getting plenty of fresh air. Don’t despair however, there are plenty of ways you and grab some of that wonderful air during your working day, and ensure you grab the benefits.
Here are four of the best ways to make sure you get a little fresh air whilst you’re working away at your office desks.
- Make sure you take plenty of breaks and go outside for a walk every time - You might think that having regular breaks would make you unproductive, but it’s the total opposite in truth! Regular breaks help you to focus, and if you can head outside for a walk, you’re doubling the benefit and getting plenty of air too!
- Open your office windows - It might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many offices stick to air con for ventilation and don’t bother with opening their windows. Declutter your window spaces and move your office chairs a little closer to breathe in that goodness.
- Walk to work - Starting your day with a little exercise is a great foundation on which to build, and it also allows you to get plenty of fresh air from the get-go. If walking the whole way isn’t possible, park the car a few blocks away from the office and walk the final few minutes - better than nothing! You can also get a little exercise whilst in the office by using stand height tables too.
- Eat your lunch outdoors - Your lunch break is your time, and it’s going to be the longest break you have throughout the day. If the weather isn’t terrible, eat your lunch outside, and choose somewhere green and quiet for peace and serenity. You’ll certainly be more productive when you return to work.
Whilst not all offices will have the capacity to move outdoors, if you do have an outdoor space you call your own and the weather is pleasant enough, why not move your necessary office furniture outside and take advantage of the weather? Choose mesh office chairs for air ventilation around the body during hot days and you’ll create a change to your normal working pattern, whilst breathing in plenty of fresh air at the same time.
Ensuring you get enough natural light every single day is something that should be high up on everyone’s list too. Working hand in hand with fresh air, these natural elements can help with mood and general health.
If you still need a little persuasion on the issue, check out this infographic which highlights the mental health benefits of heading outside for some fresh air and natural light.
Source - http://challengethestorm.org/the-mental-health-benefits-of-spending-time-outdoors/
As you can see, there are some pretty major benefits for mental health on that list, and when you add in the physical health benefits too, you’re looking at a pretty advantageous picture. Productivity is certainly something to bear in mind also; when you feel more refreshed and uplifted, focus and concentration comes far easier. This is ideal for those mid-afternoon slumps, and whilst you might not be able to take a long break, just five minutes’ outside could be all it takes to readjust your mindset and be raring to go once more.
The other plus point is that the four suggestions we made are all super-easy to incorporate into every single working day. This means you have no excuse for lacking in fresh air!