When you head outside into the fresh air, do you give much thought to what that air is actually doing for you?

Sure, you need oxygen to breathe, but you can get that indoors as well as outdoors, so what is so special about being in the Great Outdoors or simply heading outside for just a few minutes?

That fresh air has a countless number of benefits which can help you become healthier, sharper, and can also improve your workplace productivity whilst you’re sat at your office desk. 

Check out this infographic which talks about why we need more fresh air and why we should all be spending more time outdoors in general. 

Source - https://www.getcairn.com/blogs/cairn/117343365-how-regular-outdoor-activity-can-benefit-your-health-infographic

As you can see, a lack of fresh air is a real issue these days, because we naturally spend more time indoors. When you work within a contemporary office, you’re also spending a huge chunk of your time sat at your office furniture, not heading outside for air. As a result, you become sluggish and your immune system takes a hit. 

Making sure that you go outside on your breaks at the very least is vital, and also making sure that your office ventilation is more than adequate. 

Why Does Fresh Air Make You More Focused?

Fresh air can make you more productive simply because air pollution and a lack of fresh air can actually impact on your cognitive function, memory, and how productive you are throughout the day. 

There’s a reason why people say “I need some fresh air” when they feel stressed or they’re worried about something. It’s because that quick lungful of natural air helps them to feel calmer and clearer of mind. It’s like a magical elixir that we simply don’t get enough of. 

Fresh air has also been linked with many other health benefits too. 

• Fresh air may help your digestion - It’s impossible to have a high degree of workplace productivity if you’re struggling with digestive issues and general stomach ache. Fresh air is thought to help you digest food more easily, so head outside after your lunch!
• Fresh air improves heart health and immunity - Fresh air has been linked with blood pressure benefits and a stronger immune system. This can only be a good thing in general, aside from for productivity reasons. 
• Fresh air helps you feel more upbeat - When you’re feeling more positive, it’s easier to be focused and get on with your work. Heading outside for a walk in the fresh air can help you feel more positive and increase your mood over the long term. Another useful side effect of this relates to sleep. There are many links between a positive mindset and a better sleep pattern, and getting enough sleep certain helps you to be more productive during your working day. 
• Fresh air detoxifies your lungs - When you breathe in the fresh air, your lungs expand and they’re able to clear out. This helps you to get rid of toxins that might be accumulating in there and as a result, you’ll be healthier and be able to breathe more deeply. This also helps to ensure that enough nutrient-rich oxygen makes it way around your body, including to your brain for extra focus and sharpness. 

The great news is that fresh air is completely free! All you have to do is go outside for a few minutes on a regular basis to grab these benefits. Of course, you also need to ensure that whilst you’re sat at your designer office desk, the ventilation system within the office is adequate. 

This means regularly cleaning out air conditioning systems and looking towards opening windows as much as possible. You should also make use of office plants for their air-purifying powers. 

Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature when it comes to improving your health and wellbeing. It also turns out, she’s pretty useful at improving productivity in the workplace too!