Here’s your wellness challenge for this week: Spend 30 minutes or more in the fresh air, four or more days this week!

Why is fresh air good for you? Here are some reasons:

•Fresh air cleans the lungs and helps to bring more oxygen to the cells and improves the cleansing action of your lungs. When you exhale and breathe out through your lungs, you release airborne toxins from your body. The increased oxygen level in the body brings with it increased energy to do the things you need to do.

•More oxygen also brings greater clarity to the brain, which needs twenty percent of our body’s oxygen to function. When you breathe fresh air you can automatically think better as compared to when you remain inside a room for a longer period of time.

•Fresh air is good for digestion as it helps you to digest food more effectively. That is why experts’ recommend taking a small walk outside after you eat. From all the health benefits of fresh air, this one is really important if you are trying to lose weight.

•Fresh air also improves your blood pressure and heart rate. Those who have a problem with blood pressure should avoid staying at polluted environments and try to stay in surroundings that have a good supply of fresh air. Dirty environment forces the body to work harder, to get the amount of oxygen it needs.

•The amount of serotonin your body has is hugely affected by the amount of oxygen you inhale. Serotonin can significantly lighten your mood and promote a sense of happiness and well-being. Fresh air will leave you feeling more refreshed and relaxed.

•Fresh air is also essential to make your immune system strong. White blood cells require more oxygen when working to kill and destroy bacteria, viruses, and germs. They need enough oxygen to work and function properly.

•Fresh air purifies the blood, imparts to it a bright color, and sends the blood, a life-giving current, to every part of the body.

So get out there, take a deep breath, and enjoy! See you next week!