Happy good morning ☺☺

’m sure you will all agree that you generally feel happier when the sun is shining and you get to spend more time outside. There are a range of benefits to getting fresh air; it can help you destress and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

Regardless of the time of year, we should always take more advantage of the outdoors. Here are 6 reasons why you should spend time outdoors in the fresh air to improve your wellbeing:

1. Fresh air is good for your digestive system
   Fresh air increases the flow of oxygen helping you digest food more effectively so this will particularly help if you are trying to lose weight.

2. Fresh air helps improve blood pressure and heart rate
   Avoid polluted environments particularly if you need to improve your blood pressure. Stay away from the busy traffic as the body will need to work harder to get the amount of oxygen it needs over polluted car fumes.

3. Fresh air makes you happier
   The more fresh air you get, the more oxygen you will breathe which will increase the amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) you inhale, consequently making you happier.

4. Fresh air strengthens your immune system
   By increasing the amount of fresh air we get, will increase the amount of oxygen which helps our white blood cells function properly by fighting and killing bacteria and germs.

5. Fresh air cleans your lungs
   You lungs dilate more from having an increase of oxygen so fresh air improves the cleansing of your lungs. You release airborne toxins from your body when exhaling through your lungs.

6. Fresh air gives you more energy and a sharper mind
   You may have noticed after spending time outside, you come back indoors feeling brighter and perhaps ready to get back to work. More oxygen results in greater brain functioning, improving your concentration skills and providing you with more energy.

In addition, venturing outside will also help you produce vitamin D from the sun (when it does come out), which is essential for many bodily functions including supporting our immune system, strengthening our bones, teeth and much more.

You could even include outdoor workouts to add that extra bit of zing to your routine. This is more cost effective than paying a monthly gym membership and you'll receive the benefits of getting fresh air. Outdoor exercise is something I enjoy doing regularly! If you are interested, here 'Best Exercise Motivation Tips To Make Yourself A Healthier Person' and 'Proven Ways to Get Motivated to Exercise'.

So enjoy time outdoors and get the maximum health benefits from the fresh air. This may be difficult when teaching if you feel bogged down with work, but it’s important to take a break still, even just a short walk outside the school. This will help you feel more refreshed and allow you to work better with a sharper mind. Without a break, your activities could take a lot longer to complete and the quality of your work may be affected.

Make the most of being outdoors in Kent by visiting a beautiful garden this Spring. Read our blog 6 Gardens to Visit in Kent This Spring.