Most of us tend to take our lungs for granted. That is, until something goes wrong. In truth, a few small everyday habits can quietly chip away at your lung health over time. However, as the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your lungs and keep them working as they should.
1. Breathing In Poor Air
While breathing is a habit we definitely want to continue, it’s what we’re breathing in that’s often the trouble. We’re inhaling more than we realize. When you think about air pollution, your mind probably conjures up images of smoggy cities and factories pumping out clouds of smoke. The reality is that indoor air can be far more detrimental to our health, especially if you use a lot of chemical-based products or don’t ventilate your home.
For instance, even cooking without an extractor fan can be detrimental to your health. Over time, long-term exposure to poor air quality can increase your risk of respiratory issues and, in more serious cases, even raise the chances of developing conditions like lung cancer. Keep your indoor air clean with purifying plants and open windows, and check local air quality reports before heading out for a walk.
2. Skipping Outdoor Activities
Fresh air and movement are a must for good lung health. After all, your lungs are a muscle system and need to be exercised to stay strong. Sitting down or staying indoors for most of the day, for example, in an office job, can be a risk factor. This sedentary lifestyle limits your breathing depth and overall lung function. Even light movement encourages deeper breathing and helps your lungs clear out irritants. Even if you can fit in a daily 15-minute walk, it’s well worth it! If you can, try to avoid heavily polluted areas like busy roads.
3. Using Fragranced Products
We all love a fresh home, and some of the scented candles nowadays smell good enough to eat! However, they can do more harm than good. Candles, along with plug-in air fresheners, diffusers, and room sprays, can release volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These can irritate your lungs and trigger symptoms like wheezing or coughing, especially if you have asthma or allergies. Even products that are marketed as “natural” or “eco-friendly” can contain irritating essential oils, which make your lungs work harder to process what’s in the air. Try simplifying with fragrance-free options or at least cutting back.
4. Forgetting To Change Air Filters
Whether you have a full-on HVAC system, a dehumidifier, or even a basic air purifier, the filters must be changed regularly. Clogged filters push dust and allergens back into the air, which can seriously irritate your lungs. So, stay organized and mark filter change dates on your calendar to do your lungs a favor.
Final Thoughts
Your lungs work hard for you every minute of every day without you even noticing. By paying attention to a few daily habits, you can help lighten the load. It’s about making smart choices about the air you breathe, the products you use, and how you move your body. Overall, these little changes can protect your lungs and contribute to a longer, healthier, better quality of life.