February is the dreariest, coldest, wettest month of the year for most parts of the United States, which is why it’s more important than ever to get fresh air.
For the month of February, challenge yourself to get outside.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the indoor air in the United States is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. So it makes sense that it seems like everyone around us is sick during the winter — because they are!
When you stay inside more, you aren’t taking in the cleaner oxygen. Our immune systems need clean oxygen to refresh our hardworking white blood cells. Simple as that.
Beyond immunity, fresh air has proven to boost energy for 90% of people. Odds are that fresh air can help you transition away from an extra cup of coffee (or even having one at all), which has so many other benefits, too.
I’m starting this challenge in pursuit of less coffee, more energy + protecting my household’s immunity.
Join me and tag #OrganicMommyCEO so I can follow along with you.
Here are some tips to make getting fresh air easier:
Play fetch.
One of my rescue dogs, Dunkin, is half St. Bernard. He would stay outside all winter if we let him. I used to get frustrated with the snow + mud he’d drag in the house, if I could get him into the house at all, and then all the laundry that’d come after his romps.
But, instead, I’ve chosen to embrace it. Dunkin in the snow is an example of living your best life. He is so freaking happy in the mess of the New England weather. Everyone else is grumping around + he is frolicking.
So every afternoon, once baby is down for her nap, I grab a tennis ball — his toy of choice — dress for the weather + live Dunkin’s best life with him before I settle into my naptime workflow. It’s 10 undistracted minutes of quality time, tires him out + gets my energy up.
The best part of this method was that after only 2 days of playing fetch at the same time of day, Dunkin started holding me accountable.
That saying “once is a habit” is true of many dogs (even ones that aren’t naturally cold-weather loving). Try anchoring some sort of play with your pet outside — even if you have to bribe with treats — because they’ll likely pick up the habit much faster than us humans will!
Open the windows.
On the days where temperatures rise enough to feel “warm” in comparison to the previous days, turn off the heat + throw open the windows.
I’m writing this challenge on a random 48°F day after a series of -10°F windchill temperatures. The family has an extra layer of clothing on + the windows are open. It feels incredible!
I feel like my hardworking heating system deserves a break for a few hours + if I need to take a chill off, I use one of those heated electric throw blankets like this one (just don’t use if you’re currently pregnant!).
Roll into naptime.
Do errands that time up with a return home around baby’s nap time + drive home with the front windows down halfway.
Walk or run.
I’m a big proponent of helping baby to sleep with motion. With or without baby in-tow, good old-fashioned walking or running does momma good.
If you are bringing baby along, consider investing in a stroller bunting.
The stroller bunting was one of the best purchases I made. Mine is this one from Bugaboo, but check the compatibility with your stroller.
How will you get fresh air this month?
Everyday for the month of February, I’ll be getting fresh air. Show me how you’re pursuing the challenge by tagging me @OrganicMommyCEO and using the same hashtag #OrganicMommyCEO. Happy breathing!
