It’s a beautiful Spring afternoon on the High Plains. The breeze is up, and so is the air quality, so we have all the windows open letting the outside in. “Ahh, fresh air.” The temperature is 70º and the Air Quality (AQI) is 11. That is about as perfect as it gets, and we can hear the songbirds twittering through the open windows. The perfection of the moment prompted me to ponder our recent trip to Texas.
South Texas is hot and humid, and for most of the year, opening the windows and letting the outside in is not that pleasant. We lived there for 25 years, and I can’t remember opening the windows except for a few times when we lost power after a hurricane, so when we were in the house, 99% of the time, we were breathing re-circulated air. We spent as much time outside as possible, but in the height of summer, we went from an air-conditioned house, to an air-conditioned car, to an air-conditioned office and then back again.
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Fresh air wasn’t the only reason we moved from one of the most densely populated regions of the country to one of the least populated places, but fresh air is crucial for both physical health and mental well-being. Fresh air, especially in areas with low pollution, contains higher oxygen levels and fewer pollutants, which supports better lung function and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.
Exposure to clean air decreases the incidence of asthma and allergies, which are exacerbated by indoor pollutants and stale air in sealed homes. Outdoor air has lower concentrations of contaminants like mold, dust mites, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Breathing fresh air reduces inflammation and bolsters health. Air pollution contributes to eight and a half million premature deaths annually, so access to clean air is a significant protective factor. Fresh air increases oxygen flow to the brain, boosting serotonin production, which improves mood and reduces stress.
“What you need now is fresh air, fresh air, fresh air!” ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
Spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels and makes you happier. Higher oxygen levels from fresh air improve concentration and mental clarity. The sensory experience of fresh air, especially with natural scents like pine or grass, can foster a sense of calm and grounding, enhancing emotional well-being.
In South Texas, where high humidity and heat necessitate closed windows and air conditioning, indoor air can accumulate pollutants, and recirculation may reduce oxygen quality. This can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and poor mood. Colorado’s crisp, less humid air delivers more oxygen and fewer allergens, making open windows a rejuvenating experience.
Regularly opening windows is one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality; good ventilation can reduce indoor pollutant levels by up to 50%. Spending time outside in clean air can amplify health benefits. The sensory joy of fresh air isn’t just anecdotal—research shows that natural breezes enhance feelings of freedom and vitality.
“My soul is awakened, my spirit is soaring and carried aloft on the wings of the breeze.” ~ Anne Bronte
The air is beautiful, clean, and crisp today on the High Plains, but we have days where that’s not the case. Wildfire season and dust storms are not uncommon, and it’s too cold in the winter to open the windows. There isn’t a monitor site in our small community, but there are a few not too far away, so we check those each day with the weather and plan accordingly.
Optimizing our indoor air quality keeps our space healthy, especially during times when the windows need to stay closed. Air purifiers remove allergens, dust, and pollutants that ventilation alone can’t address, especially during high-pollen and wildfire season, or when the wind stirs up the dirt and dust.
We use Air Purifiers with multiple filters to clean the air in the cottage when conditions don’t allow for throwing open all the windows and letting the outside in. We also keep a dehumidifier running in the basement when the humidity creeps up to 40-50%, and an inexpensive meter helps monitor air quality and humidity to control run times on these gadgets to keep our inside air as pristine as a wilderness forest.
Plants help too, and we tend a dozen or so in various living spaces around the cottage. Folks seem to focus more on outdoor air quality, because it is widely publicized, but studies show that indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. People underestimate pollution risks in their homes, assuming they’re safe spaces. Don’t assume, do some investigating. You spend more time in your home than anywhere else, and clean air (oxygen) is the most vital element for life.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don’t go back to sleep.
~ Rumi
Excellent read Mike!