Use Fresh Air to Detox!
As teachers, we don’t have control over the germs that walk in our classroom, the cleaners being used, or even the air quality. We’ve all had those days where the smells, stuffiness, and swirling germs make us want to head right back out the door. The good news is you do have control over your windows! By cranking those windows open and simply letting the fresh air in not only feels mah-velous, but is actually good for our health!
Here are several reasons why.
Fresh air is good for getting rid of germs. Keeping the windows closed shuts those buggers in! This is especially important in the time of COVID. One statistic shows that letting fresh air in through a window can reduce your risk of infection by 70%!
Detox! Fresh air gets rid of pollutants. Many of us think of pollution as an outside thing, but we have many pollutants inside too. Cleaners, outgassing from new paint/rugs/furniture, personal care products on all those student bodies all can contain harmful chemicals that can get trapped inside your classroom. Open the windows to get them out!
Improves your energy and mood. You’ve all experienced that feeling when you visit old Aunt Betty’s house with the glade plug-ins and plastic covered furniture. The windows haven’t been opened in decades and the air feels suffocating. You immediately feel hot and tired. Open a window and notice how that simple change revives your energy.
Improves your sleep. With the crisp spring night air, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. In fact, sleeping in a cooler environment can lower body temperature which is linked to better sleep. Also, fresh air will decrease indoor carbon dioxide levels; also helpful for rest.
Good for Feng Shui. Feng Shui is arranging our space for the optimal flow of energy or qi, to create a healthy and harmonious environment. Opening the windows enlivens the qi, bringing in new energy and moving out the old. It can make a stagnant space feel vibrant again.
Don’t worry if you have students that complain about the temperature - you won’t need to leave your windows open all day. 15-20 minutes should do the trick. Give it a try and see how good it feels!
