Just Breathe

90%

That's how much time most people spend...

indoors.

​According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. 87% of their life is indoors, then another 6% of their life in car. That's only 7% of your entire life outdoors. That's only one half of one day per week outdoors. Ouch! So, if we're not getting much fresh air outside, our inside air is fresh, right?

Maybe not so much. 

Indoor air pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. These are things like:

• oil
• gas
• kerosene
• coal
• wood
• tobacco products
• building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products
• products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care or hobbies
• central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
• outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides and outdoor air pollution

While most of use don't heat our homes with wood or use oil lamps anymore, most of us do turn on the AC in the summer, the heat in the winter. I'm pretty all of us clean our homes with something. Everyone uses at least one personal care product each day, and most of us use anywhere from 3-12!

And don't get me started on candles or air fresheners!

While one source probably isn't enough to make a significant health impact, most of our homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution. Some things that can heighten the effects of this are poor ventilation, increased temperatures and higher humidity. 

What's a gal to do? 

​Actually, there are a few great options to help you breathe easier, and more healthfully, in your home. 

1. Take your shoes off before you come in the house. Shoes pick up all kinds of things in all kinds of places. Leave them outside, along with any bacteria, pesticides, or chemicals they may have collected during the day. 

2. Green up your home. Some plants are perfect for purifying the air in your home, bringing the outside in, and providing a more relaxing atmosphere. The top 5 easy-to-care-for NASA-certified are: 

• Peace Lily: This powerhouse can absorb vapors from alcohol and acetone, keep shower curtains and tiles free from mildew, and have the ability to improve air quality by 60%
• English Ivy: Great for pet lovers and office workers, English Ivy has the ability to clean the air of airborne fecal matter and benzene, a chemical commonly found in office equipment. 
• Boston Fern: Got dry skin? Get this plant! It acts as a natural humidifier, restoring moisture to the air, especially in the cold winter months. It also removes traces of formaldehyde, often found in surface cleaners. (I know, yuck!)
• Spider Plant: Within just two days, this plant can remove up to 90 percent of the toxins in your indoor air. The leaves grow quickly and help to absorb harmful substances like mold and other allergens so it is the perfect plant for those who have common dust allergies. It also helps to absorb small traces of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide
• Aloe Vera: Many people have Aloe Vera in their homes because of its healing ability. The gel inside the leaves is excellent for helping to heal burns and cuts. Aloe Vera however, is also a great plant to improve your indoor air quality. It is easy to grow (and hard to kill for those of you who do not possess a green thumb) and it helps to keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners.

​3. Vacuum regularly. Dust mites can hold on to bacteria and not-so-nice smells. Get that vacuum running once or twice a week! Try sprinkling a mix of baking soda and essential oils first, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuuming for extra stink-busting.

4. Change your air filter every 3 months. Seriously, write it on your calendar, put a reminder on your phone, whatever you need to do to remember this! Not only will this keep dust mites and bacteria away, if you've got pets your filter might get extra wear and tear and get so filled it could cause your furnace to switch off...in winter...I might have experience with this...just sayin...Add a few of Melaleuca to your filters to combat allergens too. 

5. Switch out your cleaners for a greener version. So many commercial cleaners contain chemicals you do NOT want to be inhaling. If the bottle tells you to be in a well-ventilated area when using (and you never open a window when you clean) you want to ditch that stuff. It's not good for you or anyone in your home! You can find some easy DIY cleaner recipes on this blog. You can also find great ideas HERE. We also love doTERRA's On Guard Cleaner Concentrate. It's perfect for those who don't like to DIY, want to keep it simple and get great value for their dollar. 

​6. Diffuse essential oils. Yes, there are oils that can help purify the air in your home! Some of our favorites include: 

• Melaleuca (tea tree):  Melaleuca is best known for its purifying & cleansing properties. When applied to air filters, tea tree oil has been shown to deactivate certain strains of bacteria within minutes and when diffused throughout the home may reduce mold. This could be an effective way to reduce allergens and irritants in the homes of allergy sufferers.
• On Guard:  doTERRA On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system. It can also be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaner. When diffused, doTERRA On Guard helps purify the air, and can be very energizing and uplifting. We diffuse this oil blend every day after school!
• Purify: Purify is an exclusive combination of essential oils that purify and eradicate odors in a natural, safe way. Diffuse to purify and freshen the air. Freshen smaller rooms (or a car) by placing a few drops of Purify Cleansing Blend on a cotton ball and putting it into the air vent. Add 5 drops to a small spray bottle with water and use to wipe down countertops. Use to soothe away irritations from bug bites. Add a few drops to the rinse cycle when doing laundry to help eliminate odor.
• Lemon: Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day. Add Lemon oil to a spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Lemon oil also makes a great furniture polish; simply add a few drops to olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes. Use a cloth soaked in Lemon oil to preserve and protect your leather furniture and other leather surfaces or garments. Lemon oil is a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver and other metals.​

7. Open up them windows. If you can't get outside due to work, illness, or other reasons, at least open up them windows and air out your home. Sure, certain times of the year that's easier than others, but when you can air out the house, make an effort to do so. 

8. Get outside. If we spend 87-93% of our time inside a building or our cars, it's time we make it a priority to get outdoors! Working in an office or out of your home? Put time in your schedule to take a walk. Even 15-20 minutes can make a world of difference. Use your weekend to spend a larger chunk of time outside. Do you live within a mile of your school, library, grocery store or park? Walk there instead of driving. The average person walks a 15 minute mile. That's 15 minutes of fresh air PLUS exercise! Way better than a 3-5 minute car ride. 

Which is these suggestions is one you could put into practice today? Comment below and let us know!