Having healthy lungs is a critical part of having good overall health and long life. Many people do not think about the daily decisions they are making that could be impacting their lung health. If you do not make a conscious effort to use your lungs to their full capacity, then you will not be helping your lungs to be their happiest and healthiest. However, with these 7 tips, you will be able to take small steps to not only have happy and healthy lungs but also improve your well-being.
Stay Active
By incorporating regular workouts and hobbies that keep you active, you are working on the health of your lungs. Any activity that increases your heart rate will involve your lungs working harder to provide oxygen to your body. The more that you exercise, the more that you will contribute to healthier lungs. Aside from just benefiting your lungs, regular physical activity is great for your heart as well as your mental health.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is known to cause lung cancer, and those that smoke on a regular basis are doing extensive damage to their lungs. According to the CDC, smoking leads to 80-90% of lung cancer cases. Smoking also increases your risk of other lung diseases as well as other health problems such as heart disease. One of the best things you can do to keep your lungs happy and healthy is to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Practice Your Breathing
The most critical task that your lungs have is to control your breathing and the amount of oxygen that your body is receiving. There are several different breathing techniques that you can try in order to improve your lung health. Diaphragmatic breathing involves properly using your diaphragm so that when you lower it, it will allow you to get a deeper inhalation of air. If this seems difficult for you, then you can just practice deep breathing, and this will also provide benefits to your lungs.
Enjoy Some Laughter
It may sound silly, but laughing is actually great for your lungs. By laughing, you are helping your lung capacity and expelling stale air out of your lungs. Whether you decide to just spend time with your favorite friends and family or take it to the next level and enjoy a comedy show, allowing yourself the opportunity to laugh often is one of the easiest and most fun ways to allow your lungs to be happy and healthy.
Breathe In Clean Fresh Air
If possible, it is best for your lungs to breathe clean air. Although it is impossible to avoid pollution in certain areas of the world, you are better off if you can limit your exposure to pollution if you can. If you live in an area with high pollution rates, it is best to avoid spending extensive time outside if the air quality is poor. This can lead to breathing problems, including asthma.
For those people that live in areas with excellent air quality, it is great to take advantage of time outside and allow your lungs to breathe in clean air. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom is also a great way to add moisture to dry air which will make your lungs happier to breathe in. Many people also believe that adding plants to your home will help clean the air and allow your lungs to breathe in more oxygenated air.
Get Regular Checkups At The Doctor
An important part of keeping your lungs happy and healthy is having regular checkups at the doctor. This will allow you to express any concerns you might have about your health to your doctor while also allowing your doctor to listen to your lungs. It is critical to allow your doctor to listen to your lungs and any concerns you may have in order to achieve the highest level of capacity for your lungs.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is not only beneficial for your general health, but it is extremely important for your lung health as well. There is a thin lining in your lungs, which will stay thin if you stay hydrated. This will allow your lungs to work better. If you do not stay hydrated, then you may feel out of breath faster or as if your lungs are having to work extra hard. Staying hydrated is extremely important for your lungs if you fall ill because this will allow your body to cough up any mucus that you need to expel from your lungs.
