When we hear about air pollution, we often end up linking it with just our respiratory health, completely disregarding the complex nature of it and its impact on various critical domains like our mood.
Air pollution and Its connection with Mood
Different kinds of pollutants in the air like allergens, combustion of fossil fuels, and release of harmful gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx) by different vehicles along with other factors like industrial processes can cause inflammation in the brain which can affect our mind, even causing irritability, anxiety or depression, thus resulting in impacting our mood. There are also a few vulnerable groups like children, elderly, etc who may be more susceptible to mood disorders. Further, increasing air pollution during a specific season like winter can also lead to feeling lonely or seasonal depression. the constant exposure is also connected with sleep disturbances like insomnia and fatigue.
How does this affect our minds?
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:
When tiny particles from the environment enter our bloodstream and reach the brain, they can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which subsequently disrupts neurological pathways impacting our mood regulation.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance:
Neurotransmitter systems get affected due to the air pollutants even disrupting serotonin and dopamine levels which can result in depression and anxiety.
Chronic Stress Response:
Everyday encounters with a polluted environment can lead to stress, even causing health conditions like migraine.
Impact on our mood
Exposure to air pollutants for a long time can lead to mood impairments, sleep disorders, lack of motivation, fatigue, inflammation, etc. Additionally, some research is now linking living in areas with high levels of pollution like metropolitans with a higher risk of developing depression, particularly those with genetic predisposition. Due to the multiple effects of air pollutants on mood, there is also a heightened sense of viewing the environment as a threat, resulting in feeling uneasy, anxious, and a lack of control over one's surroundings
Techniques to help you cope
Seeking help:
In case of feeling anxious it's always advised to seek social or professional support, talking to someone, or discuss your worries with a friend or even a professional if needed can help make you feel comfortable and safe.
Limit exposure:
Monitoring the air quality around you and avoiding exposure to pollutants whether by limiting visits outdoors especially during increased levels of pollution, can make a huge difference.
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Mindfulness and relaxation techniques:
Practicing simple mindful and relaxation techniques like yoga, and deep breathing every day can help you ease the stress and unwind.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
Leading a balanced lifestyle with a healthy nutritious diet, alongside getting regular exercise and enough sleep can overall promote your wellbeing.
Using indoor air purifier:
while you can avoid outdoors, your in-house environment should also be clean and safe for you to breathe, using natural air purifiers like uBreathe can help you minimize exposure to pollutants.
As we try to navigate our environment, let’s remember that the air we breathe affects not only our lungs rather multiple factors. By encouraging cleaner air, practicing sustainability, and reducing personal exposure, we can create a healthier environment one that is safe for us and generations to come.
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