Every Breath You Take
by WRNW
Our workday is made up of tasks. Tasks are made up of thoughts, movements, steps, challenges, and choices. We can’t progress through any of those without first taking a breath. With so many breaths to take in a day, why make it harder on yourself? Make every breath count and let’s build up our respiratory health and strength with these insights and tips!
Every Choice You Make...
Let’s start with a baseline for common prevention strategies that still bear significant weight to building lung health. These lifestyle habits put us on better track for increased lung function and overall well-being.
- Quit smoking. Seems like an easy one, eh? But it’s one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve your respiratory system.
- Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps the mucus lining of the lungs thin, which protects against infection and makes it easier to breathe.
- Nutrition. Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. Yep, we’re back to the old fruits and vegetables argument. But here’s another one for science on how a plant-centered diet is associated with lung function health.
And The Moves That Ache…
You remember your classes in gym and health. Regular physical activity will increase your lung health. “But I’m an industrial athlete, so I move for a living!” Well, yes. But are you getting a balance of aerobic and anerobic exercise during your week?
- Cardio workouts like power walking or running, swimming, and cycling are excellent for strengthening your lungs. Incorporate simple aerobic exercises into your routine to keep your lungs active and efficient.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also be highly effective, providing a quick boost to lung capacity and overall fitness
- Conditioning. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week to keep your lungs in top shape.
And The Moves That Ache…
What about external factors? What can cause issues with overall lung health and breathing while you’re at work?
- Heat can significantly impact lung health, especially right now when it’s hot outisde! High temperatures can make breathing more difficult and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. Stay cool by working in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible and take regular breaks to drink water and electrolytes.
- Airflow. Use fans and ventilation systems to prevent stagnation and keep the air moving to reduce indoor heat.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and respirators also help safeguard your lungs from other common workplace irritants like dust, chemicals, and smoke.
Work Right’s Watching You…
Regular assessments by Work Right Injury Prevention Specialists can help identify early signs of breathing issues. We Green Teamers are trained to provide preventative recommendations and suggest effective interventions. Beyond those listed here, ask your onsite clinician how to incorporate breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, and straw breathing. These exercises are meant to enhance lung efficiency and control, and can easily be incorporated into a microbreak.
Remember, every breath you take is a step towards a healthier, more resilient you. Stay dedicated, stay proactive, and keep building your health one breath at a time – we’ll be watching you!
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!