A Clean Slate and New Beginning in 2021

The dictionary defines "Fresh" as something new and different. Fresh fruits and vegetables are those that are harvested just as they are and are not canned. In the 1980s the term fresh began to mean that someone was looking good, attractive, or another way to say smokin hot. The R&B group Kool and the Gang had a hit single titled "Fresh" which was about a lovely lady who was fresh as a summer breeze. One use of this word is that it is beneficial for our health is as it relates to fresh air. Sometimes people will say that an individual is a breath of fresh air, meaning they bring something new and different to a conversation or situation and remove stagnation.

People often say they are going to freshen up by bathing, taking a shower, washing up in the sink, and or putting on clean clothing. In restaurants, the servers may come to your table and say they will refresh your drink or glass of water, which indicates they will give you a new one. We need to continually refresh, renew, and reinvigorate ourselves now more than ever. Regulations set forth because of COVID-19 should have everyone washing their hands and using sanitizer and disinfectant on a regular basis. I have noticed this January unlike those in previous years that I am not noticing people coughing, sneezing, and complaining of colds and the flu.

Although the coronavirus continues to plague the nation, in my neck of the woods viral infections seem to be down. I have no doubt this is because of wearing masks and keeping things clean and fresh more now than ever. In addition to maintaining the regimen to protect against COVID-19 there is one additional way we can keep healthy during this New Year and that is by making sure we are keeping it fresh. It is important that we are obtaining fresh air and keeping our attitudes fresh and clean whenever possible. Numerous studies indicate that we can decrease germs that cause cold and flu, by cracking windows in our homes or vehicles.

Some researchers suggest opening a door each morning for a few moments to allow stale air out and bring in that breath of air that is fresh and clean. It is now being reported that the Coronavirus thrives in closed-in spaces where there are a lot of people. In such situations, the oxygen levels are not of great quality and the air would not be very fresh. Since travel is being discouraged to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, there are fewer people going to beaches and on outings. You might want to consider a hiking or mountain trail that is not widely used and benefit from the clean air.

Invest in house plants that purify the air in your home and rid it of toxins. Step onto your front or back porch or balcony when no one else is around and take a few deep breaths. Since this is a brand New Year, trying greeting each day by opening a window or door wide and visualize the stagnant air along with your troubles being ushered out and a fresh wind of peace, tranquility, and creativity coming inside your home. If there are trees nearby, stand near them for a few moments each day when the weather permits. Research indicates that people who live near trees live longer and healthier than those who don't. This is because of the oxygen we breathe in that is produced by the trees.

If possible, walk barefoot in your yard and obtain the negative ions from the earth that heal our bodies from the effects of electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Our naked feet touching the ground is called Earthing or Grounding. If you can stand barefoot outside next to a tree you get the double benefit of breathing in the fresh, pure oxygen. Wearing protective face masks all day can be exasperating so getting some fresh air any way we can is a must. Find your own ways to keep it fresh every day of 2021 and reap the benefits of good health.

Fresh air will help you rest and sleep better, decrease appetite, reduce allergies, and improve your overall risk of emotional stress as well as physical diseases. Wipe your slate clean every morning by bringing fresh air into your lungs as you embark on a fresh start to each new day for the rest of the year. Purify your mind and your soul by partaking in fresh air whenever you can, and reap the many benefits.