AND if we told you there was a daily ritual capable of supporting yours state of health without costs, without long times, without effort and without technology? Is called Luftencomes from Germany and is nothing more than the daily practice of open the windows of the house and leave them open every morning for 15 minutes. Yes, even when it’s cold and windy outside. A simple ritual that improves indoor air qualityprotects your breathing and would even help you sleep better, as well as feeling more mentally clear and proactive. It’s not just any wellness trendalthough at the time of writing the Lüften has become a viral trend on TikTok. The truth is that, even if it is hard to believe, the air we breathe at home is often more polluted than the air outside. And trigger every morning a complete air exchange it can change – for the better – our psychophysical well-being.
Lüften and respiratory health: why this practice holds its promises
«Opening the windows of your home every day, ideally in the morning, should be seen as an investment in your health», comments the Dr. Elisa Pumaspecialist in regenerative medicine in Milan. «The practice of Lüften allows you to eliminate CO₂, humidity and volatile compounds released by furnishing elements and detergents, reducing allergens and microorganisms which often proliferate and stagnate at home. Living in poorly ventilated domestic environments it increases headaches, tiredness and eye and throat irritation”, adds the expert.
«With 10-15 minutes of regular air exchange, protect lungs and mucous membranes and reduce the risk of cough, rhinitis or worsening of asthma and allergies. Not to mention that starting the day with fresh and clean air gives you new energy and mental freshness.”
Lüften and sleep: the connection between clean air and quality of rest
Dr. Puma underlines how Lüften is an essential practice also for good rest. “If the bedroom remains closed for too many hours in a row without adequate air exchange, it turns into a environment full of CO₂ and particlesresulting in micro-awakenings that make sleep less restorative. Airing the sleeping area by leaving the windows open should be done repeated both when waking up and before sleepingto quickly lower CO₂ and humidity levels, reduce nasal congestion, snoring and irritation. Sleep in a clean and ventilated environment is equivalent to sleeping better and waking up with determination and psycho-physical energy”, explains the doctor.
Lüften: open the window, breathe better (Getty Images).
Lüften in winter: how to ventilate without thermal stress
Even when it’s cold outside, Lüften can be practiced safely. «It’s fine, given the season, leave the windows open even for just 10 minutesideally creating air currents between two opposite openings pFor complete ventilation of domestic spaces”, advises Dr. Puma. «All you have to do is leave the room during the replacement phase or, simply, wear an extra sweater. Thus the indoor air is renewed on a daily basis, ensuring you a healthy and dry home environment and preventing the appearance of damp and mold stains. As always, prevention is better than cure. And in this case very little is enough”, concludes the expert.
