​Delhi’s AQI hazardous: Know what activities you must avoid​

Delhi’s air quality has become ‘hazardous’

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated drastically as the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark on Sunday.

Avoid outdoor activities

When air quality is poor, it’s best to avoid certain healthy activities that can worsen health risks. Here are eight activities to skip when the AQI is bad:

Running or jogging outdoors

Vigorous outdoor exercise increases breathing rates, making it easier for pollutants to enter the lungs. High AQI means more harmful particles in the air, so it’s safer to skip outdoor runs and opt for indoor exercise.

Cycling outdoors

Cycling increases respiratory rates, allowing pollutants to penetrate deeply into the lungs. When the AQI is poor, choose indoor cycling or another form of low-intensity indoor exercise to reduce exposure to harmful airborne particles.

Outdoor yoga or meditation

Outdoor yoga requires deep, controlled breathing, which increases pollutant intake. Practicing yoga or meditation indoors can provide similar benefits without exposing the respiratory system to unhealthy air during poor AQI days.

Gardening

Gardening stirs up dust and dirt, which can contain particles that are especially harmful when the AQI is poor. If gardening is necessary, try wearing a mask and limit time outside to reduce pollutant inhalation.

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High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT workouts require high oxygen intake, meaning more pollutants can reach the lungs in poor air quality. Indoor workouts are preferable, allowing you to avoid breathing in potentially harmful particles during intense exercise.

Hiking or walking in parks

Prolonged outdoor activities, like hiking, increase exposure to pollutants that can irritate the respiratory system. Avoid outdoor trails on poor AQI days; walking indoors or visiting an indoor gym can be safer alternatives.

Playing outdoor sports

Playing sports like soccer or basketball outside when the AQI is high can strain the lungs. Less strenuous activities can protect lung health and reduce pollutant exposure during poor air quality.

Breathing exercises outdoors

On poor AQI days, breathing exercises should be performed indoors. When the exercises are done outdoors, one will ingest pollutants and can irritate the lungs, thus making the condition worse.

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