02/12/2025
With Mumbai’s AQI rising, our psychological stress responses are rising with it.
Poor air quality doesn’t just affect breathing, it impacts the brain’s ability to regulate mood, focus, and energy.
Research consistently shows that exposure to polluted air can elevate cortisol levels, disrupt cognitive functioning, and intensify irritability, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. When the environment feels unsafe or heavy, the nervous system shifts into a subtle state of alertness, draining mental resources even if we’re not consciously aware of it.
So if you’ve been feeling unusually tired, unfocused, overwhelmed, or emotionally sensitive lately, it may be a direct response to environmental overload, not a personal failing.
Your mind is responding to the conditions around you.
Prioritise rest, hydration, and time in green or well-ventilated spaces whenever possible.
Small adjustments can help your nervous system recover during high-pollution days.
Take care of your mental space, the environment truly matters. 🌿🧠
