Delhi-NCR woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog this Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 345, and several monitoring stations crossing the 400 mark—classified as “severe.” In such conditions, stepping out for a routine morning jog can do more harm than good. When air quality deteriorates to this level, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air becomes dangerously high, entering deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
For seniors, whose respiratory and cardiac systems are already vulnerable, exercising outdoors can trigger breathlessness, chest tightness, and even heart irregularities. Children face equal risk—polluted air hampers lung development, causes persistent coughs, and increases infection rates. At a time when Delhi’s PM2.5 levels are above 300 µg/m³ in many areas, every deep breath is a health gamble.
Experts advise postponing outdoor activity until the AQI improves to safer levels, ideally “moderate” or “poor.” Opt for indoor workouts, keep air purifiers running, and avoid morning rush hours. This Diwali, protecting your lungs is more important than chasing fitness goals—because clean air, not endurance, is the true foundation of good health.
