Maintain physical activity, but adapt it to the weather.
On hot summer days, when high temperatures can impair breathing, it is better to reschedule your workout for a time when the air is cooler and cleaner. For example, instead of going for a run during the day, try short walks in the park or gentle yoga in shaded areas. In winter, cold air can trigger bronchial spasms and worsen shortness of breath, so physical activity should be moderate. Go outside only after your body has warmed up and when it’s not extremely cold. Light indoor exercises, such as stretching or using a stationary bike, can help maintain fitness without risking your well-being. By adjusting your physical routine to environmental conditions, you can stay active without overloading your body or putting your lungs at risk.
Always carry your inhalers and medications.
Climate change and unexpected changes in weather conditions can significantly worsen the condition, so you should always have the necessary medicines (for example Daxas, Bambudil, Asthalin) and inhalers (for example Ventolin, Atrovent Inhaler, Serevent Inhaler) with you. Don’t rely on the availability of a nearby pharmacy or hospital — you may find yourself in a situation where help is unavailable and your condition worsens. Since your well-being can change rapidly during climate shifts or extreme weather events, being prepared is crucial. Keep not only the medications themselves but also their instructions with you, so you can quickly find important information about dosages, side effects, or how to use them properly. This ensures that you can act effectively and safely, even in stressful situations or when access to medical support is limited.
Take care of your mental health.
With this disease, having support from loved ones, regular consultations with a psychologist or psychotherapist can help relieve stress and cope with emotional stress. It’s important not to ignore your feelings, as unresolved mental health issues can exacerbate physical symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can also be helpful in reducing stress levels and maintaining inner calm during challenging moments. Regular self-regulation practices not only soothe the nervous system but also improve breathing control — an essential skill for people living with COPD, especially when adapting to environmental and climate-related stressors.
Monitor your lung function regularly.
Climate change introduces new challenges for people with COPD, as even minor fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or air quality can affect breathing. That’s why regular lung function testing is more than a routine procedure — it’s a key tool for adapting to environmental changes. Spirometry, the standard method for assessing lung performance, can detect early changes in respiratory function before noticeable symptoms appear. This becomes especially important during periods of unstable weather, where timely diagnosis allows your doctor to adjust your treatment plan and help prevent exacerbations. In a period of climate instability, such attention to one’s breath becomes not just a concern for health, but an effective way to maintain quality of life.
Normalize your sleep.
Healthy sleep plays a vital role in the body’s ability to adapt to climate change — particularly for people with COPD. Sudden shifts in humidity, temperature, or air pollution place added strain on the body, and restful sleep becomes a critical resource for recovery. A full night’s rest supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps the lungs better cope with environmental irritants. On the other hand, sleep disturbances can weaken the body, impair lung function, and worsen symptoms like shortness of breath or chronic fatigue. That’s why it’s essential to establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol in the evening, as these can disrupt sleep and place additional stress on a system already reacting to changing climate conditions.