With a blizzard bearing down on our Boston HQ this weekend, we realize it is a strange time to recommend opening every window in your house. But that’s exactly what most Germans do on a daily basis, and the cleansing exercise known as “Lüften” has now been co-opted and renamed by American TikTok stars. The Washington Post explains the hype in this new story: “‘House burping’ is a cold reality in Germany. Americans are warming to it.” The concept of allowing fresh air into a home makes sense, of course. Like a baby after a hearty meal, houses should be burped to ensure good health. Germans like to open windows in their houses and apartments at least twice per day for 10 minutes at a time, even in winter. According to experts cited by the Post, “moisture buildup can lead to mold, and carbon dioxide accumulation can make you feel sluggish and less productive and cause headaches. (Unlike carbon monoxide, it won’t kill you except at unrealistically high concentrations.)” The problem with stale air has only grown over time as modern insulation and windows make our living spaces more airtight. Germans take this tradition so seriously that landlords often add a “Lüften” clause to their leases. For endurance athletes who depend on healthy lungs to enjoy their sport, we think the concept makes sense. (Although we’re waiting until after the blizzard to try it out.)
#HouseBurpees