Poá’s air feels heavy and a bit smoky today, like the kind of afternoon when the haze sits low and everything seems a little dull. Breathing isn’t exactly painful, but you might notice a tickle in your throat or feel like you’re working just a bit harder than usual to fill your lungs. It’s not the fresh, clear air we’d all love, and the whole city has that muffled, tired quality that makes you want to stay put.

If you were planning a long run or a bike ride outside, today is not the day to push yourself. Even a brisk walk might leave you feeling more winded than normal, so it’s smarter to take your exercise indoors or keep it very gentle. Opening the windows won’t help much either, since the air outside is just as thick, so it’s better to keep them closed and let the house stay a little stuffy for now.

For children, older folks, and anyone with a history of breathing trouble or heart issues, this kind of air really asks you to take it easy. If you or someone you love falls into that group, it’s a good idea to limit time outside, avoid any exertion, and keep your rescue medication close at hand. Even if you feel fine, the strain is subtle, and it adds up over the day.

The good news is that this sort of haze usually clears by evening or overnight, especially if the breeze picks up. So just stick to indoor activities, keep the windows shut, and give yourself permission to rest. By tomorrow morning, Poá should feel much more like itself, and you’ll be back to breathing easy.