Considering the amount of time we spend in our home, it makes sense that we would want to create a space that is good for us. Unfortunately, we tend to put this idea to one side which is crazy. By having a calming space, it can improve not only our well-being but also our relationships.
But then, how do you create that healthy home? Well, I have five tips that could make a difference.
1. Get Natural Light To Flood In
Natural light is going to work wonders on your circadian rhythm. This will influence not only your mood but also hormone levels along with how well we sleep. In other words, it’s quite a big deal.
Of course, getting more light into your home is easy.
First, get those windows clean and pull any curtains back as far as they can go to expose as much of the window as possible. The same applies if you have any glass doors leading to the outside.
Also, make sure that there’s nothing blocking the light from coming in either on the outside or inside. This means moving objects and cutting back any plants that have started to creep across. Finally, use mirrors or glass surfaces to bounce light around a room which includes creative cabinets and faux finishes. You might also want to replace wooden doors with those with glass panels.
2. Consider Healthy Materials
We have been guilty in the past of using toxic materials, which means paint, varnishes and even coatings on objects. Throw in sealing up any draught reducing the flow of natural air, and what you get is a stagnant air supply. This is then filled with things that you don’t want to breathe.
When decorating, only use paint that is low in volatile compounds as that is less toxic. Also, check your furniture doesn’t contain things such as formaldehyde. Use more natural products than those filled with chemicals and also add in some plants such as ivy and fern to remove those toxins as well as CO2.
3. Perfect Your Heating
It’s also important to perfect your heating as well as understand your insulation. A damp, uninsulated home may result in illness as well as costing you more money to try to heat. Too much heat, and it can lead to a reduction in the quality of air that you breathe.
The easiest type of heating to control is underfloor heating, but do focus on insulating your home first as that makes a huge difference. Also, either install a real fire or one that simulates those flames. This is effective in helping reduce stress and improve mood.
4. Cut Back The Noise
A healthy home is one that’s peaceful and serene, so cutting back on noise is crucial. It’s known that noise pollution contributes to stress and hampers our ability to sleep well.
Now, you could soundproof walls, but that’s a huge job. Instead, look at repairing any cracks or even adding acoustic doors. If you can’t afford those doors, then using draught excluders will also help to a certain extent. Also, if you feel sound bounces around a room, then use curtains and soft furnishings to stop that happening.
5. Get Rid Of Clutter
Clutter drains you of energy as well as making a home look untidy. It’s believed by many that around 20% of the total floor space in each room should be storage. Also, it must include closed-in options to hide a number of objects away.
By removing clutter from your line of vision, it creates a more peaceful surrounding. Also, it’s linked to reduced stress as you can easily find what you need whenever you need it. Be brutal when sorting out clutter and get rid of as much as possible.
There are a multitude of other things that can be done to create a healthy home. This includes improving the flow, having a work area and creating a social space. You need to find what works for you and then build on that aspect as it will make a huge difference to how you feel about your home.