These days, most of us are aware of the steps we need to take to keep our minds and bodies healthy.
Perhaps you:
- Make an effort to relax and incorporate self-care into your busy routine
- Pay attention to your diet
- Limit alcohol and drink plenty of water
- Exercise frequently
- Refrain from smoking
Even if you don’t manage to be saintly all the time (who does?) if you’re following these basic principles, few would argue that you’re following a healthy lifestyle.
But have you ever wondered what impact your home could be having on your health? Our environment can have a huge impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Home is after all where we spend a great deal of our time, so it’s important we try to ensure it is as healthy as possible.
The good news is, there are a number of simple steps you can take to bring your home in line with your otherwise healthy lifestyle. Our top tips will help you to remove potentially harmful toxins from your home and make it a healthier place to be.
Use natural cleaning products
Many household cleaning products are filled with chemicals that have been linked to health problems including asthma and eczema. Some are even considered carcinogenic. So clear out your cleaning cupboard and try replacing those chemicals with natural alternatives such as vinegar, lemon and baking soda. If you don’t like the idea of making your own, take a look on the Internet. More and more plant-based products are coming on to the market as consumers become more aware of the hidden dangers posed by chemical-based cleaners.
Create a green oasis
Even if you don’t have a garden, simply adding a few plants to your home will have a number of positive health benefits. Research has shown that indoor plants can reduce stress levels and improve concentration. They also improve air quality by reducing levels of certain pollutants, increasing humidity, and reducing airborne dust levels.
Ditch the plastic
If you regularly store leftover food, switch to glass containers. Although convenient, some plastic food storage containers have been shown to leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your food, which could lead to long-term health issues. Ditching the plastic is also so much better for the environment.
Control dust
Even if you clean your home regularly, those dust bunnies could still be lurking underneath or behind furniture. The presence of dust mites in your home can cause or aggravate allergies and breathing problems, so try to keep your home dust-free and clean your bedding often.
Let there be night
Although fresh air and daylight undoubtedly have a positive effect on our health during the day, we also need darkness in our lives. If you live in a built-up area, you may find that your bedroom is too bright at night. If this is the case, invest in a blackout blind or eye mask. A sleeping environment that is too bright affects the quality of your sleep, which can cause numerous health problems.
Switch to soy candles
Scented candles are a lovely way to add ambience to your home, but if you’re using petroleum-based paraffin wax candles, they may be emitting potentially hazardous chemicals which can lead to health issues. Switch to alternatives such as soy candles which don’t contain any nasties.
Declutter
A messy living environment can be detrimental to your wellbeing. Getting rid of things you no longer want or need will help you to feel lighter and freer, so regularly put time aside to tidy and declutter. Creating an orderly environment can help to calm the mind and reduce stress.
Get a pet
Although this isn’t an option for everyone, getting a pet can be beneficial to your health, particularly if you live alone. Owning a pet has been shown to reduce stress levels and blood pressure and alleviate loneliness.
By following these simple steps and making gradual changes over time, you can improve your living environment and make your home a safe, healthy and happy haven for you and your family.
