A Healthier Home in 5 easy steps
We've all heard the phrase “You are what you eat” but what about “You are what you live?” According to The National Human Activity Pattern Survey, a resource for assessing exposure to environmental pollutants, we spend 90% of our time indoors! That’s right folks, a majority of our time is spent at home, at school, in an office building, restaurant or sport arena… you get the picture. It just makes good sense that we increase the health and wellness injected into those spaces to keep our minds and bodies a healthy reflection of those interiors. Anyone can incorporate these 5 simple solutions to create a healthier home. If you’d like our help, please reach out to schedule a 15 minute Discovery Call!
create a gathering space
Create a space where you can comfortably gather, no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. Look for these items to create a space to stay connected, create delight and uplift your spirit.
Soft, durable and comfortable outdoor seating
Outdoor lighting - preferably LED that is easily rechargeable
Outdoor heat sources - think outside the standard fire-pit and add some comfy blankets and pillows
declutter your space and clear your mind
The eyes are the windows to our soul, so it’s no doubt that decluttering can give your home and wellbeing a much needed boost. Start with a methodical approach, like decluttering by space, category or other organizational method like guru Marie Kondo. (I particularly liked Better Home’s and Garden’s “31 Day Detox”). You will breathe easier in an uncluttered space, and you can feel good that someone in need is using the things you are not!
add plants to naturally purify the air
Plants provide oxygen and absorb toxins through their leaves and can add humidity to dry spaces in the winter. They also add variety and interest to your interior and can add depth to a neutral color palette. Here are some of my favorite NASA tested plants proven to increase indoor air quality.
Mother-in-law’s tongue / Snake plant Sansevieria
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Peace lily plant (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
Chamaedorea seifrizii (bamboo palm or reed palm)
Ficus (Ficus benjamina bush and trees)
create a multi-sensory experience
Sense of smell is strongly linked to your emotional well being. It’s actually part of the limbic system which processes emotion and supports memory formation. Walking into your home should feel like a warm hug. You want — and you want your guests — to feel relaxed, welcomed and as stress free as possible. Look for warming scents like vanilla in the Fall and Winter and a combination of holy basil and lemon in the Spring and Summer. For more recommendations be on the lookout for our next blog post on Aromatherapy’s Best Scents for each room in your home.
locate a relaxing retreat
A neutral and inviting color palette should take the lead in a relaxing retreat like the Master Bedroom. Using soft pastels like sky blue, sage green and lavender create a calming affect and a feeling of serenity. Look for ultra soft textures and create layers with pillows and blankets to ensure a comfortable temperature any time of year. A sound machine with white noise can drown out unwanted background noise and adding a relaxing scent like lavender helps your entire body relax. Make sure to have multiple sources of lighting to set the right mood for resting, reading or mediating. Windows are another essential; a view into nature can be relaxing and keep you feeling connected with Mother Nature, our most restorative resource!
