More and more Americans have been turning to healthier options for the last two decades, and it’s begun to show in the way we live our lives at home. In order to support both physical and mental well-being, homeowners and developers have been focusing on the best ways to promote healthy living. Take a look at the following tips for setting your home up for an all-around healthier lifestyle.
Make room for exercise. Whether it’s a biking or running path nearby, a peaceful room for yoga and meditation, or just plenty of floor space for an aerobic workout in the living room, having exercise space in or near your home makes you more likely to get that physical activity in each day. No need to drive to the gym or yoga studio. Just set up an inspiring, inviting workout spot right at home.
Have space for growing your own food. Planting and growing your own fruits, veggies, and herbs can be hard work, but it’s extremely rewarding. There’s nothing like stepping out the back door, grabbing some kale, a few tomatoes, and a cucumber, and whipping up a nice little salad for lunch. Not everyone has enough room to plant a whole vegetable garden in the backyard, though, and that’s okay. Start small with an indoor herb garden, then slowly graduate to a raised bed outside if possible. If you really want to get into gardening but don’t have any space to spare, research community gardens in your area.
Keep things tidy. Living in a clean, organized space can really improve your physical and mental health. Less dust and pet dander means fewer allergens floating around. Less “stuff” hanging out on the kitchen counter, dining room table, or nightstand keeps you from feeling cluttered and unorganized.
Buy organic linens and furnishing when possible. Did you know that we spend about a third of our lives sleeping? When you really think about how much time you spend in bed, it makes sense to invest in good-quality, eco-friendly bedding and linens. Organic fibers are nice and comfy, and they’re less likely to cause any allergic reactions. Place an air purifier in the bedroom as well to keep you breathing clean air all night long.
Set your kitchen up for healthier eating. Cooking at home makes it easier to opt for healthy foods. Buy items like quality glass food storage containers, a good water filter or water purifying pitcher, and a blender to make smoothies and juices and get those extra fruits and veggies in. Stock the kitchen with healthy ingredients and plenty of yummy-smelling herbs and spices to inspire you to cook delicious meals at home with the family.
Don’t cover all the windows. Letting the natural sunlight stream in through windows has many health benefits, and it also helps cut down on energy bills by allowing you to leave lights off during the day. Having access to a view of nature has also been found to increase your ability to bounce back faster from a stressful day or anxiety-causing event.
Research products and furnishings before bringing them home. Materials like paints, sealants, wood flooring, carpeting, air fresheners, and even reclaimed wood can give off harmful, unpleasant fumes. Look into better quality materials and invest in an air purifier.
Place affirmations in areas you use a lot. Sometimes we need visual reminders to keep our chins up and look on the positive side of life. It’s such a small detail, but something like a framed, beautifully hand-lettered quote encouraging you at the beginning or end of the day can help you stay mindful of your mood.
