In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of better health often takes a backseat, but following the events of recent years – not least, a global pandemic – it’s a topic that’s on our minds more than ever. But while simple changes like improving your diet, getting more exercise and cutting down your alcohol consumption can all go a long way towards improving your wellbeing and potentially boost longevity, the ingredients to good health are more complex than these things alone, and taking a holistic approach is key.
Your home should be your haven, but whilst it’s likely the place you feel most relaxed, it could be doing more harm than good when it comes to yours and your family’s health. But the good news is that there are some easy fixes that won’t just eradicate the problems, but also boost your wellbeing overall. Here, we take a look at what you can do now to start living your happiest, healthiest life, all from the comfort of your own abode.
Improve ventilation for enhances air quality
Indoor air quality is a key aspect of maintaining good health, but often, poor ventilation means that it is not up to scratch. Considering the fact that we often use chemicals to clean our homes, this can mean that pollutants and other harmful particles are trapped and that you and your family are breathing them in daily – potentially leading to respiratory issues and compromised health overall.
Decentralised ventilation systems represent a paradigm shift in the way we think about indoor air quality and climate control. Unlike traditional centralised systems that rely on a single unit to distribute conditioned air throughout a building, decentralised systems consist of multiple smaller units strategically placed throughout the space. Each unit operates independently, providing precise control over ventilation and air distribution. This superior control over IAQ allows for targeted ventilation where it’s needed most, resulting in reduced concentrations of indoor pollutants and ensuring a healthier breathing environment.
You should also regularly clean and replace air filters throughout your home to ensure they are able to continue performing effectively and make use of natural ventilation, such as opening doors and windows, to flush out stale air and bring in fresher, healthier air from the outdoors instead (provided you don’t live in a polluted area).
Switch to natural cleaning products
The conventional cleaning products we use in our homes without question are often packed with harmful chemicals, and used often, these can affect indoor air quality and prove detrimental to your health in the long-term. Transitioning to natural and eco-friendly cleaning products will help you to reduce their presence without compromising on cleanliness, and today, there are a wealth of great eco-brands out there to choose from. Be sure to research and read the ingredients lists before you buy to ensure you are happy that they are entirely chemical free, and look for products that incorporate essential oils to leave your home smelling fresh.
If you’re up for the challenge, you could also try making your own natural cleaning products, which can be mixed up using simple kitchen cupboard ingredients including vinegar, baking soda and various oils. Search online for recipes and learn about other simple and natural cleaning hacks, too – for example, lemon juice makes a great stain remover. Your home, and your family, will thank you for it, and all of you will reap the benefits when it comes to health.
Bring natural light in
Daily exposure to natural light is another key ingredient when it comes to good health, and helps to regulate your circadian rhythm to boost energy levels throughout the day. If you work from home, this is particularly important, because you might not get much of a chance to go outside during a busy working day, so focus on inviting as much natural light into your home as possible.
Keep your curtains and blinds in and maximise windows; if possible, have larger, floor-to-ceiling windows installed, or consider skylights to let natural light in from above. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and glosses, can help to bounce and distribute light more widely around your home, too.
Try it, and see how much better you feel throughout the day – you might be surprised at the difference it makes. Plus, another bonus of getting plenty of natural light during the day means that when it begins to fade, your body will naturally begin to wind down for the evening, and you’re likely to get a much better night’s sleep as a result.
