How does being home make you feel? Are you anxiously avoiding the dishes in the sink, or finding yourself staring at the dust on your shelves? Or do you feel relaxed, safe, and well? If the latter sounds more like a daydream than the reality of your living space, it may be time to make a few changes for the better of your health. Here are a few simple ways to spruce up your space.
Be Quiet
Let’s face it - in today’s world, we are constantly faced with stimulation. Cell phone notifications, TV commercials, and even our own loved ones can take us out of a state of mindfulness, whether we realize it or not. Make an honest effort to instill some quiet time into your home. On the psychological side of things, it can help you relax. Physically speaking, it can help keep your blood pressure and heart rate down. Either way, enjoying a little bit of quiet time now and then is a lesser-known way you can utilize to make your house a more relaxing space.
Humidity
Many people think that you only need to worry about humidity levels in your home when you’re sick, but the truth is, having the proper humidity in your home can actually help your immune system fight off sicknesses before you even know they’re headed your way. A study conducted by a team with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health showed that flu viruses have a harder time infecting cells when faced with a higher percentage of humidity. Another great perk that comes with higher humidity is the improvement that you will notice in your skin and hair. The dampness in the air helps your skin both absorb and retain moisture. Not only will you be able to say goodbye to germs, but also to itchy, scaly skin.
Go Green
Adding a few plants to your home is a simple way to brighten the energy and improve the overall air quality of any room. We all know that plants are wonderful for oxygenating, but they can also rid the air of toxins and other indoor pollutants. Between the mood-lifting effects a plant can have on both your space and your own personal mindset, you can foster a sense of well-being and even provide enough of a boost in mental clarity to help you become more productive.
Mess is Stress
Mess can really creep up on you. One day, you can’t seem to find your keys. The next day, you’re procrastinating that daunting pile of laundry (again). Before you know it, your should-be safe haven is now a source of your anxiety. A messy home can be stressful. On the other hand, it can also be dangerous. It’s one thing to fret over clutter, but toys strewn about and objects left in high-traffic areas can quickly turn into a fall or other safety hazard before you know it.
Consider a Pro
If you find yourself in a position where the current state of things means you actually avoid cleaning up at all, it might be time to seek outside guidance. Where it’s allergy-triggering dust buildup, dirty dish overload, or even just an excess of “stuff” that just doesn’t seem to have a home of its own, seeking professional help could be a great way to push the reset button on your home.
A clean, calm home environment is not only amazing for your physical health, but your mental well-being, too. Those components go hand in hand when it comes to living your best life. Let your home be a safe haven sanctuary - not the source of your stress. Whether you decide to make a few easy changes, like adding plants or a humidifier, or overhaul into a full lifestyle shift, remember that even small adjustments can make a big impact.
Author Bio: Morgen Henderson is a Freelance Writer who focuses on home-related topics.
