TURN YOUR HOME INTO A HEALTHY HAVEN

When it comes to improving our health, we tend to focus on the physical aspects related to nutrition and exercise, but spend less time focusing on how our environment can affect our bodies.

Today, there is greater concern about caring for the environment – from taking steps against deforestation, pollution, saving rain forests and endangered wildlife to reducing human carbon footprint. All of these are likely to positively affect our overall well-being. The one environment, though, that we take for granted in looking after, is our own personal environment – our homes.   

We spend a lot of our time at home, so it is important that our homes become a healthier place to live in.

Throw open those windows to ventilate your home with natural light and fresh air! Opening several windows for 10 – 20 minutes once or twice a day will not only remove stale air and pollutants, but will also bring in clean air to freshen you and your home. Good ventilation and natural sunlight are essential for removing excess moisture from your home, getting rid of a major health hazard, mould, and for maintaining healthy air quality.

Indoor plants undoubtedly offer immense benefits to our mind, body and soul! Known as “nature’s lungs”, plants are able to remove toxins from air (up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research), lower the amount of dust, release oxygen and humidify the air, and even lower stress.

Green is known to be a restful and quiet colour. Hence, having plants at home can reduce anxiety, elevate your moods and make you feel more refreshed and productive. Beyond that, they remind us of nature, which creates a sense of equanimity and balance, and they make your homes look welcoming, fresh, and clean. You can also consider growing some of your own healthy garden greens.

Having plants at home can reduce anxiety, elevate your moods and make you feel more refreshed and productive.

Toxic chemicals hidden in everyday cleaning products have been linked to a myriad of health problems, can aggravate allergies, asthma, and may also be carcinogenic. It is recommended to opt for natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda and lemon; or use essential-oils and plant-based products.

We’ve all heard of switching to soy milk, but soy candles? Unlike normal candles that are made of petroleum-based paraffin that can be toxic to our health, soy candles are made of natural soy wax derived from soybean oil. These candles are also known to burn slower and cleaner, releasing less soot in the air.

If you are trying to follow a healthy diet, now is the best time to get rid of all the tempting, empty-calorie, sugary junk food from your pantry! A study from Cornell University found that people who kept snacks and soda on their countertops were unhealthier than people who left out fresh fruits instead.

Cleaning out your pantry also helps you get rid of unwanted, expired and forgotten food items. A clean, well-organised pantry can encourage you to eat and stay healthy by improving shopping and cooking efficiency.

People who kept snacks and soda on their countertops were unhealthier than people who left out fresh fruits instead.

Create a small special space to help keep you grounded and balanced when needed.