Your home should be your sanctuary, a place of refuge and relaxation. However, that isn’t always the case. With the fast pace of modern life, it’s easy to let your home fall into disrepair or overlook the little things that can make a big difference to your overall health and well-being. But what if you could do your homework for yourself, supporting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? Here are some top home improvements that you can make that can help to boost your overall health and well-being.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
You often think of outdoor pollution as a threat to your health, but indoor air can also be a problem. You can improve your indoor air quality by investing in an air purifier or plants that naturally clean the air. You should also make sure to keep your home clean and free from dust, mold, and other allergens. Poor indoor quality can lead to these respiratory problems:
Asthma
Poor indoor air quality can have serious health effects, especially on those who suffer from asthma. Exposure to poor air quality can lead to increased asthma severity due to the presence of airborne allergens and pollutants. Asthma sufferers should take extra care to ensure their home’s air is filtered correctly and cleaned regularly to reduce asthma symptoms.
Colds
Poor indoor air quality can also contribute to the common cold, a virus that affects the upper respiratory system. Poor air quality can exacerbate upper respiratory tract infections by weakening the immune system and worsening allergies and asthma symptoms.
Allergies
Poor indoor air quality can also lead to allergies, as it contains a range of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Allergens can trigger sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, causing discomfort and disruption to daily life. To avoid this, regularly clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that includes a HEPA filter and dust surfaces with a damp cloth. Investing in an air purifier can also help to keep allergens at bay.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. On the other hand, a well-lit space can promote productivity, enhance mood, and even help regulate circadian rhythms. When upgrading your lighting, make sure to consider natural light, as it can also impact our health and well-being. Here are some instances where you can use natural light:
Pyramid-Shaped Skylights
A great way to harness natural light while also improving your home’s looks is through skylights. Aesthetic skylights in a pyramid shape can help to brighten a room while also creating an exciting feature in your home.
Awnings
Awnings are another excellent option for adding natural light to your home. They can be used to cover patios and decks, allowing plenty of natural light while offering protection from sun and rain.
Windows
Windows are the most obvious way to bring natural light into your home and come in a range of styles, shapes, and sizes. Installing double-glazed windows can help keep heat out during summer months and keep warmth in during winter months.
Create Outdoor Living Spaces
Spending time in nature can be incredibly beneficial to our health and well-being. However, if you live in a city, it’s not always easy to get your daily dose of nature.
One way to overcome this is by creating outdoor living spaces in your home. Whether it’s a small balcony or a backyard oasis, having the freedom to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and nature can make a world of difference to your overall well-being.
In some cases, outdoor spaces can also be used to grow plants and herbs that can help reduce stress levels, improve air quality, and provide physical activity. Gardening is a great way to relax and get in touch with nature without having to go far from home.
Your home has the potential to be much more than just a place to live. They can be a tool for improving your health and well-being, supporting you in your daily life. By making some simple improvements like enhancing your indoor air quality, upgrading your lighting, creating outdoor living spaces, incorporating biophilic design, and upgrading your sleep environment, you can turn your home into a sanctuary for health and well-being.