Your home
is meaningful in many ways; not only is it a place where you and your loved
ones can relax and feel safe, but it’s also a spot that affects your health on
a daily basis. Allergens in the air, fall hazards, and mold are all things that
can be exacerbated by a home that doesn’t meet your needs. Whether you’re
single, a young parent, or an older adult, it’s important to make some simple
changes throughout your house that will help you stay healthy. Here are a few
ideas.
Remove
Excess Moisture from the Air
Depending
on where you live, the type of weather your city experiences, and the way your
house is designed, your home may experience more moisture than others. It may
sound innocuous, but excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and dust mites, all
of which can contribute to health problems
(especially in children and older adults). Mold, especially, can be hazardous
and can cause breathing problems and chronic illness. It’s most prevalent in
basement areas and bathrooms but can occur anywhere in the home. To make the
air more stable, it’s a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier, which
essentially removes moisture
from the air and deposits it into a receptacle. There are several types on the
market, so read reviews before making a purchase so you can get the right one
for your needs.
Pull
Up Your Carpet
Many
people don’t give their carpeting a second thought outside of how clean it
looks, but deep down in the pile lurk allergens, dust, dirt, pet hair and dander, and dust mites.
Vacuuming regularly can help, but if your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter,
you may be throwing those things back into the air every time you clean.
Pulling up your carpet is a much cleaner solution;
you can lay down hardwood or the more cost-effective laminate, which will not
only improve the air quality in your home but will also boost its value.
De-Stress
Your home
may be the place you go to relax and unwind, but it may be contributing to your
stress without you realizing it. Clutter and disarray can leave you feeling anxious or
depressed, so get organized. Declutter, utilize storage solutions for books and
other large collections, and, if possible, turn an extra room into a relaxing space to
practice yoga, meditate, or read quietly. Having such a space in your home can
help boost your mental health, especially if you’re feeling the effects of
stress at work.
Go
Green
Going
green — or living a more eco-friendly lifestyle — can accomplish many things,
and there are several ways to get started. Changing out your old light bulbs
for more energy-efficient
ones will save you money on your utility bills while reducing your carbon
footprint; changing the landscaping around your home to one that conserves
water will also save money while helping the environment at the same time.
There are several health benefits to
going green, as well; starting a vegetable garden can help you eat healthier,
whereas riding a bike or walking rather than driving or taking public
transportation can reduce emissions and help you stay fit. Think about the
easiest ways you can be more eco-friendly and figure out ways to get involved.
Making
simple changes to your home and lifestyle in order to be healthier can help you
feel and look better, and in some cases, it can help you become more
Earth-conscious in your daily life. Think about which modifications make the
most sense for you and your budget, and keep your family involved so they can
feel better, as well.
