Having a healthy home life should always be on top of your list of priorities, especially when changing seasons. The transition from summer to fall is the perfect time to refresh your home for exciting new possibilities!
Not only will your energy be reinvigorated, but your health may also improve as well.
Recent studies reveal that the psychology behind having a clean home can influence the occupant’s overall well-being. This includes physical fitness, general cognitive ability and even mental health, with results showing that those with cleaner homes were more active, productive and happier.
Revive the cleanliness in your home with these unconventional tips for a healthy home life!
Switch Out Your Sofa
Did you know that furniture can become contaminated over time with harmful bacteria and other pathogens? The average sofa has a life ranging from seven to fifteen years before it is influenced by the negative effects of too much time and use.
There are several key signs to look for when replacing your home’s sofa. The first is to pay attention to noise. If your sofa is squeaking when you sit, it may be time to purchase something that is a little more sturdy. Secondly, pay attention to the cushions. If the cushions are saggy or deflated, you should consider buying options in long-lasting materials that will better fit your lifestyle. And lastly, check out the upholstery of the piece. If there are tears or stains, it may be in your best interest to replace the sofa altogether to prevent germs from spreading.
Get Organized
While this tip may be easier said than done, it’s a vital step in ensuring a healthy home. Common excuses for deterring this lifestyle include, not having enough time, owning too many belongings and forgetting the benefits of organization.
First, it’s important to make time for getting your home in order. Your well-being should be of utmost importance, so set aside time in your schedule by blocking it off in a calendar if you have to. In fact, many tasks take a lot less time than you think, including throwing litter in the trash can instead of leaving it on the counter. The next time you think about leaving that dish in the sink, do yourself a favor and cut down on your to-do list by washing it right away or putting it in the dishwasher.
Next, if you feel as though have too much stuff, go through your things room by room. If you haven’t used something within the past year, it may be time to pitch it. There’s plenty of amazing charities that will take your lightly used goods, so remember to box up anything useful and head to your local donation center.
Finally, once you begin to live a more organized like, remembering how good it feels to be clutter-free is sure to come back naturally. You’ll also begin to reap the benefits of an organized lifestyle and the stress associated with messiness will melt away, leading to a more positive outlook and improved health.
Emphasize Your Air Quality
The air quality in your home is an often overlooked yet essential element to leading a healthy lifestyle. Detrimental factors linked to poor indoor air quality range from minor problems such as asthma or fatigue, to much more serious conditions like lung disease.
Also be sure to maintain indoor air quality, especially during times of renovation. Painting and floor removal can cause the quality of air in your home to be upwards of 1,000 times worse than the air outside. This is due to the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are found in many paints and other everyday substances used in an ordinary property.
There are several ways you can improve the quality of air inside. Make sure to ventilate airflow regularly. This can be done by simply opening windows or doors to allow for fresh oxygen to populate your home.
Another tactic you can use to achieve a pollution-free home is to keep your air conditioning unit spotless. Regularly change the filters in your A/C unit for a clean, crisp air quality that’s sure to help you breathe easier each day.
Finally, for another quick air quality fix, include essential oil diffusers throughout different rooms. Many essential oils are known for their healing qualities as well as their effectiveness in improving the air. Mental clarity, mood enhancement and even stress relief can all be wonderful side effects of essential oil use.