Someone has rightly said that healthy people are the ones who live in an environment fit for growth and healing. And they can’t be more right about it.
According to a recent survey, 45% of Americans experience disrupted sleep due to poor home maintenance.
Your living space is first in line to determine your health. And why not? It is the only place where you spend the majority of your time. Thus, you need to take a wellness approach while renovating or upgrading your home. Do it right, and it will instantly affect your physical and mental wellbeing.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that making your home a safe place to live helps in encouraging a healthier lifestyle. And here are some home improvements that can help you with that.
1. Learn the importance of natural light
Studies show that people subconsciously tend to seek sunlit places to enjoy their time. Believe it or not, bringing natural light into your living space can impact your emotional wellbeing.
There are several health benefits of bringing in natural light in your living space. Some of them are mentioned below.
- It is estimated that space conditioning consumes 47% of household energy. Therefore, lighting your space and controlling its temperature may burn a hole in your pocket. But with the help of natural light, it would be easier for you to manage your energy consumption and sky-high utility bills.
- Studies show that people with ample natural light in their homes tend to be happier, healthier, calmer, and productive. In fact, it is also a proven fact that natural lighting regulates certain mental disorders such as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.)
- Optometrists suggest spending more time in natural light as it reduces eye strain and maintains your vision.
- Bringing in natural light has also helped depression patients alleviate their symptoms, reduce stress levels, and uplift their spirits.
- Spending an adequate amount of time also helps regulate Vitamin D deficiency and strengthen the immune system. Exposure to natural light also plays a vital role in brain functioning.
- Lastly, bringing in enough natural light also prevents the risk of mold and mildew, making your space a healthier place to live.
Apart from these incredible benefits, interior designers use natural light to enhance the aesthetics of the space. It helps them create an illusion of a larger space and bring out the best in the interior structure.
Thus, you can use skylights and bigger windows to let the natural light in and reap the aforementioned health benefits.
2. Get a pest control
Undoubtedly, pests create nuisance at your place, bringing along various health risks. Even if you spend all your time cleaning your house from the inside out, you may still encounter pest infestation.
Studies show that an average home is infested with approximately 100 different types of spiders, flies, and bugs. And getting rid of them completely could be a daunting task, especially when it comes to cockroaches.
Those creepy-crawlies spread allergens and harmful pathogens, posing serious risks to you and your family. Such pests thrive in dark and moist locations and commonly reside near sinks and drains. They can even fit into tight spots, making it harder for you to spot and get rid of them completely.
If left ignored, they can multiply and build colonies in your home. This is especially true for German cockroaches. Thus, once you spot the infestation, it would be best to take the necessary measures and get rid of the creepy crawlies right away.
However, if you’re suffering from pest infestation, there are a number of things you can do. For starters, try not to leave your dirty dishes in the sink. Cover your dustbins and keep your kitchen neat and clean. It will help you eliminate the food supply for the cockroaches.
The next step is really crucial. If done wrong, you can end up making things worse by fueling the infestation. In such a situation, understanding the biology of the species can help you get better results. Furthermore, it will help track the movement, find their hidden places, and adopt solutions to get rid of them for good. You can also consider seeking help from a Roach exterminator who can help you assess the infestation and implement a sound action plan. Such solutions can also help in keeping your home safe by preventing future infestation.
3. Install health-promoting upgrades
Although cleanliness and adding greenery to your space can help you meet health goals, installing certain upgrades can help speed up the process. Here’s a list of health-promoting upgrades you can bring into your home.
- Dehumidifier: Dehumidifiers are often used to improve indoor air quality. They help in keeping the room moist enough to breathe properly. It also helps in preventing mold and mildew growth. Such appliances are also a smart choice if you are in need of a good night’s sleep. Make sure you clean it regularly to get rid of the accumulated mold and bacteria.
- Radon detector: Believe it or not, your home could be exposed to several poisonous gases. One of which is radon. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Since it is produced from the organic matter present beneath your home’s foundation, it gets settled in indoor spaces. If left ignored, the exposure could lead to lung cancer. Thereby, consider installing a radon detector in your basement to avoid this. This way, you can monitor the radon levels and mitigate potential dangers.
- Smart thermostats: Installing smart thermostats is one of the best ways to create an energy-efficient home. But it also promotes the health and wellbeing of the residents with custom temperature control. You can control it remotely and save yourself from skyrocketing utility bills.
The verdict
Living in a healthy environment is the key to living a longer, happier, and disease-free life. And transforming your home is definitely the first step for encouraging a healthier lifestyle.
So, use the tips mentioned above and start reaping the benefits of a healthy living space.