6 key elements of a healthy home.
Photo by Rachel Claire
As parents, we want to make sure that the home our kids live in is as safe and healthy as it can possibly be. However, in the modern world, it can be quite difficult to know what healthy even means. How healthy is the food we eat? How healthy is the air we breathe? What can we do to make our homes healthier?
Here are the six key elements you should incorporate to make your space healthier.
Ensure proper ventilation
A healthy home will be ventilated properly. Having good airflow will not only improve indoor air quality but also prevent mold from forming and any musty odors from developing.
This means you should open your windows at regular intervals and make sure plenty of fresh air can get in. Create a bit of a draft and help the air circulate. You can also install ceiling fans or get standing fans you can move from room to room.
Also make sure you have a vent in the bathroom and the kitchen, where a lot of moisture and odors can accumulate.
Have plants
Plants will make your home healthier by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing fresh oxygen into it. Some of them can also remove chemicals or bacteria from the air. They are also great for mental health, and they can also help you teach your kids responsibility.
Choose a plant you know you can take care of. Aloe Vera is a sturdy plant that does not require a lot of maintenance and is great for beginners, but you can go for something a bit more fragile if you are an experienced plant owner.
Mind what you sleep on
The importance of quality sleep is often underrated. Our bodies perform so many complex processes while we are asleep, so ensuring we get plenty of rest is crucial.
Invest in quality mattresses without fiberglass for the entire family. They are much better for your skin, they reduce the chance of allergies, and they are very comfortable. Also get yourself some quality bedding that will keep you cool during the night and that will be good for your skin. Silk is a good choice, but you can stick to cotton, too, if you prefer its softness.
Clean your home regularly
An incredibly important way to keep your home healthy is to clean it regularly. While the last thing you want to do after a long day is think about dishes or laundry, with a bit of organization and help from the family, it can even be fun.
Assign everyone a task and make it a competition. Keep score and award nice prizes to the winner (or have the loser have to do an extra chore). Write down a list of everything that needs to get done, especially the things you often forget, like cleaning behind the fridge and stove. Set dates in the calendar when you know you will be a bit less busy and tackle larger cleaning tasks then. Anything that takes less than three minutes, like washing a plate and a mug, should be tackled immediately.
Consider adopting a pet
One of the best reasons to own a pet is the impact they can have on the quality of the mental and physical health of the entire family. Children who grow up with pets tend to have fewer allergies and a much more robust immune system. They are also more empathetic and responsible as adults, and their love of animals simply makes them better humans.
This may not be a feasible option for you, as any pet requires a lot of time and energy. But if you are able to bring a cat or a dog into your life, consider adopting instead of shopping. Just make sure to choose an animal whose temperament will match your family’s.
Make the space safer
While the reason most accidents happen in the home is that we spend most of our time there, a lot of us are also guilty of failing to prevent some obvious slips and falls.
If you have small children, make sure the house is child-proof. Put away anything you don’t want them to get their hands on, even if they “never do it.” Be careful where you put down choking hazards, and keep foods and drinks that are not suitable for children out of their reach too.
Also consider your own safety. Is one of the steps loose? Is the bath mat slippery? Do you have something to hold onto when getting out of the bath?
Wrapping up
Making your home more healthy and a safer place to live in does not have to be a complex investment. In fact, you can use these tips and tricks to start making meaningful changes right away. As always, make sure to consider your family’s specific needs first, and adapt our advice to them.