10 Must-Try Health-Conscious Interior Solutions for a Better Lifestyle
I'm always on the lookout for ways to improve my health and quality of life. If you're reading this, than you likely feel the same. In today's fast-paced world, where stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices are prevalent, it has become more important than ever to prioritize our well-being. While many of us focus on fitness routines and nutritious diets, we often overlook the impact our living environment can have on our overall health. The good news is that there are numerous health-conscious interior solutions that can enhance our well-being and create an overall better lifestyle. Keep reading, because we will explore ten must-try interior solutions that promote a healthy living space.
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1. Natural Lighting
Natural lighting not only brightens up our living spaces but also has a positive impact on our mental and physical health. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm, improves mood, and reduces the risk of vitamin D deficiency. To maximize natural light in your home, opt for sheer curtains, skylights, or strategically placed mirrors to reflect and distribute sunlight.
If natural light is seriously limited or not a possibility at all in your home, there are a number of gadgets that allow you to bring the sunshine in. Light therapy boxes are often used as treatment for people who experience a specific type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You've likely heard of this before, but SAD happens as a result of the inability to properly regulate the mood-lifting neurotransmitter, serotonin. Some people experience feeling overly tired, irritable and sad, often during the winter months when we're not outside as much. It is not as common, but can also happen during summer months as well.
Many light therapy solutions for the home exist to help those who are light-limited. There are many styles available, yet many tend to have somewhat boring flat, rectangular light surfaces. In an effort to pair health and style, the cylindrical Bright Health 24-inch Light Therapy Lamp is an excellent choice that blends effortlessly into many interiors. Experts say the best ones meet 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity) and it meets this requirement. And while the risks for incorporating a sunshine-mimicking tool into your home are minimal, it is important to consult your physician to determine the amount of exposure that is suitable for your specific situation.
2. Air-Purifying Plants
Plants, plants and more plants! Indoor air pollution can be a serious health concern, but air-purifying plants can help combat this issue. Plants such as snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants are known for their ability to filter out harmful toxins and improve air quality. Incorporating these plants into your interior not only adds a touch of greenery but also promotes a healthier living environment.
And these are not the only benefits of plants. Plants may be used to elevate any space aesthetically, plus they are very affordable accents for placement in nearly every room of the house. These days you can find an array of planters and pots made from a variety of safe materials to show off your personality while purifying the air. Ceramic pots in neutral color variations add a touch of elegance to your space and take the benefits of your air-purifying plants to the next level.
3. Non-Toxic Materials
While plants are helpful in purifying the air, it is still important to consider the materials we're bringing inside. When it comes to furnishing our homes, opting for non-toxic materials is crucial for our health. Many traditional furniture and decor items contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for products made from natural and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and reclaimed wood, to minimize exposure to these toxins.
In addition to minimizing toxins, natural organic materials truly reinforce feelings of purity and peace. Research even supports that people in green buildings experienced better sleep quality, fewer headaches and less nausea. In addition to organic cotton, bamboo and reclaimed wood other toxin-free materials include timelessly beautiful clay plaster for walls, affordable, versatile and 100% biodegradable jute for rugs, and unprocessed and natural cork flooring and tiles.
4. Ergonomic Furniture
These days with so many of us working from home, standing desks and adjustable chairs have become more of a necessity than a treat. With so many options to choose from, you really need to determine your most important goals for each before selecting one to add to your space. The good news is you can find styles to suit your design aesthetic pretty easily; from very modern versions all the way to the classics. The UPLIFT Bamboo Standing Desk is a highly recommended and exceptional choice because of style and function. The bonus is that it's made from environmentally friendly, low-VOC bamboo that is sturdy and attractive.
5. Noise Reduction
Excessive noise can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, and a decline in cognitive performance. This is an area of design that is often an afterthought, but is so important to consider because it has so many benefits. Incorporating noise reduction solutions into your interior can significantly improve your well-being. Consider adding soundproof curtains, acoustic panels, or rugs to absorb and minimize unwanted noise.
As an added layer of design to drown out the sounds you don't want to hear and amplify those that you do, sound machines are a simple way to change things up. Most products will include a variety of sounds from nature since they tend to be the most calming. You can tune in to everything from crickets chirping to the trickle of a quiet stream. Creating a peaceful and quiet environment will enhance relaxation and productivity.
6. Natural Textiles
The textiles we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our health as well. Synthetic fabrics often contain harmful chemicals and can cause skin irritations and allergies. Opt for natural textiles, such as organic cotton, linen, or wool, which are free from toxic substances and promote better air circulation. These materials are also more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Textiles are such an important component of health conscious design to consider because we use them throughout our homes. Think about the carpets and rugs underfoot, the fabric on your sofas and chairs, even throws and pillows to daily items like dish and bath towels. So many opportunities to intentionally bring natural textiles into all your favorite spaces.
7. Mindful Color Choices
Color is such a personal choice. While you may never commit to painting an entire room a bright, bold color you can incorporate pops of vibrant colors, like yellows or oranges, to stimulate creativity and energy. You can do this with art, accents, pillows and throws. And once you decide on a few fantastic colors to include, there are a number of health-conscious paint lines you can include in your space that are pleasing to the eye, but also safe to inhale.
8. Indoor Water Features
The sound of flowing water can have a calming effect on our minds and bodies. Incorporating indoor water features, such as tabletop fountains or wall-mounted waterfalls, can create a serene atmosphere and help reduce stress levels. Additionally, these features can act as natural humidifiers, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
With so many options to choose from, it is important to consider your space and which feature is most appropriate to include. Like the multitude of benefits you can derive from including nature into your space, water has similar benefits. There's just something so calming about the delicate trickle of water that really helps to improve so many aspects of life.
9. Smart Lighting Solutions
Like everything we've mentioned here, lighting inside the home has the power to impact so many aspects of our health. It is important to allow yourself the time it takes to identify what works for you specifically. There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to lighting. Our preferences truly guide the way. Someone who is into creating moody ambience will make very different lighting choices than someone who is upbeat and energized by bright overhead lighting in every room.
10. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating essential oils and diffusers into your interior can create a soothing and uplifting atmosphere. Scents like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus have calming properties, while citrus scents can boost energy and mood.
Adding beautiful scents and combinations of scents throughout your home really provides a great opportunity to showcase your personality. Many people bring in scents that remind them of their childhood home or the luxurious scents of the luxury hotel from their last vacation. Scent has a wonderful way of connecting us to our most pleasant experiences. The key is finding clean scents that are free of ingredients like fragrances that can make you feel ill. Many sources of good clean scents are available to try.
Take the first step
Creating a health-conscious interior is not only aesthetically pleasing but also vital for our overall well-being. By incorporating natural lighting, air-purifying plants, non-toxic materials, ergonomic furniture, noise reduction solutions, natural textiles, mindful color choices, indoor water features, smart lighting solutions, and aromatherapy, we can transform our living spaces into havens of wellness. These interior solutions not only enhance our physical health but also contribute to a better lifestyle by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving productivity. So why not take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle by implementing these must-try health-conscious interior solutions today?