As a Holistic Health coach and expert in Healthy Homes, I believe that the foundation of wellbeing begins within the walls of our living spaces or as I often say ‘health begins at home’. Our homes are not just shelters; they are sanctuaries that significantly impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. By focusing on these 12 essential concepts, you can transform your home into a haven of health and happiness.
1. Light: Illuminating Wellbeing
Optimising natural and artificial lighting is crucial for maintaining our circadian rhythms and reducing eye strain. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve sleep quality and mood by up to 30% (American Academy of Sleep Medicine). Aim to maximise daylight exposure by keeping windows unobstructed and using adjustable lighting solutions to adapt to different times of the day. Plus, get outside people! If you listened to my latest interview with Dr Shelley James – The Light Lady , you’ll know how crucial simply being outdoors is for our eyesight and general wellbeing. This podcast conversation and Shelley’s books are a great place to learn more about how light effects our health and how to harness its benefits.
2. Thermal Comfort: The Warmth of Health
Maintaining thermal comfort through efficient insulation, programmable thermostats, and natural ventilation can enhance indoor comfort and reduce energy consumption. Proper thermal regulation not only contributes to physical comfort but also supports cognitive function and productivity. The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change reports that proper insulation can reduce energy bills by up to 40%.
3. Nourishment: Feeding Body and Soul
A well-organised kitchen that promotes easy access to nutritious foods encourages healthy eating habits. Research indicates that individuals who cook at home more frequently consume 48% more fruits and vegetables (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health). Design your kitchen and dining area to foster a pleasant environment for mindful eating, making nutritious choices more appealing. Consider not only what you are eating, but also how and where. Consider the provenance of food and how it has been cultivated, ensuring that cooking equipment and utensils do not leach toxins into your food. Greater education is needed around healthy food labelling, storage, and preparation.
4. Sound: The Symphony of Silence
Improving sound quality and reducing noise pollution can significantly enhance the peaceful atmosphere of your home. Use sound-absorbing materials and maintain a balance of ambient sounds. A quieter home environment has been linked to a 20% reduction in stress levels and a 25% improvement in sleep quality (World Health Organization). Environmental noise like traffic, noisy neighbours and industry is recognised as the 2nd largest environmental health risk in Western Europe behind air quality. The Mayor of London’s Environment Strategy warns that noise can contribute towards a range of physical and mental health problems, disturb sleep and affect people’s hearing, communication and learning. Nothing bugs me more than a buzzing fridge or kettle that sounds like a rocket ship, so Quiet Mark is my favourite go-to resource for super quiet appliances.
5. EMF Radiation: Minimising Invisible Risks
Minimising exposure to EMF radiation by keeping electronic devices at a distance, using wired connections, and turning off devices when not in use can help reduce potential health risks. We already know that EMF exposure is dangerous for our health hence the banning of the Iphone 12 in France last year and banning of WIFI in French schools. Unfortunately however, our governments don’t seem to want to look at the damaging effects caused by EMFs so I believe extra attention is really needed around this issue. At the very least, bedrooms should be technology-free zones so that you can maximise your rest and recovery whilst sleeping. Read my article for more ways on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of technology.
6. Community : Fostering Connection
Designing the living room to encourage social interaction and communal activities can enhance the sense of community within and outside of your home. Comfortable seating arrangements and an inviting atmosphere can promote family bonding and reduce feelings of isolation. According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, 45% of UK adults reported feeling lonely occasionally or often. If you live alone, why not think about joining some local events or groups or even volunteering.
7. Mind: Cultivating Calm and Creativity
Creating a calming and mentally stimulating environment with elements like plants, artwork, and dedicated spaces for relaxation and mindfulness practices can boost mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements and the use of Biophilic Design can reduce stress by 50% and improve overall well-being (Journal of Environmental Psychology).
8. Air Quality: Breathing Easy
Maintaining high indoor air quality by using air purifiers, houseplants, and ensuring good ventilation is essential for reducing pollutants and allergens. The EPA states that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, highlighting the importance of clean air in preventing respiratory issues and allergies. In this podcast, Simon Jones had some great tips on how to optimise our air quality and identify the worst contaminants lurking in our homes.
9. Energy/Flow: Harmonious Living Spaces
Designing home spaces to facilitate smooth movement and positive energy flow, utilising principles like Feng Shui or space zoning, can create harmonious and functional living areas. A well-organised and clutter-free home can enhance mental clarity and reduce stress. The British Journal of Sports Medicine notes that a well-organised home can increase productivity by up to 20%. I have some treats coming up for my more woo-woo friends and listeners. Stay tuned for my upcoming interview with TV star and Feng Shui expert Kimberley Gallagher from the Feng Shui Flow.
10. Toxic Materials: A Cleaner Environment
Reducing exposure to toxic materials by using natural, non-toxic cleaning products and ensuring proper ventilation can minimise indoor air pollution. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) advises choosing cleaning products with fewer chemicals to protect both health and the environment. Research shows that homes with poor air quality can increase the risk of asthma by 40%. Come and see me at the Clean and Tidy Home show in October where I will speaking all about how to reduce toxic materials in your home.
11. Ergonomics/Movement
Positioning televisions at eye level and maintaining a safe distance can reduce eye strain and encourage regular movement breaks to avoid prolonged sedentary behaviour. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting screen time to reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues. Studies indicate that reducing screen time can lower the risk of sedentary lifestyle diseases by 25%. Is your seating optimised for your spinal health? If you’re working from home, you should be thinking about how supportive your chair is. An average of 8.9 Million work days are lost per year due to Musculoskeletal issues. Perhaps consider a standing desk with adjustable height. Not only is standing whilst working better for your back but you burn way more calories which is a great hack for our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Mobility aids would also fall under this category. In my recent discussion with Laura Wood we learnt how Interior Design is still not very Inclusive; and how adapting your home now, considering mobility and Designing with Dignity could have major longevity and societal benefits.
12. Water Quality : Pure and Simple
Ensuring tap water quality by installing a filtration system that removes contaminants and regularly testing water for harmful substances is crucial for health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that access to clean drinking water is vital for preventing waterborne diseases and promoting overall health. Statistics show that filtered water can reduce contaminants such as lead by up to 99%. 2 million deaths per year are attributed to unsafe water. Read my article on ‘What are you Drinking’ to understand why its so important to make sure your water is supporting your health.
Let's design your healthiest home and lifestyle
By incorporating these 12 essential concepts into your home, you can create an environment that nurtures your health and wellbeing. From optimising light and air quality to fostering social connections and reducing exposure to toxins, each element plays a pivotal role in building a healthy home. Remember, a healthy home is a happy home, and it all starts with mindful choices and thoughtful design. Here’s to creating living spaces that bring joy, health, and harmony to our lives!
Feeling overwhelmed trying to implement all these concepts into your home or workplace on your own? I am here to help you. If you would like my guidance on creating your healthiest home, please get in touch at hello@charlielemmer.com
Wishing you WELL
Charlie x
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