The Big Return Month
September is often called the ‘big return’ month – when we all head back to work or school, settling into routines once again. But did you know it’s also the month with the highest number of births?
Many people feel like September is the true start of the year, not January. There’s a sense of renewal in the air, a fresh energy that makes it the perfect time to tackle projects, organise, and prepare for the months ahead. With that spirit of renewal in mind, this month’s newsletter will take a slightly different approach. I’ll be focusing on two key areas ready for a refresh: the home office and the nursery, for all those new arrivals.
In this edition we discuss:
Setting-up the Ultimate Work From Home Office
Creating a Healthy Nursery: Key Tips for Your Baby’s Wellbeing
Healthy Home Show Podcast
Events
Creating the Ultimate Healthy and Productive Work-from-Home Office
Working from home can be a blessing, offering flexibility and the chance to blend personal and professional life in one harmonious space. But, if your workspace isn’t properly set up, it can also become a health hazard, a source of stress, and an unexpected productivity sinkhole. A well-thought-out home office can be an oasis of calm and efficiency that supports your physical and mental wellbeing. Here’s how to make it happen.
1. Ergonomic Essentials: Comfort is King
Let’s start with your chair and desk—because they’re more than just furniture. Without proper ergonomic support, you’re setting yourself up for back pain, neck strain, and a whole lot of discomfort. Did you know that over 12 million work days are lost per year in the UK as a result of back pain alone? You want your chair to support the natural curve of your spine, and your desk at a height that allows your arms to be at 90 degrees when typing. Feet should rest flat on the floor or on a footrest if needed. Your screen should be at eye level to avoid hunching.
Poor ergonomics can lead to tension headaches, fatigue, and even long-term issues like chronic pain. Invest in an ergonomic chair that provides proper lumbar support and a desk setup that promotes neutral postures. Your body will thank you. Stay tuned for my interview with Ergonomics expert Nichola Adams next month on the Healthy Home Podcast where we take a deeper dive in to this subject and also discuss the amazing work chair she designed.
2. Lighting: Let the Sunshine In (But Not Too Much)
Natural light does wonders for both productivity and mood. Position your desk near a window if possible, but not directly in front of it (glare on your screen can make you squint, and we’re trying to avoid wrinkles here!). If natural light is limited, invest in a good quality desk lamp with adjustable brightness.
Cooler light temperatures (like daylight bulbs) are great for keeping you alert, while warmer light is calming, making it ideal for breaks. Lighting directly impacts your circadian rhythm, so balance is key. Check out my podcast interview with Dr Shelley James – The Light Lady to learn more about how you can harness the power of light in your home and office space here.
3. Biophilic Design: Bring the Outdoors Inside
Introducing elements of nature into your home office can boost your wellbeing, reduce stress, and increase productivity. A couple of plants, a small water feature, or even just a nature-themed print on the wall can do the trick. Biophilic design taps into our innate connection to the natural world, making us feel calmer and more focused.
If you’re a plant newbie, go for low-maintenance options like snake plants or succulents. They not only purify the air but also require minimal attention—so no guilt if you forget to water them for a week or two.
Chloe Bullock FRSA, BIID Reg ID, BA (hons) does Sustainable and Vegan Interior Design so well. Listen to our podcast chat about Healthy Interiors Design to get some more tips on how to harness the power of Nature and Biophilia in your home.
4. Declutter: A Clear Space Equals a Clear Mind
Clutter can be a sneaky productivity killer. A desk covered in paperwork, cables, and yesterday’s coffee mug can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Try going for a minimalist approach, keeping only the essentials on your desk. Invest in smart storage solutions like shelves, organisers, or desk trays to keep things tidy.
Marie Kondo your space and watch your mental clarity improve! A clean environment helps reduce cognitive load, allowing you to focus better on the task at hand.Incidentally, Marie Kondo will also be speaking at The Clean and Tidy Show in October, so get yourself down there to pick up some more tips. I’ve written more about this below in the Events section.
5. Movement: Make Room for Stretching and Flow
While it might be tempting to sit all day, our bodies aren’t designed for prolonged periods of sitting. Set up a space where you can easily stand, stretch, or even incorporate a sit-stand desk. Regular movement boosts circulation, reduces fatigue, and keeps the creative juices flowing.
Set reminders to move every 30 minutes, whether it’s a quick walk around the room, a stretch, or some desk exercises. This can help prevent stiffness, improve posture, and even enhance cognitive function.
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform your work-from-home office into a sanctuary that enhances your wellbeing and supercharges your productivity. After all, the healthier and happier you feel, the better you work!
Creating a Healthy Nursery: Key Tips for Your Baby's Wellbeing
Setting up a nursery isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a safe, healthy environment that supports your baby’s development. From the air they breathe to the materials they touch, every detail can impact their wellbeing. Below are four essential strategies to ensure your nursery is designed with your baby’s health in mind, promoting comfort, safety, and peace of mind for you and your little one.
1. Choose Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Materials
Prioritise furniture, paints, and flooring that are free from harmful chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, and flame retardants. Opt for organic, sustainably sourced wood and natural fibres. This reduces the release of toxic fumes and helps improve indoor air quality, ensuring your baby’s delicate respiratory system is protected. We heard just how vital this is for preventing illnesses in episode 8 of the podcast in my interview with Becca Willis from Cottonsafe Natural Mattress .
This is an essential listen of you’re setting up a nursery. Babies are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults.
2. Improve Air Quality with Plants and Ventilation
Ensure the nursery has good airflow and consider adding air-purifying plants that are baby-safe (such as spider plants or areca palms). These not only bring in fresh oxygen but also help filter out indoor air pollutants. If plants aren’t suitable, consider investing in a HEPA air purifier to reduce allergens and dust particles. There’s a really cool product I like the look of for the nursery that will help you control Air Quality and looks super cute too. I haven’t tried it myself yet but I’m hoping to get them on the podcast soon and will be grilling them on how their Birdie CO2 sensor works. Check it out here.
3. Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure
Minimise the use of electronics near the crib and choose low-EMF baby monitors and devices. Ensure the baby’s cot is placed away from power outlets, Wi-Fi routers, and electrical appliances. This can help reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation and create a more restful, low-stimulation environment. There is a Free Booklet on my website called ‘Protect Your Child From Harmful EMFs’. Make sure you grab that here, it’s a really useful guide.Healthy Home Show Podcast
4. Embrace Biophilic Design for Calm and Comfort
Incorporate elements of nature to foster a soothing, nurturing environment. Use soft, natural colours inspired by the outdoors and ensure plenty of natural light during the day. Adding wooden toys, woollen blankets, or cotton fabrics also enhances comfort and provides sensory experiences that support your baby’s mental and physical development.
These changes not only promote a healthy nursery but also foster a space where your baby can thrive in comfort and safety. If you’re planning bigger renovation projects for your home this autumn and could use some expert guidance, check out HiiGuru . It’s a platform full of home design and renovation pros offering affordable advice. You’ll even find me there!
Healthy Home Show Podcast
Thanks to ALL of you, The Healthy Home Show Podcast is still rocking the charts! A massive thank you to everyone for supporting the show!
If you have suggestions for brands or experts to feature, or topics you’d like us to cover, get in touch hello@charlielemmer.com.
Missed our latest episodes? Check out our chats with:
Laura Rudoe, CEO of Evolve Organic Skincare on Healthy Skincare – Read the key Takeaways.
Simon Jones, Air Quality Expert on You are What you Breathe – Read the key Takeaways.
Chloe Bullock, Sustainable Interiors and Vegan Design Expert on Embracing Sustainable and Healthy Design –Read the Key Takeaways
Bright Ideas with Dr Shelley James – The Light Lady – Read the Key Takeaways
Laura Wood Invisible Creations, The Key to Inclusive Design – Read the Key Takeaways
Alex Strauss, The Mindful Walker, A Simple Path to Health – Read the Key Takeaways
Kimberley Gallagher, The Feng Shui Flow, Unleashing The Power of Feng Shui – Read the key Takeaways
Rebecca Willis ( Becca), CottonSafe Natural Mattress, The hidden Dangers Of Fire Retardants – Read the Key Takeaways.
My upcoming guests include:
Glynn Hughes, EMF Protection UK
Kimberley Gallagher, The Feng Shui Flow
🗓️ Events
Clean and Tidy Home Show
I’m excited to speak at the Clean and Tidy Show on the 19th October. I’ll be speaking on –Safe Havens: Reducing Household Toxins for Better Health at Home. The show is over 2 days, the 19th and 20th October. Mark your calendars and get your tickets here..
Thanks so much for your support in subscribing to this Newsletter. I want to make sure that I am covering topics that are of interest to you. So, if there is anything particular you would like to get more information on or any specific guest you would like to learn from on The Healthy Home Show, let me know via email at hello@charlielemmer.com.
Be WELL
Charlie x
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