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From stocking up on house plants to hoovering cuddly toys, making some tiny tweaks to your living environment could cut stress and boost well-being.
There's no doubt 2020 has been the year of staying in, As a nation, many of us have spent months not just working from home, but spending most of our time there, too. As a result, it's never been most important to look at how your home can affect your health. Here, we reveal some simple ways to help your turn those familiar four walls into a health-boosting sanctuary.
SOUND OF SILENCE: Noise pollution isn't just an irritant, it can impact health, too. A 2011 study by the World Health Organization showed that prolonged exposure to excess noise not only increased stress levels and lowered concentration but also led to a higher risk of heart disease. Soundproofing expert BEN HANCOCK says that excessive noise levels are a "proven health hazard."
To dampen sound, invest in thick curtains and soft furnishings in plush fabrics such as suede and chenille. Use rugs on hard flooring and place wall handings or upholstered furniture against walls that are shared with neighbours or face roads with traffics.
LIGHT IT UP: one of the key elements in Feng Shui is letting natural light flow around your home. Natural light can improve mood, concentration and even sleep quality. "It's easy to infuse a sense of wellness and tranquillity at home," says interior style adviser REBECCA SHOWDEN.
To maximise natural light in a room, try hanging a mirror opposite to the window. "This will reflect and double the sunshine coming in," REBECCA SHOWDEN says. "Also, set up workspace as close to the window as possible to take advantage of the light, and give your eyes a screen break by looking outside."
ALLERGEN ALERT: Even the cleanest homes can be full of allergens such as dust, which can set of sneezing, runny noses and rashes. Allergy expert MAX WISEBERG says, "Vaccum floors and clean surfaces regularly, as this minimises the amount of dust in the air, Vaccum your beds and fabrics to help remove dust and pet allergen particles. If you have children, keep toys in a cupboard to prevent to build up of allergens. and if you have pets keep them off sofas and beds as much as possible."
BREATHE EASY: The air inside homes often contains more pollution than outside, thanks to chemicals released by everything from cleaning products to cooking, But investing in house plants can help redress the balance. "Plants are brilliant anti-pollutants," says gardening expert CLAIR BISHOP.
"They increase oxygen levels and have been shown to reduce cold-related illnesses. Peace lilies are one of the best plants to remove indoor pollution, as they purify the air by absorbing pollutants through leaves and roots. Meanwhile, Boston ferns are ideal for bathrooms as they improve humidity. Aloe vera purifies the air of formaldehyde and benzene - chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products.
COLOUR BOOST: Colour don't just change the look of a room, they can affect health too. "Many of us don't realise the impact colour has on our mood," Says DR. NERINA RAMLAKHAN psychologist and sleep expert.
A study by Minnesota State University found the colour red increases the body's stress response, whole green and white calm it. "Soft green is restful, restorative colour," Says DR. NERINA RAMLAKHAN. meanwhile, another study found that soft pink was also a restful colour. Use only a couple of colours per room and choose accessories in shades you find calming, such as green and white.
CLEAR OUT CLUTTER: Not only is clutter unsightly, but it can also make us anxious to interrupt sleep and even increase the risk of colds and flu. "Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so try to create one clutter-free sanctuary, such as the bedroom," Says author NICOLA LEWIS.
"Put on some music or light your favourite candle. Make a list of things you want to tackle, such as bedside drawers, the linen cupboard or your underwear drawer. Tackle one area at a time, Make piles of what you want to keep, donate and recycle." The end of the month is the perfect time to store summer clothes in moth-proof bags for winter.
SOOTHING SCENTS: Our sense of smell is linked to our limbic system, where the brain stores memories and process emotions, which is why certain scents make us feel calmer or trigger a sense of nostalgia, But while they can be great for creating a calming atmosphere, some home fragrances have a detrimental effect on air quality.
"Switch your favourite candles to beeswax versions," says ANNIE MCWILLIAMS, of a cleaning company. "Beeswax particles are better for the air and they clean it while floating around, so no more indoor pollution. Meanwhile, essentials oil diffusers are great for a natural fragrance, Eucalyptus and rosemary both reduce dust mites and tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties."
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