Are you planning for a life transition this year? Whether it may be for yourself, a parent, or a loved one, if downsizing or perhaps even a full move to a new community is on the horizon, now is the perfect time to improve your indoor living conditions to benefit your health.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. This means that the things in our homes and the ways we spend our time inside them can have a dramatic impact on our health.
Part of the equation is subtraction --- determining what to get rid of during a home cleanout. The process of deciding what to keep and what to lose can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, as you weed through years of accumulated trinkets and knick-knacks. But you don’t have to take on this overwhelming task alone. There are more than 300 Caring Transitions teams across the country, with dedicated experts ready to help who understand the challenges and the benefits of decluttering your house.
Lean on the expert advice of your Caring Transitions team to make the process as stress-free and seamless as possible. Once you’ve reduced the mess of items together, seize the opportunity to reimagine your living space with small changes to improve the wellness within your walls.
Ways to Improve Indoor Spaces to Benefit Your Health
Bring Nature Inside
Studies have shown that having indoor plants can boost your mood, reduce stress, and can clean the air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen.
Increase Airflow
On days with pleasant weather, opening screened windows and doors is an easy way to improve your living space. Ventilating your home with fresh air can help reduce the spread of toxins, improve breathing, boost your mood, and even improve sleeping habits.
Benefit from Artificial Landscapes
When was the last time you freshened up the artwork on your walls? Studies have shown that looking at artificial landscapes, such as paintings or photographs of nature, can elicit feelings of calm, relieve stress, and increase cognitive function. Even watching a documentary or looking at nature photos on your smartphone can have health benefits.
Create a Sense of Calm
The way you set up your indoor living space can impact the activities you choose to do indoors. Lean into daily activities that create a sense of calm in your surroundings. Activities like tai chi, meditation, and yoga create a peaceful environment, which can reduce stress and have cognitive benefits. Creative activities that help us slow down and soak in our environment, such as drawing and writing, can improve our mood and increase mental health.
Consider the Space Between Your Ears
When examining the places where we spend our time, don’t forget to consider your headspace. Studies have shown that our belief system has a direct correlation to the way we interact with our surroundings. Creating a space in your home for journaling and reflection can help to clear your mind and bring forth a positive attitude.
If you need inspiration for how to reimagine your home, don’t be shy about asking your Caring Transitions of Salem team for help! They’ve navigated countless move-ins and move-outs and are experts at setting you up to start living your best life, right from day one.