Refocusing on Home
With the start of 2022, we can look back on the very challenging world events over the past 2 years and look forward to better times. Life is not only the things that happen to us, which we cannot always control – it is also how we respond, and that we can control.
The constant lockdowns and restrictions of our freedoms has most of us spending more time at home and indoors. We have also had to build personal resilience to adjust to new ways of living and being. As our homes regain the central focus for our activities, we offer a few suggestions and reminders on optimizing the home for supporting our health and well-being.
This article provides an insightful view of how common household tasks can assist our general well-being when practiced with the right attitude. It’s not the usual way we think of such mundane activities but there is research behind it and these are unavoidable tasks for everyone.
Our indoor environment comes into sharper focus as we spend more time in our homes. The first place to start is to declutter as much as possible. If there is anything the past 2 years have taught us, it is to discern what is essential and what is not.
After decluttering we might consider reorganizing our indoor space to support not only our activities (work, exercise) but also our mental state. Creating spaces which enable us to focus, relax, harness our creativity, get into flow states, creates a strong foundation for our health and well-being.
Indoor air quality is another important factor. Keeping the indoor air flowing freely and refreshed (ventilation), and removing toxins are essential. Air filters, ionizers, dehumidifiers are all tools that can help. Other natural solutions include: adding indoor plants such as our Pure-Air range to remove air pollutants, using essential oils (which are antibacterial, antimicrobial and can help regulate our moods and emotions), and smudging (burning of herbs such as sage).
Pollutants and toxic chemicals in the home come in all shapes and sizes, mostly with cleaning products and other packaged products we consume. Substitute out the toxic for non-toxic cleaning aids like vinegar, citrus, bicarbonate soda, peroxide, black soap, etc.. Our personal care products (soaps, shampoos, body and skin care, makeup) are also full of toxic ingredients and additives. Read product labels carefully, do research on natural alternatives and stay curious and informed on smarter and healthier product choices. We can’t avoid toxins all together but we can reduce our exposure as much as possible.
The other area in the home that impacts our health significantly is our kitchen. We consume food (our body’s main energy source) several times a day and the food choices we make largely determine our health status. Cooking more at home, eating more plant based foods, reducing sugars and processed foods, and eating meals together are all ways to improve and optimize our health, well-being and connection. Our pantries can also become powerful natural pharmacies with health promoting herbs and spices to heal, energize and fortify our natural body immunity. Not only do herbs and spices add flavor and taste to our meals, they are natural daily medicine for our bodies.