Home Improvements That Can Boost Your Physical and Mental Health
Home is where the heart is, right? It’s also a base where you begin your healthy habits, recharge, and prepare to be a part of the world every single day. Did you know there are things you can do to boost your health at home? Here on the blog, Natalie from Homeowner Bliss lists some easy changes your can make to your house to make it even better for your body and mind.
Home improvements can include everything from updating a bathroom to changing up the landscaping, but most homeowners tend to think about how the changes will affect the home’s monetary value. There are several things you can do around the house that will also improve your health and overall well-being, and many of them are budget-friendly. Try these simple modifications for helping you and your family feel better all throughout the year.
Use a Dehumidifier
Keeping a dehumidifier in the house can prevent the air from becoming too moist, which can, in turn, prevent the formation of mold, mites, and mildew. These things can cause respiratory problems, especially in children and the elderly, but the right dehumidifier can keep your home’s air clean and pure. Make sure you do a little research before purchasing, read reviews, and think about the size you’ll need for the room it will be in.
Pull Up the Carpet
The carpet in your home can brighten a room, soften falls for little ones, or keep your toes warm in the wintertime, but it can also collect and trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet fur/dander, not to mention dirt and odors. Using a vacuum can help a bit, but most carpet will either hold tight to those allergens or throw them back into the air when you clean. So, consider pulling up the carpeting in your home and going with tile, hardwood, or laminate flooring. Not only are these often easier to clean, but they can also add quite a bit of value to your home. If you think you might sell down the road, this is a great update that will also add visual appeal.
Go Green
There are several things you can do to go green around the house; recycling, using sustainable materials, and going with energy-efficient appliances are some of the most common. The great thing about making your home more eco-friendly is that it saves money, meaning you can reduce some of the financial stress that comes with being a homeowner. Consider using energy-efficient light bulbs, changing the landscaping outside to one that conserves water, or trading out older appliances for smart ones that have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Change Filters
Like the carpeting in your home, the filters inside your HVAC unit or furnace can become clogged with hair, dust, and other debris, which can prevent the air from flowing properly throughout your house. Not only that, your utility bill will be driven up because the unit has to work twice as hard to push air through a clogged filter. Changing the filters often — especially during the hottest and coldest months of the year — will help prevent any problems and will keep you and your family members breathing easy. You can actually buy filters that are specifically made for making the air cleaner.
Turn a Spare Room Into a Stress-Free Space
If you have an extra room in your home, consider turning it into a quiet spot to relax and meditate in, or a home gym complete with all the tools you need to work out. Or, you might create a studio or office so you can get work done without distractions. Think about what sort of room would make you happiest and how you can utilize it when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and keep in mind how it might affect a sale if you put your home on the market.
Making changes to your home can have several benefits, from reducing stress to keeping you and your loved ones from getting sick. Think about which alterations might be best for your needs and create a budget to keep the process from becoming overwhelming.