It is both a blessing and a curse that we’re always connected to the outside world. From the smartphones we’re glued to daily, to the wearable fitness tracking devices we have strapped around our wrists, we’re obsessed with technology controlling our lives.
Have you ever stopped to notice the effect our device-driven lives are having on our health, however?
As our jobs get busier and communications become more instant, specific health problems can start to show. The quality of sleep gets poorer, our moods become lower, and the inability to switch off can affect our overall well-being.
With this see’s the rise of the self-care and wellness trend. Not only is this becoming a factor across the workplaces, but it is also now seeping into home interiors, decor, interior design, and architecture.
Here are four ways you can embrace some home improvements which will benefit your health for the better.
Introduce open space
Rooms which are enclosed with walls and doors can create a boxed in effect, making us feel cramped and restricted. However, rooms that are more open plan and flow into each other give the illusion of lots of space and openness, which can apply the same effect to our minds.
Open space allows us to feel freer, where experts have said this can lead to increased creativity and a less cluttered mind. Look at using internal or external bi-fold doors, either separating two rooms or leading to the back garden. The fact that these are ceiling-to-floor windows and can open out allows instant open space.
More natural light
One of the key interior hacks to lift our moods and instantly make us feel more mentally awake is to invest in more natural light. This means it’s worth having as much natural light as possible flowing through the home.
When surrounded by light, our mood can lift, with feelings of depression fading away.
Perhaps you currently have net curtains or blinds blocking natural light, or small, old windows which are stained or have chunky frames which minimize the flow of light. Look at improving your windows if they are old or need replacing. You can get beautiful modern sash windows which look elegant, as well as letting in substantial light. Take a look at Timber Windows Direct for inspiration.
Bringing the office home
Working long hours in an office can make you feel mentally drained, with aching shoulders and poor posture. It’s becoming more common for workers to return home from a long day at the office bringing their problems with them.
However, thanks to a recent introduction of more flexible working across workplaces, employees’ can now request to work from home occasionally. As well as boosting morale and reducing stress levels associated with commuting and long office hours, this is slowly leading to our homes being designed with working areas in mind.
Why not look at turning a spare room into a comfortable office? If it allows space for a desk and office essentials, it could quite quickly become a working space which reflects everything that motivates you.
As slumping over at desks for long periods of time is bad news for our posture, look at choosing a sit/stand desk set up. Also, if you’re currently looking at new development homes if you’re moving, look out for homes which now come equipped with USB charging ports and integrated lighting.
Bring nature indoors
The presence of nature has been linked proven to increase our productivity and concentration levels, helping us feel calmer and more relaxed.
You can bring nature into your home by including outdoor elements around the house. One way to do this is to invest in house plants, flowering pots, herbs, and even false plants dotted around various rooms.
Another home improvement update is to look at incorporating plywood edging to decking and other furnishing details. Straw is also becoming more popular across the home, bringing this natural material into kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms via woven baskets and storage.
Above all, looking after our health and well-being is an essential factor in life, not an indulgence. Our health should come to the forefront when not only improving our work/life balance but improving our home too. Take on board the advice above, tailoring certain aspects to fit in with your health concerns, and start enjoying your home.
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