The healthy home makeover

From house plants to hoovering cuddly toys, Elizabeth Archer discovers how tiny tweaks to your living environment can cut stress and boost wellbeing

There’s no doubt 2020 has been the year of staying in. Many of us have spent months cooped up at home – working there, shielding or stuck with nowhere else to go.

So it’s never been more important to look at how your house can affect your health. And there are simple changes you can make to turn those familiar four walls into a health- boosting sanctuary.

SOUND OF SILENCE

Noise pollution isn’t just an irritant, it can make us ill. A 2011 World Health Organisation study found prolonged exposure to excess noise lowers concentration levels and increases stress and heart disease risk.

“Excessive noise levels are a proven health hazard,” , says sound- proofing expert rt Ben Hancock ( oscar- acoustics. co. uk).

“It’s not just houses next to loud transport routes that are affected. One of the most common complaints is loud neighbours.”

Thick curtains and soft furnishings in plush fabrics b such h as suede and chenille will help dampen sound. Use thick rugs on hard flooring and place wall hangings or upholstered furniture against walls shared with neighbours, or facing roads with heavy traffic.

LIGHT IT UP

One of the key elements in feng shui is letting natural light flow around your home and for good reason – it can improve mood, concentration and even sleep quality.

“It’s an easy way to bring wellness and tranquillity into the home,” says Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor ( furniturechoice.co.uk).

To maximise natural light in a room, try hanging a mirror opposite the window.

“This will reflect and double the sunshine coming in,” says Rebecca.

Rooms facing in an easterly direction will get sunshine in the morning, while those facing west will get more light in the afternoon and early evening.

“Ensure your workspace is as close to the window as possible, to take advantage of the light.”

ALLERGEN ALLER ALERT

Even the t cleanest homes can be full of allergens su such as dust, which c can set off sneezing, r runny noses a and rashes.

“To reduce the a amount of dust in yo your home, vacuum flo floors and clean surf surfaces regularly as this thism minimises the amount of o dust in the air,” says Max Wiseberg of Haymax ( haymax. biz).

“Vacuum beds and fabrics too, to remove dust and pet allergen particles. If you have children, keep cuddly toys in a cupboard to prevent the build- up of allergens. It may also help to vacuum the toys too.

“If you have pets, especially cats or dogs, keep them off sofas and beds – and out of the bedroom altogether, if possible. Ensure that they are well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to minimise pet allergens.”

BREATHE EASY

The air inside our homes often contains more pollutants 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. They help to increase oxygen levels and have been shown to reduce cold- related illnesses,” says Claire Bishop, from Dobbies Garden Centres ( dobbies. com).

“Peace lilies are one of the best plants for removing indoor pollution, as they purify the air by absorbing pollutants through leaves and roots.

“Meanwhile, Boston ferns are ideal for bathrooms and hallways as they improve humidity.

“Aloe vera is known for its skin- soothing properties, but it also purifies the air of chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products.

“Finally, snake plants are recognised by NASA for removing toxins in the air and releasing oxygen at night, helping you to breathe easier – definitely one for the bedside table.”

COLOUR BOOST

Often when decorating we choose colours based on what’s in fashion.

But colours 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 mood,” says Dr Nerina

Ramlakhan, psychologist and sleep expert ( silentnight. co. uk).

“We don’t see colour in isolation, we take in all the colours surrounding us and form an emotional connection. This then influences how we think, feel and behave.”

A study by Minnesota State University found the colour red increases the body’s stress ess response, while green and white calm it.

Meanwhile, another study found that soft pink was also a restful colour.

Think about the colours in your home.

If your rooms have a clash of several colours, try toning them down to o just a few shades.

Choose accessories in shades you find calming, such as soft green and white.

CLEAR OUT CLUTTER

Not only is clutter unsightly, it can make us anxious, 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 Nicola Lewis, professional organiser and author of Mind Over Clutter.

“Put on some music which makes you feel happy, or light your favourite candle.

“Make a list of things you want to tackle, such as bedside drawers or a wardrobe, and do one at a time. A lot of people make the mistake of emptying all their drawers or cupboards at once, but instead tackle one drawer or section of your wardrobe at a time.

“Make piles of what you want to keep, donate, and recycle.”

The end of September is the perfect time to store summer clothes in moth- p proof bags for the winte winter.

“But B the im important thing is not to t put too much p pressure on yourself,” a adds Nicola.

SCENT S SOOTHER

SO

Our sense s of smell is closely linked l to our limbic system, where h the brain stores memories and processes emotions.

This is why certain scents make us feel instantly 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 McWilliam, of natural cleaning company Colt & Willow ( coltandwillow.com).

“Beeswax particles are better for the air and they clean it while floating around, which means no more indoor pollution.

“Meanwhile, essential oil diffusers are great for giving a natural fragrance.

“Eucalyptus and rosemary both reduce dust mites and tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.”

‘‘ Red in the home can up stress levels while white and green are more calming