TIPS TO CREATE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AT HOME
© Photo by: Marie-Lou Duvillier ( @Marielouduvillier)
Here at Nicole Ravachi Beauty, we believe that health goes far beyond what you put on your plate or a skincare routine. We know that to have a balanced and happy lifestyle, we must have a physical, mental, and emotional balance. However, in addition to having a healthy interior, the exterior and the environment in which we operate must also be healthy. Nowadays, we spend most of the day confined at home, and instead of undermining our health, the environment in our homes should contribute to our well-being and happiness.
Below we share the best tips to create a harmonious and healthy atmosphere in your home:
LET FRESH AIR IN
Raising the curtains and opening the windows not only allows natural sunlight to illuminate your home, but also lets fresh air from outside enter and ventilate the house. The Ministry of Health highlights the importance of maintaining air circulation in homes to avoid respiratory infections, lung diseases, and symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches, and a feeling of dry skin. The suggested ventilation time is 10-20 minutes daily.
ADD AN AIR PURIFIER
Indoor air pollution, although it cannot be seen, is very real and is present in most homes. Dust, mold, bacteria, and gases such as carbon monoxide are some of the pollutants found in the air in your home, and are caused by various sources, such as construction materials (paints, asbestos, etc.), cleaning chemicals, poor maintenance of HVAC systems, and even ourselves who naturally produce biological particles and aerosols. To prevent pollution in your home, in addition to maintaining good home hygiene, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) recommends investing in an air purifier.
PURCHASE AN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses the power of essential oils to improve people's physical and emotional health. Essential oils are natural plant extracts that have a wide variety of benefits: they can improve your mood, relieve pain, or calm your body and mind, among many more. Additionally, the exquisite fragrance emitted by the diffuser will transport you to a luxurious spa without leaving home.
ATTRACT POSITIVE ENERGY WITH PLANTS
Studies have revealed that having plants in the house stimulates creativity, productivity and improves mood. Likewise, it is stated that home gardens reduce stress and fatigue in people. In addition to being decorative and adding a touch of spring to your home, plants also clean indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Nicky's favorites are: cactus, bonsai, rosemary and lavender.
CREATE A ZEN SPACE
Creating a calm, inspiring space to practice yoga, meditate, or just be alone is a great way to keep your mental health in check. Having a corner that produces calm and peace in the house will make you feel the same inside.
REPLACE PARAFFIN CANDLES WITH SOY CANDLES
We all love using decorative and aromatic candles to decorate our home. However, conventional candles are made of paraffin, a petroleum derivative that contaminates your home when they burn. Instead, opt for natural, plant-based candles like soy; In addition to being healthy, they last up to 2-3 times longer than paraffin ones.
DO NOT ENTER WITH SHOES
Whether in pandemic times or not, shoes can be excellent carriers of bacteria and viruses. If you walk in with the same sneakers you wore when leaving the house, you can transfer those germs throughout your living space. Better leave a basket with clean slippers near the door of your home and prevent the circulation of germs.
BE CAUTION WHEN CHOOSING CLEANING PRODUCTS
Many cleaning products contain ingredients that contribute to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. When shopping, opt for those that say “biodegradable,” “eco-friendly,” or “non-toxic,” and avoid those with substances like phthalates (fragrance), perchloroethylene, triclosan, 2-butoxyethanol, ammonia, and more . However, the best solution is to take time to prepare homemade, 100% natural sprays and solvents with ingredients such as baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar.
