Wellness is often categorized as eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep and exercise to optimize our immune system. Often, little thought is often given to the health of our indoor environments. During the winter months, many of us are spending more time indoors. We don’t often consider how the health of our indoor environment affects the health of our bodies.
Here are several things you can do to create and maintain a healthy interior environment in the winter.
Improve Your Air Quality
During the winter months, indoor air quality can worsen due to heating systems, limited ventilation, and dry air. Furnaces are known for circulating all kinds of pollutants around your home, so making sure you regularly change the air filter on your furnace is very important. Chage your filter at least every 3 months.
Use a HEPA air filter.
Indoor air can become polluted with dust, pet dander, allergens, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove these particles, especially in areas where you spend the most time. We also recommend using a home air purifier like EnviroKlenz that clears the air of bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. You should also vacuum at least once a week, ideally with a good quality vacuum.
Add some houseplants to your décor.
Certain houseplants are well-known for their ability to improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen. Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and rubber plants top the list . Plus living greenery in our environments are proven mood-lifters and anxiety-reducers, which we can all use in the dark winter months.
Open your windows.
Let the fresh air in. While keeping windows shut during cold weather is essential for warmth but letting in fresh air for even 5 minutes a day can do wonders for your home’s air quality, reducing indoor air pollutants and helping reduce excess moisture.
Test for radon.
Test your home for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer nationwide, and the #1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Missoula Country reports that approximately 50% of homes test positive to radon. If positive, a radon mitigation system is commonly installed.
Manage Your Indoor Humidity
Use a Humidifier.
To reduce dryness, use a humidifier or have one installed with your HVAC system. Making sure your house isn’t too dry, and your humidity levels are optimal (between 30-50%). Purchase a hygrometer at your local hardware store to monitor these levels.
Check for mold.
Too much moisture can inspire mold growth. Mold is a common allergen and has been linked to asthma and other health concerns. Not to mention, mold can cause significant structural damage to your home. Fix leaks promptly and dry wet areas quickly and completely. If you suspect mold in your environment, here is a link to find a qualified mold inspector.
Limit Chemical Exposures
Choose natural cleaning products.
There can be many toxic chemicals hidden in our everyday cleaning products. Opt for non-toxic, natural cleaning supplies that are not only safer for your indoor environment but also your respiratory health. Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Healthy Cleaning provides you with easy-to-navigate hazard ratings for a wide range of cleaners and ingredients.
Avoid synthetic fragrances.
Many air fresheners, candles, and cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be very irritating to the respiratory system, and for many can trigger headaches and skin reactions. Choose essential oil diffusers or beeswax candles to maintain a pleasant indoor scent without harmful chemicals.
Create Coziness = Hygge
In addition to the health of our indoor environment, there is also the concept of creating a peaceful and comfortable environment. Hygge, pronounced “hue-guh,” is a concept originated in Danish culture that focuses on living with a sense of comfort, coziness, and peace. It has been described as, “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.” Lighting is an essential part of creating a sense of hygge in your living space.
The use of warm, soft white light creates inviting space when compared to harsh bright bulbs. Floor lamps versus overhead lighting softly illuminates spaces. Lastly, candles are a hallmark of hygge – inspiring comfort and relaxation. If open-flamed presents too much of a hazard in your household, you can elect to use LED candles. Hygge is all about things that feel soft and cozy. Coziness is not complete without a great blanket and warm comfortable socks.
We are a product of our environment, so let’s bring focus to our environmental health this winter. Wishing you a healthy and cozy winter season!
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