More Ways to Improve the Health of Your Home
As well as eliminating harmful chemicals, there are other ways to improve the health of the home. The more time you spend creating a healthy home environment, the healthier and happier you and the family will be.
Not sure where to start? Below, you’ll discover more ways to improve the health of your home.
Invest in an air purifier
Ensuring the home’s air is clean is one of the most important steps when making the home healthier. This can be achieved with a good quality air purifier. These help to eliminate fine particle matter from the air. This has been linked to heart disease and lung issues. However, when purchasing an air purifier, make sure you’re getting the best quality. Some won’t be able to remove the smaller fine particle matter.
Open your windows regularly
Good ventilation is also important for the health of the home. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure you open your windows frequently.
Even in winter, you should open the windows once each day to allow fresh air to circulate around the property. If you have air filters in the home, you’ll also want to replace these frequently to ensure they are working correctly.
Take shoes off outside
Taking your shoes off after a long day is one of the nicest feelings. However, do you tend to take them off inside the home? Most people remove their shoes inside, but this means you may have trodden some harmful toxins into the home.
Instead, it’s best to remove your shoes before you get into the house. This may not be easy when it’s raining and wet outdoors. However, you could always take them off on the welcome mat just inside the home.
Add more plants to the home
Plants are one of the best natural ways to remove harmful toxins from the home. They can help to purify the air and eliminate carbon dioxide.
Not all plants and flowers will boost the quality of the air. So, you’ll want to focus on ones that do such as Areca palms, rubber plants, peace lilies and Aloe vera.
Switch to soy candles
Do you frequently use scented candles to enhance the smell of the home? If so, you could be unknowingly adding harmful chemicals into the environment. The Petroleum based paraffin candles are the worst culprits for toxic fumes. Instead, opt for 10%% soy candles or other vegetable-based candles. These don’t produce any harmful chemicals at all.
Give the home a spring clean
When was the last time you gave your home a full spring clean? If you can’t remember or it was a long time ago, now’s the time to give it a big clean.
Cleaning the home regularly is one of the easiest ways to reduce harmful chemicals in the home. It eliminates dust, dirt and debris which could be a haven for bacteria. Ideally, you’ll want to try and do a big clean once a month. However, if this isn’t possible every few months should be enough.
Filter tap water
Tap water can contain a lot of nasty chemicals. To ensure yours isn’t contaminated, it’s worth investing in a water filter. When you drink the filtered water, you can rest in the knowledge that it doesn’t contain anything harmful.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to improve the health of the home. Paying attention to the cleanliness of the home, while focusing on air quality will help to make it a much safer space. The more effort you put into cleaning the home and making it a healthier place to be, the better your quality of life will be.
Natural Alternatives to Harmful Chemicals
As harmful chemicals are typically found in everything from our food to our cleaning products, it’s easy to think they are unavoidable. However, did you know there are some great natural alternatives you can use?
If you’re looking to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals, below you’ll discover some great natural alternatives to consider.
Stainless steel cookware
Most homes take advantage of the convenience of non-stick cookware. However, did you know it can give off toxic gases when being used?
Brands such as Teflon, use Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is what gives the cookware its non-stick properties. However, studies have shown that when heated to high temperatures, toxic gases are released. This can lead to problems such as production issues and potentially even cancer. Instead, it’s best to use stainless steel cookware. If you can’t live without your non-stick cookware however, it’s best to cook with them over lower temperatures.
Use glass, rather than plastic bottles
Plastic water bottles tend to be the go-to option. However, they can also contain numerous harmful chemicals such as BPA. These can leak through into the water, then absorb into the body when you drink from them.
Instead of using plastic bottles, aim to switch to glass bottles instead. These don’t contain harmful chemicals and they are reusable which means they are also better for the environment too.
Natural cleaning products
Cleaning products are a huge source of harmful chemicals. However, did you know you can now purchase natural cleaning solutions?
There are more natural cleaning solutions out there than ever before. When you consider traditional chemical cleaners contain bleach and ammonia, it’s worth looking into natural alternatives. The fumes released from cleaning products can lead to respiratory issues and they are also extremely dangerous for children.
There are lots of natural alternatives you can try. As well as pre-mixed natural solutions, you can also choose to make your own. Vinegar, baking powder and lemon juice are the main natural ingredients used in alternative cleaning solutions. Take a look online and you’ll find lots of natural cleaning product recipes to try out.
Natural insect repellents
As the weather warms up, all kinds of bugs can start to invade the home. Ants, wasps and flies are common pests that we typically tend to kill off with insect repellent.
Insect repellents are known to contain harmful chemicals. This is why they often have instructions to spray them, leave the room for a set time period, and then air the room out afterwards. They may be effective, but they could seriously harm your health.
Like natural cleaning solutions, you’ll also find lots of recipes online for natural insect repellents. Did you know for example, lemon juice and vinegar can be off putting to certain insects? Simply do an online search for natural insect repellents, followed by the pest you’re having trouble with, and it will show you the best natural products to use.
Flowers instead of air freshener
If you like to keep the home smelling fresh, it’s common to use cans of air freshener. However, these too contain harmful toxins which can build up in the home.
Instead of using air freshener, there are plenty of natural alternatives you can try. Fresh flowers are a great option. Not only do they smell divine, but they also help to brighten up the home. There may be a lot of harmful toxins found in traditional products, but there is also a lot of natural alternatives out there. The above are just some of the natural alternatives to harmful chemicals you can start using today. It’s also worth looking into natural based cosmetics and baby products too.
Invisible Threats You May Not Think About
When it comes to removing toxins from the home, some are more obvious than others. There are a number of hidden toxins you might not even be aware of that could pose a risk to your health. Here, you’ll discover some invisible threats you may not think about when removing toxins from the home.
Dust mites
You can’t see them, but dust mites are very much present in the home. Known to live on fabrics, particularly mattresses, it is the fecal matter from these mites which causes potential health issues.
As you vacuum and carry out dusting of the home, it can release the fecal matter into the air. This is when you breathe it in, and it can cause issues. Washing bedding regularly and reducing damp in the room will help combat dust mites.
Air fresheners and perfume
Air fresheners and perfume might smell divine, but they could be harboring harmful toxins. In fact, they could contain hundreds of different chemicals.
The trouble occurs when the chemicals in the perfume and air freshener, mix with the ozone in the air. This in turn can lead to the development of secondary indoor pollution chemicals. This can cause headaches, digestive troubles and allergic reactions. Using natural air fresheners and perfumes will help eliminate this worry from the home.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a plasticizer, used to make plastics much more flexible. It is frequently found in products such as water bottles, food packaging, baby bottles, pacifiers and plastic cutlery.
This harmful toxin is known to impact both male and female fertility, cause trouble for the cardiovascular system and lead to development and behavioral issues in children. When searching for plastic related products, look out for ones which claim they are BPA free. Most baby bottle manufacturers for example, have now eliminated BPA from their products. However, be aware that if you choose some of the common BPA alternatives, like BPF, they haven’t yet been fully tested. Therefore, it isn’t known whether they are actually safer than BPA.
Phthalates are most commonly found in PVC based products. These include plastic wrap, food storage containers, vinyl flooring and baby toys. They are also used to prolong the scent in fragrances.
Although found in many household items, these chemicals do pose a huge risk to the health. They can particularly lead to endocrine damage, birth defects in babies and they are especially harmful to children. Even low doses of Phthalates can cause health risks.
Always ensure any baby products you buy are listed as Phthalate free. You’ll also want to avoid eating anything that has been cooked or stored in a plastic microwave container. Check labels for the inclusion of “fragrance” in the ingredients too. This would suggest the product does contain Phthalates and should be avoided.
Parabens are typically added to products and used to prevent mold and bacterial growth. They are most frequently added to skin care, beauty and personal care products.
The issues parabens can cause include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endocrine disruption. They can also lead to issues with reproduction and birth defects. They have been used in beauty products since the 1920’s and help to boost the shelf life of cosmetics.
A high level of cosmetic products still contain parabens today. So, it’s best to look out for products which advertise themselves to be paraben free.
These are some of the most common hidden chemicals you could be exposed to in the home. When you’re trying to make the home cleaner and safer, you’ll want to consider the invisible threats too. Follow the advice above to reduce or eliminate these hidden toxins from the home today.
Common Toxins to Remove from the Home and Get Rid of them Safely
Although it’s practically impossible to eliminate your exposure to chemicals completely, there are ways to minimize the risks.
Some toxins are much more harmful than others so eliminating from the home is essential for your health. Here, you’ll discover some common toxins to remove from the home and how to get rid of them safely.
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOC’s can come from a range of sources in the home. They vaporize easily and add gas pollutants into the environment. The amount of VOC’s in the home has been recorded as being over 400. As they are found in so many household products, VOC’s tend to be more common inside than outside of the home.
The most common risks they present to your health include:
⦁ Eye or respiratory tract infections
⦁ Dizziness
⦁ Headaches
⦁ Increased risk of cancer
⦁ Damage to the liver, kidneys or central nervous system
They are often found in new home furnishings and carpets, plywood, interior paints, cleaning fluids and deodorants to name just a few.
The main way to safely eliminate VOC’s from the home, is through ventilation. Ensure you open your windows frequently, particularly if you have just painted the home. You’ll also want to keep the humidity and temperature of the rooms low.
Another tip is to look for products which are advertised as low VOC. Mold is a common household problem, yet it can be extremely harmful to the health. Caused by excess moisture levels and a lack of ventilation, mold can quickly grow and spread throughout the home.
Many people are sensitive to the effects of mold. However, symptoms are usually mild including coughing and wheezing, nasal stuffiness and skin irritation. If left untreated, the health effects experienced could be much more severe, particularly for those with asthma.
The earlier you spot and treat a mold problem the better. Leave windows open at least once a day, invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a moisture prone area and fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.
Pesticides are commonly used to keep pests under control in the home. However, they can also be found in other unexpected areas too. Some pesticides have been detected in around 50% to 95% of foods in the US. So, you could be consuming them as part of your daily diet.
Avoid using bug sprays and lawn pesticides wherever possible. You’ll also want to pay attention to the labels of the food you purchase and try and find foods which don’t contain this harmful chemical.
Heavy metals Over time, harmful chemicals found in heavy metals such as lead, aluminum and cadmium, can gather within the soft tissues of the body. The trouble is these metals are commonly found throughout the home.
Some of the most common sources of heavy metals include types of seafood, drinking water, antiperspirant, lead paints and preserved wood. They can lead to health problems such as Alzheimer’s Disease, nausea, abnormal heart rhythm and fatigue.
To limit your exposure, make sure you install water filters in the home, avoid eating high mercury content fish and avoid buying treated wood products. You’ll also want to check for lead paint in the home, as well as avoid buying any products constructed from PFC.
These are just a small selection of the most common toxins to remove from the home. All of the toxins mentioned above can have a severe impact on your health in the long term. So, eliminating them now will ensure you and the family stay safe indoors.
Removing Harmful Chemicals from Your Home in 2021
Why Removing Harmful Chemicals Is Important
Did you know there could be a lot of harmful toxins lurking in the home? From flooring to paint and medications to cleaning products; we are surrounded by toxins every single day. While a low level of toxins isn’t harmful to the body, too much of them could cause serious health issues. Here, you’ll discover why removing harmful chemicals in the home is important.
It’s harmful to your kids.
While harmful chemicals impact everyone in the household, kids are known to be particularly susceptible to exposure. Young children especially are exposed to a lot more chemicals than adults. This is because they crawl across the floor, place things in their mouths and breathe more air than adults.
The trouble is that their bodies are still developing. The immune system isn’t as strong as it is for an adult. This means they are even more at risk of developing harmful effects from the chemicals they are surrounded with.
It increases the risk of lung diseases.
Harmful chemicals can have a number of effects on the respiratory system. The most common issues caused by high levels of chemical exposure include asthma and lung disease. The main chemicals that can lead to issues with respiratory issues include Cadmium, Benzene and Asbestos. The latter is typically found in old insulation, while Cadmium is found in old batteries and Benzene is found in degreasers.
Potential impact on the renal system.
You’ll also find harmful chemicals can potentially impact your renal system too. This part of the body is responsible for eliminating waste, regulating body fluids and salt levels. The damage caused to the renal system by harmful chemicals can include kidney tissue damage, kidney cancer and a limited ability to filter the blood.
Possible chemicals that could impact the renal system include lead, Mercury and Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. Lead is found in outdated plumbing and old paint, while Mercury is found thermostats and fish. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents are found in dry cleaning solutions, degreasers and paint removers.
The danger to your cardiovascular health.
Exposure to certain chemicals can also impact the cardiovascular system. Used to move gases, nutrients and waste to and from the body, fight disease and stabilize your temperature, the cardiovascular system is crucial to our health.
The main chemicals that put the cardiovascular system at risk include nitrates, Methylene chloride and carbon monoxide. Nitrates are largely found in fertilizers, while Methylene chloride is found in paint removers and auto part cleaners. Carbon monoxide, the most harmful chemical to be exposed to, is found in faulty furnaces and car exhausts.
Potential reproductive issues.
Worryingly, exposure to high levels of harmful chemicals can also cause problems with reproduction. You may find it more difficult to conceive, it can increase the risk of your baby dying, and cause potential birth defects. In some cases, it can even cause infertility.
The chemicals putting you at risk of reproductive issues include Methyl Mercury, lead and carbon monoxide. Methyl Mercury is largely found in fish and coal burning power. These are just some of the ways harmful chemicals can impact your health. They can also cause issues for the nervous system, such as sight, memory and speech. The immune system can also be impacted, and it can cause troubles like rashes and dermatitis for the skin.
As you can see, there are a lot of chemicals that can impact your health in the home. The above are just some of the reasons why it is important to remove harmful chemicals from the home. While you can’t eliminate all chemicals completely, it is possible to reduce the amount in the home to improve your health.
Decluttering Can Be Made into a Fun, Easy Life Habit
Do you own stuff – or does your stuff own you?
If your room feels cluttered, it might be time to take a good hard look – not at your stuff, but your habits. You can’t clean clutter, but you can dispose of it. But rather than go on a massive decluttering spree that takes all weekend, you instead need to focus on creating a new mindset entirely. One where decluttering becomes a fun, and even easy, life habit.
Where do you begin?
1. Make rules about new stuff – specifically if you bring one new thing into the house, to get rid of something else. That keeps you from keeping around a broken object once you buy a replacement. But it also helps out your closet. What if every article of clothing that you buy means another one has to go? Here’s your chance to finally get rid of those old jeans that were never going to fit again anyway – or if they are, are so out of fashion you wouldn’t want to wear them out in public.
2. Declutter 15 minutes every day. It doesn’t take long to make an impact, and 15 minutes is just enough time to sort through a drawer or glance over a bookshelf or two. In a week, you’ll have made a significant change to your environment without even noticing that you’ve done it. By doing it at a set time (before bed, before work, after lunch…whatever works) you’ll also have built in a habit in no time at all that will serve to keep your environment under control.
3. Put that back! When you’re done using something, then take a moment to put it away. Don’t leave that decorative paper out after wrapping a gift! If you’ve used the scissors, you know where they go! By getting in the habit of cleaning up after yourself, you guarantee that you’ll never have that lost feeling again when you can’t find what you’re looking for.
4. Keep your hands busy. Before leaving a room, take a quick look around. Is there something there that doesn’t belong, that maybe needs to go to a different room altogether? By grabbing one item every time you leave a room, you begin a slow migration of things back where they belong.
5. Tidy up immediately after meals. By taking a moment to clean the kitchen before grabbing the remote and some time on the couch, you’ll find that you don’t dread your kitchen the next morning anymore. Even better, you’ll find you save a lot of time on your morning routine if you do.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By creating a lot of small (not to mention easy) habits, you’ll keep your space under control, and be able to enjoy the rest of your day better.
Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Mind and Home =
Remember to Declutter Your Mind
When you start decluttering one of the things you notice is how so much of the clutter in your house reflects the clutter in your mind. If you’re hanging onto to clothes that don’t fit, or the ugly vase your mother gave you for Christmas or the exercise bike you might get around to using, you don’t just have a problem with too much stuff. You have a problem letting go. Chances are you’re also hanging onto a whole bunch of bad feelings, ill-founded assumptions, old grievances and future worries.
If it feels good to declutter your house, it feels even better to declutter your mind. Here are some useful expert tips to make some space in your mind.
Use some meditation techniques
You don’t have to do the full sitting on a cushion in a darkened room thing to benefit from meditation techniques. If you’re feeling overwound, some simple breathing techniques can help you calm down and focus. For a few minutes, focus only on your breathing and nothing else. If your mind wanders or gets back into the worrying groove, you must put that aside and come back to focus on your breath.
It can help to write down anything that’s on your mind. Once all those worries are down on paper, you can prioritize them and work out a plan to deal with them. You can also assess them to identify what’s essential and what isn’t. When you can see what’s important, you can focus your energy and free up some of that mental space!
Stay in the present
Brooding over the past and worrying about the future take up a lot of space in your mind and achieve precisely nothing. Let go of regret over past mistakes or resentment of past slights and move on. Keep your focus on what you can influence right here, right now.
Do one thing at a time
Multitasking is not only overrated (it’s very inefficient), it also leads to greater anxiety, and you never do any one thing properly. Focus on doing things methodically and thoroughly. As you finish one task, move onto the next.
Control all the incoming data
We talk about being available 24/7 and the 24-hour news cycle, but there is only one person who can control that. You. You can choose to switch off your computer, smartphone, and tv and control the amount of data your brain is trying to process.
Decluttering your mind will pay off in all sorts of ways you hadn’t imagined. You will be more productive, less stressed and more motivated.
Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Mind and Home =
Tips To Continue To Take Care Of Yourself Going Forward
Self-care is a process. It requires practice and dedication if you want to make it stick. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to make this new concept a part of your life. It’ll get easier, and you’ll probably find yourself craving your self-care activities so much you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. However, there will inevitably be times that are busier or more stressful when self-care may go by the wayside. If you find that happening, be sure to follow these tips to continue to take care of yourself going forward.
Follow Your Gut
Sometimes we get so busy that we find ourselves living on auto-pilot. That’s only natural during hectic times, but it’s critical that you make an attempt to listen to your instincts during these times to know whether you’re in need of a boost. When you start to feel especially frazzled or fatigued, that’s not a cue to double down and work harder. It’s your body and mind telling you that you need a break. Listen to them. Along these lines, look for other unusual signs that things are off balance with you such as irritability, eating poorly, losing sleep or indulging in bad habits. These things are telling you to take care of yourself.
Schedule It In
A trick that helps some people to fit self-care into their schedules when life gets busy is to actually write it in their date book or calendar. Treat your self-care commitments like any other appointment or event. Write down the time you’ll start and finish. Try to be specific about the activity you’ll engage in. Doing these things will increase the odds that you’ll actually follow through. It’s easy to put yourself on the backburner when life gets crazy, but don’t forget that these are the times you need self-care the most.
Create a Plan
Developing a self-care plan is crucial to maintaining your well-being. I shared some ideas in a previous blog post about how to do this. Let’s review a bit, as it’s so important to have a self-care toolkit at your disposal during life’s busiest and most stressful periods. Keep your emergency self-care list and your care package together so they’re easily accessed when you need them.
You also make sure there’s a list of trusted contacts to call when you might need some self-care encouragement and accountability. Your tribe can provide the motivation and support you need to take care of yourself.
One final word. Take time to assess your self-care needs regularly. This will also help to keep you on track. Ask yourself once a week or so if you’re giving yourself enough time and attention. Listen to your instincts. Make adjustments as necessary. Self-care is an ongoing and evolving process. It requires your constant attention
Don’t Feel Guilty For Practicing Self-Care
In yesterday’s post, we touched on the fact that many people feel guilty for spending time and resources on self-care. There are a lot of complex reasons for this within our society. Despite what anyone else may say, you deserve to focus on your own needs. In fact, it’s good for those you love when you take care of yourself. You truly can’t fill another’s cup if your own is empty. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize why you shouldn’t feel guilty for practicing self-care and encourage you to do so in every area of your life.
It’s Not Selfish
First and foremost, you must understand that taking time to care for yourself is not selfish in any way. It may be hard to get past the mindset that the needs of others are more important than your own, but overcoming this mindset is essential to allowing yourself to adequately meet your own needs. Care isn’t a zero-sum concept. When you care for yourself, it doesn’t have to mean you don’t care about others.
It’s Necessary
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It really is like the airplane air mask comparison. You have to ensure you can breathe before you can help those around you. If you’re tired, rundown and overwhelmed all the time, you absolutely cannot give your best self to others. You also can’t offer yourself the very best. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish.
It Sets a Good Example
If you’re a parent, investing in self-care is not only good for you, it sets a good example for your kids. Even if you don’t have children, taking the time to care for yourself might be inspiring or motivational for those around you. In order for a stigma to end, it has to be normalized. When more of us let the world around us know why self-care matters, they may begin to change their minds about the concept, as well.
It Demands Respect
It also sets a precedent for how you expect others to treat you. When you demonstrate that you value yourself and that you find worth investing time in yourself, they will respond in kind. Learning to say no and set boundaries is good for your relationships. It teaches others how you expect to be treated and makes it clear that you see yourself as a priority. There’s no reason to feel guilty for that.
It will take time to overcome a lifetime of message society has given you and you’ve internalized. With practice, you can come to see the benefits of self-care and that it doesn’t have to be something that causes guilt.
Self-Care Doesn’t Have To Cost Anything
Lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care. They think they have to be deserving of it. They feel like it’s splurging to do something good for yourself. It can seem extravagant. I’d like to change that mindset today. Self-care is something you deserve. Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront. You can’t take care of others when your own well-being is suffering. Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself.
Take a Time Out
Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. So why not give yourself a time out? Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music. Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.
Waste Some Time
We often feel pressured to be productive all the time. Being busy is a sign of worth and accomplishment. However, it really doesn’t have to be that way. Just kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries. Let yourself have some down time to do something frivolous like binge on your favorite Netflix show, take a nap or just sit and pet your cat. You deserve it.
Do Some Writing
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity. Jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being. It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. Jotting down dreams for the future might inspire and motivate you to take action. Give it a try.
Reach Out to Someone
Socializing is a crucial part of self-care. Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated. Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Sit down and Skype with your favorite internet pal. Meeting up in person for a walk together or a cup of coffee is even better. Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing.
Change Your Perspective
A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir-crazy in your home. If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you.
While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self-care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept. You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being.