Creating Healthy Homes for Wellness

In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to underestimate the impact our living spaces have on our health and well-being. However, on World Health Day, it’s an opportune moment to contemplate the significance of nurturing environments that foster physical and mental wellness. As seasoned real estate professionals, we recognize the importance of cultivating a healthy home environment and its potential to influence every facet of our lives positively.

At 828 Real Estate, we advocate for homes to transcend mere shelters and become sanctuaries that bolster and elevate our health. Here are some pivotal ways we can prioritize wellness in our living spaces:

 

Ample Natural Light:

Natural light holds sway over our mood, productivity, and overall health. Sun-drenched homes not only exude a sense of spaciousness and warmth but also aid in regulating our circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep patterns and heightened energy levels. When scouting for a new residence or conceptualizing your living area, seek out properties with expansive windows and open layouts to maximize exposure to natural light.

Green Spaces:

  • Infusing our homes with greenery isn’t just visually appealing; it also confers myriad health benefits. Indoor plants serve as natural air purifiers, ridding the atmosphere of toxins and pollutants to enhance indoor air quality. Moreover, being surrounded by nature has been proven to alleviate stress, elevate mood, and bolster cognitive function. Whether it’s a verdant garden, a balcony adorned with potted plants, or a petite herb garden adorning the kitchen windowsill, integrating green spaces into our homes can wield a profound impact on our well-being.

Healthy Materials:

  • The materials in our homes wield considerable influence over our health. Whenever feasible, opt for non-toxic, eco-friendly materials, such as VOC-free paint, sustainable flooring options like bamboo or cork, and natural textiles like organic cotton or wool. These materials not only mitigate exposure to harmful chemicals but also foster a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings that offer environmental, social, and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation. One local LEED-certified group is Capehart Construction.

Comfort and Ergonomics:

  • A home imbued with comfort and ergonomic design is pivotal for promoting overall well-being. Invest in top-notch furniture that supports and encourages proper posture, and arrange your space to facilitate movement and circulation. Consider integrating relaxation zones featuring plush seating and soft lighting to encourage relaxation and alleviate stress.

Mindful Design:

  • Mindful design principles underscore our living spaces’ harmony, equilibrium, and intentionality. Carve out areas dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, and socialization, and declutter regularly to preserve a sense of tranquility and organization. Infuse elements that spark joy and ignite creativity, whether captivating artwork, cherished mementos, or soothing color palettes.

This World Health Day, let’s pledge to prioritize wellness in our homes. By incorporating these principles into our living spaces, we can fashion environments that nurture both body and soul, fostering a happier, healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our loved ones. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of healthy homes in enriching our well-being and quality of life.

 

About the Author

Taylor Higdon was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and was fortunate that family ties in North Carolina allowed her to fall in love with all North Carolina offers. One of her fondest memories was staying at the family’s cabin overlooking Pilot Mountain and spending long summer days trekking down the Blue Ridge Parkway to “Mr. Martin’s Store” for an orange crush and a moonpie, then stopping at “Turtle Rock” to take in the views. This fueled her love of traveling and experiencing all the world has to offer. 

Taylor studied Advertising and Graphic Design at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Still, her passion for learning has taken her through additional areas of study, and she refuses to stop learning. 

Her love for community led her to publish a neighborhood-specific magazine in the neighborhood she grew up in to bring people together and keep the community informed. Taylor brings her love for community and helping people with her to 828 Real Estate has jumped in headfirst, and is an active member of The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. 

When Taylor is not working at 828 Real Estate, she spends time with her parents in Blowing Rock, exploring the many hiking trails, kayaking with friends, and spending time with her two cats, Inigo Montoya (Monty) and Pumpkin.