Contributed Collaborative Post
Our homes have always been important, but over the last year, it has never been more crucial to feel safe and content at home. With most of us spending a lot more time in our houses than normal, here are some helpful hacks to create a healthy, happy home.
Hygiene
Hygiene is firmly on the agenda as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. It has always been important to keep our homes clean and tidy, but cleaning regimes have taken on a brand new meaning during the pandemic. Wiping surfaces, washing hands for 20 seconds and taking steps to disinfect anything that has come in from outside have become normal practices and they are key to creating hygienic homes. Take the lessons from the pandemic on board and continue to use techniques and routines to keep your home clean as we look towards a more ‘normal’ future. Use products to sanitise surfaces, clean floors on a regular basis, wash bedding, towels and clothes frequently and keep on top of cleaning your kitchen appliances and your bathroom. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be havens for bacteria and other germs. Check the optimal temperature for your refrigerator, store leftovers in sealed containers and remove waste from your kitchen. Mop bathroom floors regularly, use products to clean sinks, shower units and toilets and keep the room well ventilated to reduce moisture. Excess moisture can cause damp, which increases the risk of mould.
Image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721/
Fresh air
Many of us have taken solace in being out in the open and taking breaks from work or homeschooling to stretch the legs and get some fresh air. It’s brilliant to get out and enjoy walks, bike rides or picnics, but it’s also beneficial to let fresh air into your home. Open windows from time to time and keep doors open to let air circulate. A burst of fresh air can make your home feel cleaner and more vibrant and crucially, ventilation also plays a key role in reducing the risk of spreading Covid-19. As we move towards warmer climes and sunny days, take advantage of the opportunity to keep windows and doors open as much as possible.
Picture credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/window-view-tree-landscape-season-2994497/
Reducing stress and promoting wellbeing
Our homes have taken on a diverse range of roles and functions in the last 12 months. For many of us, our nests have become workplaces and classrooms, as well as places to eat, sleep, rest and spend quality time with family. One of the main struggles people have faced during the pandemic is being able to switch out of work mode when living and working in the same place. If this scenario sounds familiar, it’s hugely beneficial to think about ways you can promote relaxation and reduce stress at home. Try to create a haven that enables you to feel calm and enjoy peace and tranquillity, as well as the thrills and spills of family life. Section off parts of living spaces or use a spare room to enjoy activities or hobbies that induce serenity or take time out. Even if you only have a corner of the living room, for example, you can use soft furnishings, soothing colours and ambient lighting to provide a base for listening to music, reading books or curling up with a cup of tea at the end of a busy day or a long week.
Decluttering
Decluttering is beneficial for several reasons. Clutter can detract from the visual appeal of rooms and make them look cramped and dark, but it can also harbour dust and dirt and increase stress levels. If your home is cluttered, set a date and embark upon a decluttering operation. Tackle each room methodically. Put things you want to keep away, use storage to make tidying quick and easy and create piles of stuff you don’t want anymore. You can donate or sell anything that is in good condition and take everything else to the tip. Once you have eliminated clutter, consider investing in additional storage if you have possessions that don’t have homes or hiring a storage unit if you need to find space for large items, such as furniture. Decluttering can be incredibly cathartic, it can save time on cleaning and tidying and it will also make your home look larger, brighter and more inviting.
Picture courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-relocation-3791617/
Our homes have never been more important. With many of us spending most of our time at home, it’s critical to feel safe, secure and happy. If you’re looking to create a healthier home for your family, take these simple tips on board today.
This is a contributed collaborative post.
