I've said it before, but I'll say it again ? A healthy home is about SO much more than healthy air and water.
This week on the Healthy Home Design podcast, I'm talking about the mental health side of a healthy home. And since mental health is also tied to physical health, the ideas I share in this episode are really powerful tools to treat both your brain and your body to some much needed r&r.
While it is good to have calm spaces in all the rooms in your home, I think it is important to start with the entryway, the living room and the bedrooms. This episode will provide strategies to start transitioning your home to a calm retreat by focusing on these three rooms.
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There is also a fun bonus section at the end of this episode all about creating a meditation nook in your home. So if you've been interested in starting a meditation practice but have felt overwhelmed with how to start, this episode will help you take action.
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Organize Your Entryway!
My favorite free-standing IKEA coat closet.
It is sturdy, looks great, and provides so much storage! On one side there is coat and shoe storage. On the other side there are shelves for the rest of your outerwear.
If you don't have room for a coat closet:
Shoe rack: Oceanstar Bamboo Shoe Rack
The natural wood will enhance the peaceful feeling of your entryway.
Shoe tray: Good Directions Copper Shoe Tray
A metal shoe tray is a good alternative to conventional plastic shoe trays because in a healthy home we want to be minimizing our use of plastic.
Coat hooks: Wood Wall Mounted Coat Hooks
I love these simple coat hooks. I have them in my entryway. They are easy to install and you can align them however you like to either make them playful or formal.
Coat Tree: Vlush Sturdy Wooden Coat Rack Stand
A coat tree is a great way to quickly hang a few coats as you walk in the door. These work well when you do not have wall space to install coat hooks.
Bedroom Lighting:
An important way to help lower stress levels is to get better sleep. As odd as it may seem, the color of light that your body is exposed to plays a big role in how well you sleep at night.
To keep your internal clock running smoothly, your body wants soft, orange-colored light in the evening to start producing melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep.
Nighttime Light Bulb: The Bedtime Bulb
Blue Light Filtering Glasses: Gamma Ray Glasses
Meditation Resources:
When I first started meditating, I had no clue what to do, and that feeling actually held me back from giving it a try.
I eventually came across an app called Headspace, which taught me how to meditate and eased me into the practice. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes a day! (I have no affiliation with the app, I just loved how it worked for me.)
I now use an app called Calm. I only use this for the timed meditation and the background sound it provides (free version), but there are tons of guided meditations on this app (paid version).
Meditation pillows:
If you would like to sit on the floor while you meditate, you might want a cushion to sit on. This will help maintain a good posture and alleviate low back pain.
Waterglider International Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow : This small pillow helps prop you up while your crossed legs rest on the floor.
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow : If you aren't sure whether you would prefer to be fully seated on a cushion, or have only your bum resting on the cushion, the Brentwood is a good option. You can sit cross-legged fully on the cushion or you can sit in lotus position with your feet on the floor.