19 bhgrecollection.com | 18 | THE DISTINCTIVE LIFE® Volume 14 When it comes to healthy living, many of us are on board with and doing well in all the typical categories. We stock our refrigerators with healthy food, we keep consistent gym hours, and we venture into nature regularly. However, we don’t always consider or try to focus on health in home design. We know that neglecting our health when it comes to the food we eat, how we move, and the number of hours we spend outside can be costly, but we must also remember that it costs to ignore our well-being in our home environment. Let’s discuss how to bring more features for well-being into your home environment and how to use design to promote health throughout your living space. LIFE & LEISURE NATURAL LIGHT The benefits of natural light on our bodies are tremendous, so healthy home design must consider features that let it inside. Natural light is essential for regulating our circadian rhythm, the body’s 24-hour cycle that’s like an internal clock carrying out essential functions and processes. When our circadian rhythm aligns with the night and day cycle, we experience greater well-being. During the day, our bodies need natural light to regulate appetite, hormonal balance, energy levels, and our sleep cycle. Therefore, homeowners are wise to design spaces that maximize natural light. Large windows and skylights, especially in bedrooms and kitchens where we rise from sleep and spend our waking hours, help let in natural light. Additionally, windows and doors that frame the setting sun provide enough light to tell our bodies it’s time to wind down. FRESH AIR Many of us are good about spending time outdoors to breathe fresh air, but we don’t realize that we might suffer inside our homes due to poor air quality. Bringing fresh air indoors can be as easy as swapping picture windows for operable versions that let in breezes. Plants also help keep inside air fresh, so consider adding home design features like living walls and kitchen herb gardens. When considering your healthy home design plan, remember that many paint and flooring products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), producing vapors harmful to human health. Evaluate your existing paint and flooring to see if there is a healthier option.
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