I recently saw a television news report on the importance of maintaining a healthy home. The tips included in the piece reminded me of the steps many of us take to help brighten the rooms (and moods) of our hospitalized loved ones. Research now shows that those same practices can (and should) be applied to our homes. Here are a few ways researchers found you can make your home healthy:
Flowers—Researchers suggest keeping bright bunches of flowers in rooms throughout your house. Studies found colorful flower arrangements encourage conversation. In addition, recent studies link indoor plants to reductions in stress, fatigue, and illness. Texas A&M researchers found that “volunteers who kept a vase of vibrant flowers along with green plants generated more creative ideas than those in an environment lacking vegetation.” In another study, Kansas State University researchers found that women exposed to flowers were less stressed.
Family Photos—Studies show that surrounding yourself with pictures of loved ones can give you an instant mood boost. A recent study done by the National Institutes of Health Study found that when moms looked at photos of their children (but not others), “emotional parts of their brain — the amygdala and insula — light up on MRIs.” In the study, the moms looked at photos of their own children, friends of their children, unfamiliar children, and unfamiliar adults. The pictures of their own kids were the only ones that “triggered brain areas responsible for the attachment, protectiveness, and empathy associated with motherhood.” Therefore, researchers suggest that by decorating your home with family photos you can stave off emotions linked with depression.
Let the Light Shine In—By now, I’m sure you are familiar with the numerous studies that have uncovered the health benefits of light exposure. Research shows that exposure to natural light can help ease depression, insomnia, PMS, and may even boost concentration. Doctors suggest opening drapes and blinds and allowing light to shine in your home as much as possible. If you don’t have windows that can flood your home with natural light then consider purchasing high quality indoor lights. However, researchers recommend steering away from the headache-inducing glare of direct lighting, instead they suggest choosing “gentler-on-the-eyes” torchieres, wall sconces, or track lights, which diffuse and soften light.
Stock Up on Board Games—Studies show board games reduce the onset of dementia and encourage family unity. It is also a healthier alternative to excessive TV watching which has been linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. In addition, studies have shown that playing board games “familiarizes young children with letters and numbers, builds hand-eye coordination, and encourages kids of all ages to interact with others.” Board games can also help initiate conversations, in a way television doesn’t. For example, strategy games like Monopoly and Life provide opportunities to talk about not only the game itself, but also how it applies to the real world and real problems.