As school gets underway once again, many students are looking at starting the year at home in a continued effort to keep themselves and other students healthy. However, we may be putting ourselves at risk for other issues if we don’t give ourselves a healthy place to live and work in. That is why it’s essential to know how to create a healthier living environment while you’re working on your classes and all the time in between them.
Clean up
Cleaning up is foundational to a healthier environment. On a basic level, cleaning your room and car interior helps to lessen the germs in your space. But getting rid of dirt, trash, and old food also prevents other germ carriers from coming into your space—namely pests like bugs and rodents. Lessening the dust in your surroundings will also help relieve allergy and asthma symptoms. From a mental health perspective, a clean, organized space also reduces stress and improves mood.
Go Natural
Cleaning is important, but cleaning with harsh chemicals can do more harm than good, especially if you struggle with chemical sensitivity. Even if you don’t have a chemical sensitivity, harsh cleaning products can irritate your skin and aggravate allergies. Using natural cleaners circumnavigates these issues and is healthier for the environment. There are other chemicals in your home besides cleaning products, though. Check out the ingredients in your candles and air fresheners, and consider switching over to soy-candles and natural air fresheners.
Bring in a Little Nature
Of course, the most natural air freshener on the planet is still a living plant. House plants, just like their outdoor counterparts, help to purify the surrounding air, boost oxygen, and act as natural humidifiers. These attributes together can help prevent illness. Houseplants can also reduce stress, according to scientific studies.
Wind-down Spaces and Workspaces
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health—and it’s interrelated. Those struggling with chronic stress tend to have weaker immune systems and are more prone to health issues. One way to make your space more conducive to better mental health, especially if you are attending school from home, is to make a dedicated space for work and a dedicated space to wind down. These physical cues will allow you to focus on schoolwork while working and then to relax when you’re finished, just like when you leave the classroom and go home.
Whether you are back to dorm life or still at home, it is not difficult to create a healthier living environment. Wherever your studies take you, wellness is something you can bring along.
