It’s no secret that where you spend most of your time affects your well-being. A healthy home makes self-care easier. As a certified health coach who recently moved into her first home, I know firsthand the importance of filling your living space with things that positively affect how you feel. But before you start getting nervous that all these healthy home essentials are going to rack up your credit card bill, stay with me for a second. You might be surprised how easy and affordable it is to fill your home with items that make you feel like your best self.
Get ready to transform your space into an environment where you feel confident about tackling any new wellness habits or goals. These are eight healthy household essentials I can’t live without.
1. Essential oil diffuser
Essential oils have become a big hit in recent years for their physical and mental health. And of course, they can deliver an instant zen hit that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a luxurious day at the spa. These oils are made entirely from natural ingredients and are also highly concentrated, making the small bottles they usually come in go a long way. Just add a few drops to the diffuser and easily fill the room with fragrance. I like to use peppermint to relieve headaches and aid digestion or lavender to relieve stress.
2. Drinking water filter
Hydration is always a principle I preach, but it’s also important to make sure the water you drink is clean. It is not possible to tell if water is clean just by looking at it, and some tap water may contain hidden impurities. Yes, that could include the water you use to make your favorite latte. But don’t panic—water filters that filter out these impurities come in all shapes and sizes. You can even have one built into your fridge! If not, start with a filtered water bottle or pitcher that you can keep on your kitchen counter or in the fridge. Remember that using a clean water system without frequent filter changes can be counterproductive, so change the filter regularly.
3. Pop bright colors
Adding color is one of the easiest ways to brighten up your home, and you may already have what you need. I love a good neutral room, but including a pop of bright color allows me to add a specific purpose to the space based on how I spend time there. It can be something as simple as a pillow, blanket, candle or rug – all work well as an atmosphere check before you commit to painting a wall. To determine the best color for a given space, I like to rely on a bit of color psychology. Here are the mood benefits of some popular options, according to ColorPsychology.org:
- Blue: calmness, freshness, strength, reliability
- Green: Growth, harmony, freshness, peace
- Yellow: Fresh ideas, creativity, mental clarity, new perspectives, joy, intellect
- Pink: Love, tenderness, vulnerability, youth
- Purple: Stability, royalty, ambition, wisdom, dignity
4. Plants
I probably don’t need to tell you that adding greenery to any room will create an overall atmosphere, but did you know that plants can also clean the air? That’s right—your plant mom habits are officially legit. Plants such as English ivy, aloe vera, peace lilies and many others can remove toxins from the air, absorb CO2 and release more oxygen. I like to add plants to rooms that are particularly prone to dust to help them breathe naturally. I’m also a fan of air purifiers, but let’s be honest: plants are much cuter to look at and quieter too. Plus, they’re great for bringing a calming energy to rooms like a bedroom, home office, or living room.
5. Non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner
If you think of one cleaning product that you reach for most often, it’s probably an all-purpose cleaner. Since it’s something you use weekly or even daily, why not upgrade to a non-toxic version? Cleaners made with natural ingredients are much safer to spray into the air you breathe every day, especially if you have children, pets, or a weakened immune system. And yes, they work! No dangerous chemicals are needed.
6. Incoming footwear warehouse
Following a no-shoes policy in the house is an easy way to keep your floors clean, as our shoes can harbor an insane amount of bacteria and dirt. You can’t prevent germs from getting on your shoes, but you can create an aesthetically pleasing environment that encourages people to trip them at the door. Trust me, I understand how awkward it is to tell a new guest to please take off their shoes. That’s why I loved placing a prominent yet stylish storage space in my entryway. It’s a subtle nod that can help people form a habit and keep unwanted germs away from your sanctuary.
7. Soy candles
You can find me in the candle aisle almost every week and I always reach for a soy candle. With so many wax blends to choose from, it can be hard to tell the difference, but trust me, it makes a big difference. Soy candles use wax that is naturally derived from soybeans, while traditional candles are usually made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. Soy wax generally burns cleaner and lasts longer, so it’s a win! But more importantly, the fragrance they emit does not introduce unnecessary toxins into your breathing air.
8. Blackout curtains
Who doesn’t like a good night’s sleep? Every aspect of our health depends on proper rest, and one of the best ways to get quality sleep is to adjust any light that disturbs it. When you darken your space as much as possible, you signal your brain to shut down more quickly. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night or letting your mind race, a set of blackout curtains may be just what you need. The bedroom is an obvious place to start, but you can also add blackout curtains or blackout window treatments to other rooms where you spend time relaxing. It’s about preparing your body for a great night’s sleep.
