Three Simple Techniques for a Wellness-Centered Home

Three Ways to Make Your Home Wellness-Centered… in Under Three Minutes!

Many people already recognize how their home affects their health and wellbeing. Making your home a more wellness-centered does not have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, there are many free ways to make your home a healthier and serene place to live. While it’s true that most homes were not originally designed with wellness in mind, a few thoughtful changes can make a meaningful difference. Below are a few simple ways to begin:

1. Do as the Germans do and “Luften” 

One of the biggest challenges in modern homes is poor indoor air quality. While outdoor air pollution has improved dramatically in recent decades, the air inside our homes can still contain high levels of harmful chemicals, ozone, and particulate matter. Most residential HVAC systems don’t include dedicated fresh-air ventilation, and even in apartment buildings, ventilation is often inadequate. This leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide from occupants and other airborne contaminants from daily activities such as cooking.

Some time ago I came across an article explaining the German concept of “Luften”. This practice, which is apparently quite popular in Germany, (just google it to see numerous anecdotes) involves opening all the windows in your residence to induce a good draft that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. While you shouldn’t do this if the outdoor air quality is particularly poor, (verify particulate matter online beforehand) this technique - whether you choose to call it by its German name or not - will remove excess CO2 from your indoor environment quickly and effectively. A five-minute “luften” session before bed or every couple hours can dramatically improve your indoor air quality and remove lingering chemicals and odors. 

2. Have Your Lighting Work with You 

Lighting is often overlooked as a factor in health, yet research shows it profoundly influences how we feel, sleep, and perform. The circadian rhythm that regulates our sleep-wake cycle is based on the 24 hour pattern of the sun rising and setting each day. We know that individuals who disrupt this pattern (through shift work or travel, for example) have significant challenges with getting good, restful sleep as a result. This disruption has been linked with multiple adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, depression, metabolic disorders, and even obesity.

However, there is also significant research that shows the actual color of light in our homes can be causing issues with this critical natural process. Our bodies are sensitive to the color of the light itself, and use color to cue our circadian rhythm. Cool, blue-toned light signals our bodies to stay alert, while warm, amber-toned light tells us to relax and prepare for rest. Unfortunately, for most of us our primary light source is electric light in our homes and workplaces, and this light source is often installed without consideration for the circadian needs of individuals. 

Thankfully, there are now many “smart” lightbulbs that allow users to program the light color. This light color, which is measured as a temperature in Degrees Kelvin (K), generally ranges from around 2000K to 6500K with the higher temperatures being blue-toned, and the lower temperatures appearing more warm. Programming these lightbulbs to automatically mimic the natural rhythm of daylight, changing color to be warmer at night and cooler during mid-day is a great option to protect your circadian rhythm. 

If programmable smart bulbs are not practical, simply being thoughtful with where you install warm and cool lightbulbs can achieve similar goals. Consider installing warm bulbs in bedrooms or other “night-time” spaces, while leaving the cool lights for office or work-from-home rooms where they will promote alertness and wakefulness during the day. 

3. Go Thrifting! 

Another simple wellness upgrade relates to indoor air quality. It is likely that you’ve encountered the concept of “off-gassing”, or when new products and materials release a “plastic” smell when brand new. What you may not be aware of is that off-gassing is often a mix of Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, a type of chemical that is linked with a wide variety of health concerns. 

At KLPOA, we carefully select low- or no-VOC paints and formaldehyde-free materials in every project. But even after construction is complete, new furnishings can introduce unwanted chemicals back into your home.

A very simple solution? Go Thrifting!

Buying vintage furniture is a great way to find unique items and as a bonus these items have already completed their off-gassing phase so when you bring them into your home, you won’t be bringing indoor air quality concerns as a side-effect. 

If you do choose to purchase a new item and you notice a chemical or plastic smell upon unwrapping it, ensure that it is in a well ventilated room or even leave it outside for a short period of time to reduce your indoor air quality risk. 

4. Bonus! A Free Consultation with KLPOA 

A bonus option if you’re considering a new home, renovation, or addition, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with KLPOA. We’ll answer your questions, discuss your goals, and help you explore how to make your next project truly wellness-centered so your home supports your health and wellbeing for years to come.