World Health Day 2025: Creating a Healthier Home for a Healthier Future
This year’s World Health Day theme, 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', focuses on maternal and newborn health. While this may seem a step away from property, a healthy home environment plays a key role in overall well-being, for new parents, growing families, and individuals alike. In this article we share our tips for creating a healthy home.
Your home is more than just a place to live; it’s a space that shapes your physical and mental health. A well-maintained, stress-free, and comfortable home can promote better sleep, reduce stress, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Whether you’re expecting a new addition to the family, planning a house move, or simply looking to improve your living environment, here are some key ways to make your home a healthier place to thrive.
Clean Air, Healthy Living
Indoor air quality can significantly impact health, particularly for newborns, children, and those with respiratory conditions. Poor ventilation, dust, and household chemicals can lead to allergies, asthma, and other health concerns, as reported by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the Royal College of Physicians, 2020.
Solution:
- Ensure good ventilation by opening windows daily.
- Invest in air purifiers or houseplants that help filter air.
- Use natural cleaning products to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals.
The Impact of Clutter on Mental Well-being
A cluttered home can contribute to stress, overwhelm, and reduced focus. Research by the World Economic Forum reveals that excess mess can increase cortisol levels, making it harder to relax. For new parents, clutter can add to an already stressful environment.
Solution:
- Declutter in small steps, for example one room or one drawer at a time.
- Donate, recycle, or sell items you no longer need.
- Use smart storage solutions to keep spaces organised.
Bonus Tip: If you’re planning a house move in 2025, starting the decluttering process early will help prepare your home for sale while also making packing far less stressful.
A Peaceful Night’s Sleep Starts with the Right Environment
You may or may not be following the health journey of controversial 'life enthusiast' Bryan Johnson. His mission? To slow the ageing process and optimise every aspect of his health. His biggest non-negotiable? Sleep.
Johnson calls sleep a superpower and insists that making it the number one priority improves everything in life. He argues that structuring life around sleep is the key to better health, performance, and longevity. As he puts it, "Less sleep does not get more done. It just shrinks the value of what's happening."
And science backs him up. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to weakened immune function, impaired cognitive performance, increased stress levels, and even accelerated ageing. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Harvard Medical School highlights how poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation, increases inflammation, and negatively impacts memory and decision-making. Conversely, high-quality, consistent sleep has been shown to boost immune response, enhance brain function, and even promote longevity.
Solution:
- Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet for optimal sleep.
- Invest in blackout curtains and white noise machines to minimise disruptions.
- Choose a high-quality mattress and pillows to support deep, restorative rest.
Natural Light: A Mood Booster
Homes with little natural light can feel dull and uninviting, which can impact mental well-being. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which supports immunity, mood, and energy levels.
Solution:
- Keep windows unobstructed to let in maximum daylight.
- Use mirrors to reflect natural light around the room.
- If natural light is limited, consider daylight-mimicking bulbs.
A Home That Grows with Your Family
If you’re expecting a baby or planning for the future, your home should support a safe and healthy lifestyle. From creating nursery spaces to childproofing, small adjustments can make a big difference.
Solution:
- Choose non-toxic paints and materials when decorating a nursery.
- Ensure proper heating and insulation to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.
- Use soft, calming colours in baby and children’s rooms to promote relaxation.
The Importance of Green Spaces
Access to nature, even a small garden or balcony, has been linked to lower stress levels and improved well-being. Spending time in nature has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone, by 21.3%. Incorporating natural elements into daily routines can enhance mental health and well-being.
Solution:
- If you have outdoor space, spend time in it daily.
- Incorporate houseplants to improve air quality and create a more calming atmosphere.
- Create a dedicated relaxation area, whether a garden corner or a window seat with a view.
Longhill Road, Ovingdean (Coming Soon)
Noise Reduction for a Calmer Home
Loud environments can disrupt sleep, increase stress, and make it harder to focus. This is particularly important for families with newborns or those working from home.
Solution:
- Use thick curtains, rugs, and soft furnishings to absorb sound.
- If external noise is an issue, white noise machines or noise-cancelling headphones can help.
- If feasible, consider soundproofing key rooms in the house.
Final Thoughts
A healthy home isn’t just about its physical structure,it’s about creating an environment that promotes well-being, reduces stress, and supports every stage of life. By making small improvements, whether through decluttering, enhancing air quality, or optimising sleep environments, you can transform your home into a healthier space for yourself and your loved ones.
As property experts, we understand the importance of a well-functioning home, but if you're struggling with your mental or physical health, always seek guidance from a medical professional. More resources can be found at MIND and the NHS website.
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