In such unpredictable times, two things are certain: people are spending more time at home and they are putting more focus on overall health. That said, now may be the perfect time to invest that same amount of effort into your home. Through minor updates or even major renovations, you can improve the value of your home and motivate your family to strive toward a healthier lifestyle at the same time. To get the best of both worlds, consider making a few of these renovations that promote health and wellness.
Home gym
An at-home gym or workout space is a place where you can sustain your fitness routine or it can give you the motivation to start working out for the first time. For seasoned fitness enthusiasts, you can fill up your home gym with ellipticals, treadmills, or any other home workout equipment. If you have the funds for a major renovation, install rubber flooring for a safer environment, fans or air conditioning for comfortable workout conditions, and ample storage to keep the space organized. Beginners, on the other hand, can start by designing a workout area with mats, free weights, jump ropes, and resistance bands.
No matter your level of expertise, choose a room in your home that is well ventilated and distant from other popular rooms. Take advantage of multi-purpose rooms and don’t be afraid to designate an activity space for your kids as well. Not only will this space encourage your family to maintain an active lifestyle, but it’s also highly customizable to meet the needs of your family.
Green space
Green space is a great way to carry out a healthier diet and also improve your impact on the planet. There are plenty of routes you can take. Create a space for a garden where you can grow your own vegetables or herbs. Or, build a greenhouse so the same collection of produce is protected from the elements and wildlife. This also allows you to control the conditions in which your food is growing and provides the peace of mind of knowing exactly where it comes from.
In addition, research shows there are significant health benefits to spending time outdoors. It’s a way to get exercise, a source of important vitamins, and reduce stress and anxiety. Most of all, it’s a great way to socialize and spend quality time with your family. It’s also an affordable way to update your home and boost health altogether.
Kitchen remodel
It’s where you spend hours of your day prepping homegrown meals and gathering with your family, making the kitchen the heart of your home. Kitchen remodels are financially wise in most cases, as minor kitchen improvements can return up to 72% of your investment should you plan on selling your home. On top of that, most who complete this renovation lead a healthier lifestyle afterward, as they’re more inspired to cook at home, try healthier recipes, and spend more time with family and friends.
Newer appliances and even cookware can make cooking healthy meals at home quicker and easier. Select energy-efficient appliances to further strive toward a sustainable home and lifestyle. Install a kitchen island for more space to cook and gather, and make sure there is a lot of natural light. Utilize lots of storage to make for a clean and organized kitchen, which will help reduce stress and ensure a smoother, healthier kitchen experience.
Additional tips for a healthier home and lifestyle
Aside from these major renovations, here are some changes you can make to your living space and routine for a better overall wellbeing.
- Incorporate natural light and plant life into the design of your home. These can improve overall mood, reduce stress, and even enhance air quality.
- Reevaluate the home you live in. There may not be enough space to support the active lifestyle you want for your family. Try searching for houses with more square footage and the right features in health-conscious neighborhoods to influence more healthy choices.
- Get involved in your community. Scan local Facebook groups or message boards for ways to keep your family active and connected to your neighbors.
- A big part of wellbeing is safety and security, especially for families. Take advantage of smart home technology to install security cameras and be able to control potentially hazardous systems when you’re away from home.
A healthier lifestyle and a healthier home go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. When your home isn’t supporting your fitness goals and healthy habits, don’t be afraid to make some changes.
