Creating a Healthy Home in Dubai
In the bustling city of Dubai, where modernity and luxury are the norm, the concept of a healthy home might seem like an afterthought. However, creating a healthy living space is essential to maintaining your well-being and that of your family. With the right approach, you can transform your Dubai residence into a haven of health and comfort. Let’s look at a variety of ways to make your home healthier in the vibrant city of Dubai.
Embrace Natural Light and Ventilation
Dubai's climate is characterized by long, hot summers, making it tempting to keep windows and curtains closed to block out the scorching heat. However, allowing natural light to stream into your home can have numerous benefits. Natural light helps regulate your body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep patterns and boosting your mood. In addition, proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and reducing the risk of mold growth. Consider using sheer curtains that allow light to enter while still providing some privacy.
Create Indoor Plantscapes
Indoor plants are not only beautiful and enhance the aesthetics of your home, but they also contribute to improved air quality and have an amazing number of benefits for your home! They can help boost your mood, give you more creativity, and clean the indoor air by removing toxins. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while filtering out pollutants. Just ensure that you choose plants that are suitable for indoor conditions and can thrive in Dubai's climate. Some examples of indoor and low-maintenance plants that can be grown in Dubai are:
– The Snake Plant: Snake plants are also easy to maintain and can thrive in low-light and low-humidity conditions, making them ideal for homes in Dubai. They require minimal watering and can survive in a range of temperatures. Snake plants also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night. This means that it’s great to keep in your bedroom for a little extra O2 while you snooze.
– The Peace Lily: The peace lily is not only a beautiful plant to have in your home, but it can also make a huge difference in your indoor air quality by acting as an effective air purifier in your home. Alongside its aesthetic temptation, it works hard to remove pollutants and mold from the air.
– The Spider Plant: Spider plant is an excellent air-purifying indoor plant. This is because they are best at absorbing formaldehyde coming out of electronics or laptops, and it also cleans up other harmful toxins. Formaldehyde is found in several air fresheners, perfumes, cigarettes, and hair products. Thus, making an excellent environment for your indoor spaces.
Invest in Air Purification
The first step to good health is to ensure that you're breathing clean air in the home that you live in. Dubai's climate often leads to tightly sealed homes with air conditioning systems running year-round. However, this can result in poor indoor air quality. Combat this by investing in high-quality air purifiers that can effectively remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from indoor air. Look for models with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters to capture even the smallest particles and odors. Regularly clean or replace filters to maintain optimal air quality.
Take your shoes off at the Door
Does your house have a no-shoe policy? The bottoms of shoes carry chemicals, bacteria, and dirt from outside that you probably don’t want tracked around inside the house. Consider keeping a basket of slippers by the front door and a mat or a shoe rack to hold shoes when you get home.
Healthy Kitchen Practices
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and adopting healthy cooking practices can significantly impact your overall well-being. Invest in non-toxic cookware such as stainless steel or cast iron, avoid using plastic containers for storing food, and prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your meals.
Choose Low-VOC Materials
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals commonly found in paints, furniture, and household products that can release harmful gases into the air. Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints, furnishings, and cleaning products to minimize indoor air pollution. When shopping for furniture, consider pieces made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, or organic textiles.
Use Non-Toxic Cleaners while Cleaning Home
When buying home cleaning materials, opt for non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaners that are chemical-free. Chemical cleaners may pollute the environment and cause health problems. Instead, a lot of biodegradable products can be found at local stores. You can also make your cleaning solutions using baking soda, tea tree oils, or citrus oils.
Paint Colours
Selecting wall paint for your home shouldn’t be a matter of aesthetics alone; you should also consider the effect a colour has on your well-being. Experts say when it comes to choosing a colour, focus on how it makes you feel as opposed to picking a colour because you like it.
– Blue: Calming and soothing, blue works well in relaxing spaces like bedrooms. Whether you prefer midnight or pastel blue, this colour will create a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and recharge.
– Grey: For some, grey can be a monotonous colour while for others, it can represent neutrality and stability. In fact, it can be used to create a peaceful and grounded environment that promotes mental clarity and focus, and also adds a touch of elegance to the space.
– Orange: Adding orange to your space is a great way to lift your spirits and inject vitality. The vibrant hues can help you maintain a positive attitude and brighten your mood. If you lack motivation and new ideas, a splash of orange can make you feel refreshed and unlock the inspiration you need.
– Green: Green is the colour of nature and is often associated with peaceful scenes of lush forests and grassy landscapes. Hence, this colour is ideal for creating a calming atmosphere in meditation rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Maintain a Clean and Clutter-Free Environment
Lastly, regular cleaning and decluttering are essential for a healthy home. Decluttering plays a huge role in our mental and physical health. Dust and allergens can accumulate quickly, leading to respiratory issues. Aside from disrupting our physical health, clutter can also disrupt our mental health by causing stress. Use natural cleaning products or make your own with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Keep surfaces, floors, and carpets clean to prevent the buildup of dirt and dust mites.