The Center For Health Design Resources

Creating A Healthy Home Or Work Environment

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle these days is not just about nutrition, diet, and exercise. It's also about creating a supportive environment for ourselves - whether at home or the workplace - that promotes health and well-being.

From the air we breathe to the type of light we are exposed to, everything in the places in which we live and work affects our physical, mental, and spiritual health. And, while we may not have control over how these places are designed and built, there are things we can do to improve our personal spaces to make ouselves feel better.

Based on research, here are our "tips" for improving your home or office environment:

Air quality

Open a window
Clean your air ducts
Test for gas leaks
Get a plant
Use an air filter, ionizer, or ozone purifier
Clean your carpets and upholstery regularly
Remove asbestos
Accelerate the off-gassing of new materials by leaving the place, turning up the heat, closing the windows, and "cooking" the environment for 24 hours
Use aromatherapy

Light

Let in as much natural light as possible
Buy an incandescent lamp
Use full-spectrum light fixtures
Install a dimmer
Open your blinds/drapes
Eliminate glare on your computer screen

Water

Have your water tested
Run your tap water a few minutes before use
Use a filter
Distill your water
Drink bottled water

Noise

Use sound masking devices, such as wind chimes, music, water
Wear ear plugs

Furniture

Buy a supportive chair
Make sure your desk and worktop support your tasks

Color

Be aware of the healing properties of color
Create a balanced color palette using artwork, materials, finishes, lighting

Nature

Get a plant
Have an indoor water fountain
Hang appropriate artwork
Give yourself access to outside views
Play a tape or CD of nature sounds
Wear or use natural fibers
Electromagnetic Fields
Measure the EMFs in your home and workplace
Unplug EMF sources near where you sleep
Shield or distance yourself from EMF sources