Special offer

7 Unusual Ways Our Homes Can Make Us Happier, Healthier

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Select BRE#00911224

In keeping with my attraction to lists, especially those that offer “tips” for improving our lives and lifestyles, I just couldn’t ignore the article below.

 

The title was particularly intriguing, though I have to admit that I didn’t find all of these suggestions particularly “unusual” But maybe that’s just me. Read for yourselves:

We already know that keeping our homes clean and organized is good for our health. Cleaning keeps germs and dust particles at bay, while clutter-control helps keep stress levels down and makes life easier.

But we may not be aware that there are other surprising household habits that can also improve our health.

From switching where we store our snacks to encouraging exercise with our wardrobe, we’re told we can achieve these impressive goals with these easy-to-do tips.

Light A Few Candles

It may not be as good as the real stuff, but the sweet scent of vanilla may be able to trick the sensory neurons in our brains into thinking we satisfied our sugar cravings, according to CNN. Stress-induced eating may also be suppressed by inhaling the aroma, as studies show breathing exercises can help calm us down, and thus, end the need to overeat.

Use A Dinner Knife

Eating slower helps our bodies recognize it's full faster, so we can slow down the process by taking the time to cut our food with a knife. We're bound to take in less food with every bite when we have to chop it up.

Place Flowers At The Table

Etiquette books often suggest placing flowers or centerpieces at the dinner table to encourage polite behavior during meals, which -- to us -- means eating slow enough for our minds to recognize we’re full faster.

Hide The Junk Food

When junk food is harder to get to, we'll be less tempted by the tasty treats. Store foods high in calories, sodium and fat in the back of our fridges or cabinets, so they are there when we're in need of a guilty pleasure but not as readily accessible.

Eat At A Dinner Table

As was mentioned earlier, eating away from distractions, like the TV and computer, will help us eat less. In fact, we can consume 288 more calories plopped in front of the TV, according to Health. Instead, we should spend quality time with our loved ones and dine at a table.

Drink From A Straw

Health experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day, but surprisingly, many people don't stay sufficiently hydrated. We may find drinking out of a straw can help, since we're more likely to sip faster than we would from a cup.

Organize Your Closet

We know there are many ways to organize our closets, but we should consider placing our exercise wear front and center so that we're constantly reminded to hit the gym.

OK, so the majority of these hints are probably obvious and don’t need extra attention. Most of these, in fact, are rather simple to initiate. But do we?!?

My aim when I leave my office: to light a few candles and drink from a straw. Hey, I can’t do everything . . . . at least not all at once!!!

Courtesy Huffington Post

Posted by

Victoria Craig

Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Thoughtful list...especially the organizing the closet!

Jun 01, 2012 03:01 AM
Anonymous
Victoria

Organizing my closet falls into the same category as organizing all my family photos - things I know I need to do and will feel much better when they're done - but I just can't bring myself to actually initiate these tasks . . . I'm overwhelmed at the prospect. Sipping from a straw is do-able!

Jun 01, 2012 03:07 AM
#2
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

organization does sooth the savage beast (well and makes my better half much easier to live with too!)

Jun 01, 2012 03:08 AM
Erv Fleishman
Realty Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Luxury Prop Specialist Realty Associates

Well, I am going to reorganize the closet with a lot of junk food, a small table, and lots of straws. 

That should have me prepared for any situation but a black out. Don't want open flames in closet... no candles.

Jun 01, 2012 03:12 AM
Anonymous
Victoria

Mark and Erv - I think we have a plan! Become more organized by multi tasking and combining efforts. No candles in the closet but I can sip with a straw in my drink and set up a small table while I'm weeding through stuff.

Jun 01, 2012 03:31 AM
#5