MAKE YOUR HOME A HAVEN

Photo by: @emmaleger

Here at Nicole Ravachi Beauty, we believe that healthcare goes way beyond what you put on your plate. We know that in order to have a balanced and healthy lifestyle, our physical, mental and emotional boundaries have to be in sync. However, in addition to keeping our personal health necessities in check, our exterior and the environment in which we operate must also be in good condition. Nowadays, we spend most of our time indoors, and instead of undermining our health, the atmosphere in our homes should contribute to our well-being and happiness.

Below we share with you our best tips on creating a harmonious and healthy home environment:

LET FRESH AIR IN

Raising the curtains and opening the windows not only allows natural sunlight to illuminate and bring up the mood of your home, but also facilitates good air ventilation. The Ministry of Health underlines the importance of letting fresh air from outside circulate indoors, in order to avoid respiratory infections, lung diseases, and symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches and dry skin. Suggested ventilation time is 10-20 minutes daily.

ADD AN AIR PURIFIER

Indoor air pollution is very real and currently present in most homes. Dust, mold, bacteria, and gases such as carbon monoxide are some of the pollutants that are found in your indoor atmosphere, and that are caused by various sources, such as building materials (paint, asbestos, etc.), cleaning chemicals, poor maintenance of HVAC systems, and even ourselves as humans that naturally produce bio-aerosols and particles. To prevent pollution in your home, in addition to maintaining good home hygiene, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) recommends investing in an air purifier.

BUY AN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses the power of essential oils to improve both physical and emotional health. Essential oils are natural plant extracts that have a wide variety of benefits: they can improve your mood, relieve pain, or calm your body and mind, among many more. Additionally, the exquisite fragrance emitted by the diffuser will make you feel at a cosy spa, which is great because a home should be more than just living space and decor; it should also be a retreat – a place in which you feel nurtured and at ease.

ATTRACT POSITIVE ENERGY WITH PLANTS

Studies have revealed that having plants around the house stimulates creativity, productivity and improves the environment's overall energy. Also, home gardens are known to relieve stress and reduce fatigue. In addition to being decorative and adding greenery to your home, plants also clean indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Some of Nicky's favorites are: cactus, bonsai, rosemary and lavender.

CREATE A WELLNESS ZONE 

Creating a calm and inspiring space for yoga, meditation, or just some alone time is a great way to keep your mental health in check. Having a zen corner that makes your home feel calm and peaceful, will make you feel the same on the inside.

SAY GOOD-BYE TO PARAFFIN CANDLES 

We all love using decorative and aromatic candles to decorate our living spaces. However, conventional candles are made of paraffin, a petroleum derivative that pollutes your home when burned. Instead, switch to natural, plant-based candles like soy; in addition to being healthier, they last up to 2-3 times longer.

MAKE A NO SHOE POLICY 

It doesn't matter whether we’re in times of pandemic or not, shoes will always be excellent carriers of bacteria and viruses. If you walk in with the same sneakers that you used to leave the house, you can transfer those microbes to your entire living space. Better leave a basket of clean slippers near the door of your home to switch shoes before going inside and avoid germ circulation.

BE CAREFUL WHEN CHOOSING CLEANING PRODUCTS

Many cleaning products contain ingredients that lead to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. When shopping, go for those that say "biodegradable," "eco-friendly," or "non-toxic," and keep an eye out for those with substances like phthalates (fragrance), perchlorethylene, triclosan, 2-butoxyethanol, ammonia, and more. However, the best solution is to prepare homemade and 100% natural cleaning sprays and solvents with ingredients such as baking soda, lemon juice and white vinegar.