Destress by bringing the outdoors in (BPT) – This year you might have goals like ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress. The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by Velux.
So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature’s sanctuary indoors.
1) Fill your home with photos of nature Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like
a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.
2) Let in more fresh air and natural light Today’s homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they can trap toxins from daily living - such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more - inside. Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian 4) Meditate or do rhythm, allowing for yoga in the morning better sleep at night. Waking up with stretching or meditating 3) Fill your home with natural scents is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful Up your chef game day. Open the blinds or by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill curtains on your windows your kitchen with natural and skylights to let in fragrance. Making an in- early morning light and door herb garden ensures help you feel invigorated and refreshed. you’ll always have some on hand. You can also 5) Go green with incorporate fresh herbs your décor into bouquets or wreaths Reap the benefits of for a natural air freshener throughout your home. nature by bringing it in-
side, adding greenery or even fruit into your décor. The possibilities are endless - use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.
6) Use natural cleaning products Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into
your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You’ll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free. From boosting your home’s natural light to going green and adding plant life, it’s easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps. For more information, visit whyskylights. com.
What to expect during a bathroom remodel There are many reasons to renovate a home. Some homeowners purchase fixer-uppers and commit to making major renovations before they even move in, while others may renovate their homes with an eye on resale value. But many homeowners also take on renovation projects to make the homes more livable for themselves. Bathroom renovations are popular projects. In fact, a 2018 survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects. But just because bathroom remodeling projects are popular doesn’t mean they’re easy to endure.
Knowing what to expect during a bathroom remodel can help homeowners get through the renovation process.
Cost
that can help homeowners handle any unforeseen expenses that arise during the project.
Noise
Few home renovation Bathroom remodeling projects can be underprojects can be expensive. taken quietly, and bathroom renovations tend to According to Remodgenerate a lot of noise. eling magazine’s “Cost The noise can be difficult vs. Value 2019” report, to overcome for profesa mid-range bathroom sionals who work from remodeling project cost an average of $20,420 in home full-time, and it also can be hard on parents of 2019, while an upscale young children who still remodel cost just under nap and don’t yet go to $64,000. Homeowners school. Parents of young should develop budchildren may find it best gets for their bathroom to delay bathroom renorenovation projects to vation projects until their determine which type of children are school-aged project they can afford. and out of the house In addition, setting aside for most of the day on a little extra money for weekdays. overruns is a wise move
Mess The debris generated by bathroom renovation projects is another thing homeowners must
prepare for. In addition to preparing for the waste generated by the project, first-time renovators must realize that dust might be a big issue once the project begins. Dust can pose a threat to residents’ overall health, particularly the health of youngsters whose bodies haven’t yet fully developed. As a result, parents of young children may want to schedule renovations during family vacations so their children are exposed to as little dust as possible.
Changes Few renovations go off without a hitch. Once a project begins, contractors often uncover issues that weren’t noticeable to the naked eye. These issues may increase the cost of completing a project or force homeowners to change their plans to make the project stay as close to their budgets
as possible. Recognizing that these decisions may have to be made on the fly can help homeowners feel more prepared when unexpected issues arise. Bathroom renovation projects are worthwhile investments. Knowing what to expect during a bathroom renovation project can help homeowners handle all the twists and turns that may arise.
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