As a generation, we spend far less time outdoors than our parents and grandparents ever did. In fact, recent reports have shown that the average person spends almost 90% of their time indoors.
Many people believe that modern buildings and the huge number of toxic chemicals they hoard may be one of the reasons we’re seeing a sharp increase in chronic health issues like adrenal fatigue. Of course, completely avoiding contact with the cocktail of chemicals we’re increasingly exposed to is next to impossible, but being aware of the potential hazards which exist under your own roof certainly isn’t.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of 6 practical, quick fixes that can be implemented in your home immediately, even by those on a tight budget.
6 Practical Tips For An Adrenal Friendly Home
1. Buy some houseplants
Houseplants have the ability to bring nature indoors and purify the air by absorbing toxins. They do this by “breathing in” carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. NASA scientists made use of this basic fact to help improve the atmosphere in their spacecraft, and even published a list of the best species for the job. Houseplants enhance the quality of the air you breathe, and tending them also helps to lower stress and reduce cortisol.
2. Address your lighting
Light has a profound effect on your circadian rhythms. These 24-hour cycles are responsible for a wide range of functions, from regulating sleep patterns to influencing your body temperature. Allow as much natural sunlight into your home as possible during the daytime, and avoid blue light from LED screens before going to bed. The light generated from night lights, TVs, and other electronic devices can have a direct impact on your body’s natural ability to produce melatonin; the hormone necessary for a sound night’s sleep.
3. Upgrade your kitchen basics
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of any successful adrenal exhaustion plan. Most of us spend a lot of time and money buying and preparing the best quality food we can afford. Unfortunately, few people worry about the utensils they’re using and aren’t aware how toxic equipment may be sabotaging their efforts to get well.
Plastic cutting boards wear down over time, and small bits of plastic can easily get into your food. Wood or bamboo boards are a far better option, and are easy to clean with nothing more than a little lemon juice and salt. It’s a similar story with cheap cooking utensils like spatulas and slotted spoons. These are routinely covered with fire retardant chemicals which can leach into your food during the cooking process. If it’s within your budget – replace them.
4. Mobile phones
Cell phones are a potential health hazard for the adrenal fatigue sufferer for a number of reasons. The constant drain of being available 24-7 turns human “beings” into human “doings” and isn’t good for anyone. Some might even go so far as to argue that the inability to “switch off” is one of the major contributing factors to the rise of adrenal fatigue in modern society today.
In addition to demanding our constant attention, cell phones emit electromagnetic fields which can interfere with a whole range of natural functions from hormone production, to the healing process itself. As little to no radiation is emitted when your phone is disconnected (or in airplane mode,) switch it off whenever possible, and be sure to give yourself a “digital detox” every now and again.
5. Plug-in air fresheners and scented candles
Chemical sprays, plug-in air fresheners, gels, and candles are not only expensive but also contain an alarming number of toxic chemicals, some of which have been shown to be even more harmful than tobacco smoke. Switching to an essential oil vaporizer is not only more cost-effective, but will also allow you to experiment with the wide range of essential oil blends currently on the market; many of which can help lower stress, reduce cortisol and improve your overall wellbeing.
6. Keep your space tidy!
Keeping your home clutter free is good for you and science can prove it! A recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation discovered that 75% of people reported having a better night’s sleep when their sheets were freshly cleaned because they felt more comfortable. Other studies show that people who feel their house is too cluttered, are likely to be more stressed and unhappy than those who maintain an organized cleaning schedule.
Okay, so cleaning isn’t always top of mind when energy levels are low. But doing a little bit every day instead of trying to tackle everything at once is the best way to maintain a healthy, clean environment. If cleaning tasks feel too overwhelming, get help from a professional cleaner, or offer to swap your services to help relieve some of the burdens of the household chores.
Takeaway
Exposure to chemicals and toxins is a growing problem for all of us. Although we’re unable to control the toxicity of our external environment, we do have control over our own homes. Making a few small changes here and there really can go a long way to reducing your exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals and stressors that may be contributing to your adrenal fatigue.
For more information about reducing the load on your adrenal glands and improving your environment, take a look at our adrenal fatigue recovery program.
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