Is your living room not exactly the calm, comfortable space you need to relax after a chaotic day at work? Do you constantly feel sleepy while working in your office and can’t recall the last time you were fully focused for a whole morning? Do your kids have trouble sleeping in their bedroom?

As an architect, I have heard about these and similar challenges countless times. Sadly, there’s this erroneous idea that only those able to afford expensive architectural services can dream of having homes and working spaces tailored to answer their personalized lifestyle and health needs. And…that couldn’t be further from the truth! Healthier spaces can be within everyone’s reach!

It’s a matter of doing informed choices and purchases as well as learning simple strategies.

There are numerous reasons why we should take health and well-being seriously in our homes and working spaces:

1. Healthier spaces can speed up recovery and prevent the appearance of diseases

From respiratory problems to hormonal imbalances, an optimized space can help prevent several health conditions triggered by environmental variables.

For those suffering from chronic diseases or in recovery, paying attention to the surrounding spaces can make all the difference: some studies suggest that, after a surgery, patients recovering in an hospital ward with a view to nature receive medical clearance faster on average and require fewer painkillers! [1]

• Healthier spaces promote well-being, comfort and mental health

To much bright artificial light will never set the mood to read and relax a bit in the living room after dinner and can even contribute to depressive states and sleepless nights [2].

Toxic cleaning products, some indoor paints or even apparently harmless air fresheners can contain ingredients that are “secretly” polluting indoor air and might cause, for instance, of the migraines that show up out of the blue or the allergic reaction that doesn’t allow us to properly focus on the work we have at hands [3].

• Healthier spaces are linked to higher productivity, capacity to focus and creativity

If making the “right” choices at home can have a very positive impact in our health (and that of our families), the same is true for working spaces.

Several studies show that during major heatwaves or very cold days, productivity can drop by approximately 2% for each 1ºC deviation from the “optimal” indoor temperature [4]. Even a poor choice of office chairs can be setting you (and your team) back! The back pain caused by furniture that overlooks ergonomics can definitely impact our ability to perform at our best!