In the contemporary world, we spend countless hours indoors. Knowing the impact the spaces spaces surrounding us have on our health and well-being, it is possible to transform our homes and offices into great allies by making more informed choices and adopting good daily habits. However, with so much information, it is not always easy to know where to start!

Harvard T.H. School of Public Health addresses this issue with its 9 fundamental pillars for healthier buildings [1]: ventilation, air quality, temperature, humidity, dust & pests, safety & comfort, water quality, acoustics & noise, and lighting & views.

These are excellent starting points for those who want to create healthier homes and offices:

1. Ventilation

Renewing the air is essential to avoid strange odors and escape drowsiness. Spaces with better air circulation, where windows are frequently opened or where there are good air conditioning systems with adequate and periodically cleaned filters, promote the productivity of those who work in them.

2. Air Quality

Not all household products are harmless! Certain ingredients in cleaning detergents or air fresheners may secretly pollute the indoor air: it’s important to choose wisely! For those suffering from respiratory or hormonal problems, this is a point not to be overlooked, and it can make all the difference in everyday life!

3. Temperature

It’s not normal to wear a scarf indoors in winter! Nor is it good to sweat in the office all summer, even with fans and air conditioning on. Maintaining indoor temperature close to comfort values is essential for us to concentrate more easily on the tasks we are doing, have well-rested nights, and truly enjoy all indoor spaces.

4. Water Quality

We are largely made up of water, so the quality of the one we ingest (but also use for showering or cleaning at home) has a major global impact on our overall health! Filtering it is often an excellent strategy, especially for those battling digestive and skin problems.

5. Humidity

Mold is not just an aesthetic problem, it can worsen respiratory (and hormonal) diseases! Sometimes, humidity indoors seems like a lost battle, but with small tricks, it is possible to keep it within the right range in order to avoid, treat, and prevent the terrible dark stains on walls and ceilings.

6. Dust & Pests

Keeping dust under control, using “clean” cleaning strategies – i.e., non-toxic cleaning products – is crucial to avoid asthma attacks and allergies. Nothing like avoiding bringing it from outside and cleaning periodically to prevent its accumulation.

7. Acoustics & Noise

Does noise disturb your sleep? Noisy rooms increase stress and do not allow us to relax. If during the day, intense or repetitive sounds can drive us crazy, at night they can prevent us from entering deep (and restorative) sleep!

8. Lighting & Views

A window overlooking a garden is not a whim! Nature, brought into spaces, promotes calm and focus, just as choosing the right lighting to each room promotes comfort and prevents sleepless nights.

9. Safety & Comfort

An uncomfortable space affects our nervous system, keeping us anxious and unable to concentrate. Our desk position in the room and our ability or inability to see who passes by in the corridor makes a big difference in how comfortable or not we feel in a particular room!