Written by: Sarah Haley

Now more than ever, people are spending the majority of their time inside. Surprisingly, the average human spends approximately 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors.¹

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic influx in remote workers and students. However, life indoors isn't only prevalent because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Between 2005 and 2017, remote work in the United States grew by 159%. The number of remote workers in the US alone almost doubled in just over a decade. By 2025, it's predicted that 36.2 million US workers will be remote.²

Canada is also seeing similar workforce changes. 

Prior to COVID-19, 82% of Canadian employees were working primarily from an external workplace. Today, that number has declined to 27%, with 59% of Canadians working remotely.³ 

Alongside these workers are the students around the globe who have also had to shift to remote life. 

When your work environment is your home environment, it's important that it fosters a healthy atmosphere. Here are five home décor suggestions that look out for your health by creating a space that promotes positive wellbeing. 

1. Plants 

Plants do more than make your home look greener and aesthetically pleasing. Indoor plants have been associated with a variety of benefits for both your physical and mental health. 

Studies have shown that indoor plants 

• reduce fatigue, stress, and sicknesses like sore throats and colds
• boost productivity, concentration, creativity, and overall mood 
• purify indoor air by producing oxygen (through photosynthesis), absorbing toxins, and increasing humidity⁴ 

If you want to add more life to your home environment, try incorporating some indoor plants as décor. They will spice up your space while giving you a new hobby to take up. 

2. Humidifier

A humidifier works by releasing steam or water vapour into the air. This release of water vapour increases moisture levels and humidity in the air.⁵ 

There are a number of known benefits associated with the use of a humidifier. Some of the known benefits include reduced snoring, increased skin and hair moisture, and decreased risk of illness.

Humidifiers are a great home addition for those suffering from dry skin, allergies, cracked lips, irritated eyes, bloody noses, and other respiratory problems.⁶ 

Pro-tip: Make sure you’re cleaning your humidifier regularly, using pure water, and keeping your indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. 

3. Fresh Flowers

Indoor plants aren’t the only way to incorporate nature into your home. Fresh flowers are another way to add a green touch to your home environment. Just like indoor plants, the presence of fresh flowers has been linked to improved moods and decreased risk of stress-related depression.

According to the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, adding flowers to your work or home environment “reduces your perceived stress levels and makes your feel more relaxed, secure, and happy. Flowers can help you achieve a more optimistic outlook on your life.” 

The next time you’re looking for a pick-me-up, try buying yourself or a loved one a fresh bouquet of flowers. 

4. Essential Oil Diffuser

Oil diffusers add an attractive touch to your home and make it smell good too. Essential oil diffusers are a form of aromatherapy that spread the fragrance of herbal and essential oils throughout the air via aerial diffusion. 

Oil diffusers use natural essential oils instead of artificial chemicals to scent your home. There is a wide range of essential oils available, all with varying benefits.

For example, several laboratory studies have shown that lavender essential oil helps relieve anxiety and reduce stress in medical patients.⁷ Other essential oils like geranium, clary sage, and thyme, have been shown to help balance the body’s progesterone and estrogen levels.⁸ 

In addition to the countless health benefits, oil diffusers come in a range of shapes and sizes so you can find the one that best matches your home or work environment. 

Fern & Petal is a Vancouver-based, family-run business that produces all-natural and high-quality products. If you’re looking to upgrade your aromatherapy game, check out their white ceramic diffuser and wide selections of essential oils. 

5. Natural Light

It might be hard to install more windows in an already finished home, so instead try moving your work setting to a well-lit area. Having ample natural light in your environment will stimulate positive emotions. 

Kedar Tilwe, a psychiatrist at SL Raheja Hospital, said in an interview with Architectural Digest, “having large, open spaces which allow good ventilation and let natural light in help reduce anxiety symptoms, along with decreasing the sense of suffocation during a panic episode.” 

Dr. Tilwe also recommends using mellow and warm lights in lighting fixtures because of their calming effects. 

The Takeaway

It’s important to have a healthy environment whether you’re working, learning, or relaxing from home. 

Try adding one of these home décor suggestions if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, decrease your stress levels, and improve your overall quality of life.