Having a home is essential to your health and wellbeing – I don’t think anyone is disputing that after the last few years (we aren’t anymore, right? Housing is a human right!).

But did you know that your home offers so many more opportunities to reset, protect and actually improve your physical and mental health?

It’s not just a safe place to weather a storm, a place that’s yours, a place that’s representative of you. It’s also a place that, when used with some intention, can actually make your life significanlty better – beyond the obvious.

So let’s dive in to a few suggestions for how to use your home to make a positive improvement to your wellbeing.

MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT

Did you know that natural light plays a crucial role in regulating your mood, sleep patterns, immune function, and even productivity? In apartments, especially in summer when we’re trying to keep the heat out, access to natural light can be a bit limited. But small adjustments to your routines can make a huge difference.

Try rearranging your furniture to ensure you’re not blocking the windows, use light-coloured curtains or keep curtains open when it’s not very hot outdoors, and keep windows open a bit for some fresh air and light whenever possible.

Additionally, getting a bit of natural sunlight that isn’t through a window is huge for health. Consider drinking your morning coffee or tea on your balcony, go for a walk around the block before eating breakfast, or take advantage of the shared spaces like the gardens and terraces to soak up a bit of light.

MANAGE NOISE & BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Noise pollution (too much ongoing noise) in an apartment building can be a huge stressor, both for the mind and body, and for you AND your neighbours. Creating a peaceful environment is key to maintaining your mental and even physical wellbeing – and this translates both to time spent in your unit, in the building, and in the shared/common areas.

Ask yourself regularly: does this contribute to the peace of everyone (myself included), or does it make peace more difficult? If you’re noticing continued noise coming from a specific area or person, consider very kindly talking to the person or people involved – we've all been guilty of being noisy when we didn’t mean to! In most instances, the person is likely to make an effort to be quieter when asked politely, and assuming the best is a great start for any neighbourly discussions.

There are certain things you can try to dampen noise in a very tangible way, too: Putting rugs down on laminate floors, using blackout curtains at night to minimize outside noise, noticing the volume of your television, asking friends and visitors to keep a respectful volume in hallways, even having a bit of art on the walls can make a big difference to how sound travels!

CREATE A CLUTTER-FREE SPACE

Clutter in the home has been scientifically proven to lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. Especially in apartments, where space can be a little more limited, a tidy home can make a huge difference to making your home feel peaceful and spacious.

Getting creative with storage solutions is a great option – using vertical shelving (think bookshelves), furniture that serves two purposes (an ottoman with hidden storage inside) or taking advantage of the space underneath the bed can be helpful.

But minimizing, versus hiding or storing, stuff is even better. Consider how helpful your unused items could be to someone who truly needs them – maybe even someone in your own building! By donating your unused home and clothing items, you give someone else a chance to get on their feet.

Clutter is also a safety hazard, as it can prevent access to exits, impede police or paramedics if you need help, and even cause unseen issues and damage to your apartment (that could result in bigger problems that affect your neighbours, lease violations, and so on). So think about donating anything that’s quite literally clogging up your space - you’ll feel better AND you’ll be a lot safer, too!

By creating an organized space, you’ll find that your apartment feels bigger, more peaceful, and easier to relax in.

ADD IN SOME GREENERY

You don’t need a backyard to enjoy the benefits of nature. Bringing nature indoors with plants can significantly boost your mood AND even improve your indoor air quality (especially helpful during summer “smoke season”). Growing a small kitchen garden or just repotting and tending to plants, even combats depression – studies show that having our hands in soil supports our wellbeing in multiple ways.

Low maintenance and space-saving plants like succulents, herbs and hanging plants are a great option for apartment living. You can check out this article for a list of indoor plants that help purify the air.

BUILD COMMUNITY & BE NEIGHBOURLY

Believe it or not, fostering positive relationships – especially those quite literally close to home – makes us feel supported and welcome, which positively impacts our health in every way! Feeling connected to your neighbours can also reduce feelings of isolation – and living in an apartment offers a unique opportunity to build more connection.

Being in good standing with others is vital to human connection. It matters to us on a natural, animal level to belong and those feelings also contribute to feelings of safety, which can allow for better rest and recovery.

Joining local community groups or getting involved in building events is a great place to start. But if gatherings aren’t your thing, you can still connect meaningfully simply by introducing yourself to neighbours, holding the elevator door open, dropping off an extra loaf of fresh baked bread next door, or responding kindly to a complaint or concern.

Your apartment building is more than just a place to live—it’s a community. Building relationships with your neighbors can make your home feel safer, more supportive, and a lot more fun.

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE (WITHOUT BREAKING THE LEASE)

Your home should reflect your personality, even if you’re renting! Making it feel uniquely yours can enhance your emotional wellbeing. Adding in little touches like a coloured rug, some plants, books, photos, and even flower vases are a great way to style your unit to suit your tastes.

Consider creating small “spaces” within your home that can serve a purpose – for example a yoga mat and a few workout bands and light weights can serve as an at-home gym area. Or a corner to paint or read. Displaying art and photos on either side of your tv can make the space feel more inviting when you walk in. Even making the bed before you leave for the day creates a sense of welcoming ease when you come back home.

These small changes can make your apartment feel uniquely yours, creating a space where you feel truly comfortable and at home.

We hope these ideas inspire you to let your home improve your mental and physical wellbeing every single day! It is truly incredible what our environment can do for us, with just a few small tweaks.

6 Surprising Ways to Use Your Home to Improve Your Physical & Mental Health