9 Essential Ways to Control Your Environment for a Healthier 2024

Introduction:

When it comes to our health and well being, it can feel like life is a game of chance, waiting to see what fate has in store for us. But as we become more intentional about our decisions and our environment, we clawback more control over our destiny. Implementing small but consistent incremental changes in our everyday lives, all add up over time and influence the future that lies ahead of us. Today, we’ll look at 9 strategies to help you take control of your environment and set yourself on a course for a healthier and happier future. Let’s get going with transforming your life — one space at a time!

1. Breathe Easy: Purify Your Home’s Air

Did you know we spend a massive 80-90% of our time indoors in the UK? This is even higher in the US with the average American spending 90% of their time indoors. Studies of indoor air show that this can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. It’s clear that our environment plays a massive role in our health and well-being. Whilst we can’t see our air quality, it impacts us every single day. Here’s how to take charge:

• Invest in high-quality air purifiers – your lungs will thank you!
• Embrace the power of plants – nature’s own air cleaners
• Open those windows regularly – let the fresh air in
• Use non-toxic cleaning products – goodbye, harsh chemicals. A good app for check the chemicals you are using is Yuka.
• Control humidity levels – mold and dust mites hate this one simple trick

Remember, every breath counts. By improving your air quality, you’re giving yourself the gift of better health with every inhale.

2. Clear Spaces, Clear Mind: Declutter Your Life

At Barefoot Intention, we believe Minimalism is one of the cornerstones of creating an intentional life.  To support our Minimalism practice we set ourselves on a path to declutter the things in our life that don’t support our value and mission. 

Clutter isn’t just unsightly – it can actually stresses us out! If you want to control your environment then it’s time to clear the decks:

• Adopt the “one in, one out” rule – maintain balance in your possessions
• Create designated spaces for everything – a place for everything, and everything in its place
• Digitise documents – save trees and space
• Practice the 90/90 rule – If you haven’t used it in 90 days and won’t in the next 90, it’s time to let it go
• Schedule regular decluttering sessions – make it a habit, not a chore

A clutter-free space leads to a clutter-free mind. Imagine the mental clarity you’ll gain that will support the other elements of this process. Take a look at other articles on minimalism and decluttering.

3. You Are What You Eat: Mindful Food Choices

We all kind of know this already, but it’s hard to make the right choices in modern life when the food in our supermarkets has been concocted by scientists to tap into our reward centres. Hot-wired to have us craving all the wrong stuff! I’ve heard others describe food as the daily medicine we prescribe for ourselves. If looked at it through this lens, it can prompt us to make better choices when walking those supermarket aisles. If the medicine comparison is a little strong for you, we can likely agree that food is fuel. Fuel that also contains information for our bodies. Let’s make sure we’re sending the right messages:

• Read those labels – become a food detective. If you can’t make sense of what is in it, don’t buy it. A good app to check the food you are consuming is Yuka. With just a quick scan, you’ll see more clearly what you’re getting. This will help you make better choices. It’s free to download. Support their work by subscribing to their paid tier if you can.
• Choose whole, unprocessed foods – the fewer ingredients, the better!
• Cook more meals at home – you control what goes in. The proliferation of ready meals has added to the disconnection in our relationship with our food.
• Stay hydrated – water is life! Our bodies are approx.60% water, our brains 75% and our lungs 83%.
• Practice mindful eating – savour every bite. Place you attention on your food, your feelings, your levels of hunger and the satiety cues.

Remember, every meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and influence the health of your future self. Choose wisely!

4. Chemical-Free Zone: Reduce Harmful Substances in Your Home

Many of the household products we willingly bring into our homes contain chemicals that can be harmful to our health. Let’s clean up our act:

• Switch to natural cleaning products – vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are powerful cleaners
• Choose natural fabrics for clothing and bedding – organic cotton, bamboo, and wool are great options
• Use glass or stainless steel food containers instead of plastic – no more chemical leaching.
• Opt for organic or low-VOC paints when redecorating – your lungs will breathe easier
• Consider making your own personal care products – from toothpaste to deodorant, DIY can be chemical-free

By reducing chemicals in your home, you’re creating a safer, healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

5. Stress Less: Create a Calm Environment

In modern life, stress is a silent killer — but we have the power to manage it. Here’s how:

• Designate a relaxation zone in your home – create your personal oasis
• Practice daily mindfulness meditation or deep breathing – even 5 minutes can make a difference. Click here to read our blog on Mindfulness Meditation.
• Limit screen time – Especially 1-2 hours before bed. Digital detox for the win
• Incorporate calming scents – Natural products like lavender or chamomile
• Create a calm environment – surround yourself with simple and calming colours

By creating a stress-free environment, you’re giving your body and mind the chance to recharge and reset.

6. Time is of the Essence: Organise Your Day

Time is our most valuable commodity. It’s how we experience the world. It’s also the great leveller in that we all only have the same 24 hours each day. Some people seem to squeeze so much more out of them with an ease that can be baffling. Here’s the secret:

• Learn to say no – protect your time like the valuable resource it is. Remember that every time you fail to say no to a task/activity that doesn’t align with your life and values, it’s likely saying a silent no to something more important in your life!
• Create morning and evening routines – bookend your day with purpose. Have a read of our article on creating a family evening routine.
• Take regular breaks – the Pomodoro Technique is your friend for bursts of targeted activity
• Prioritise tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix – urgent vs. important. You’ll see just how much urgent is arising from other peoples bad organisation or your procrastination.
• Use time-blocking techniques – schedule your precious time like a pro

Remember, time is the one resource you can’t get back. Use it wisely!

7. Sleep Sanctuary: Optimise Your Sleep Environment

Quality sleep is the secret sauce of a great life. Let’s make your bedroom a sleep paradise:

• Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillows – your back will write you a thank-you note
• Control light and temperature – cool and dark is the sleep sweet spot. Get blackout blinds or curtains if you need them
• Remove electronic devices – sorry, Netflix, this is a no-binge zone. Make this a space for rest and in person connection
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine – train your brain for sleepy time
• Keep a consistent sleep schedule – yes, even on weekends! Consistency is key when it comes to our circadian rhythm
• Consider earthing sheets or blankets – for those times of the year when you can’t get outside and connect with the earth barefoot. If this interests you read an article on Grounding.

Remember, a good day starts the night before. Prioritise your sleep, and watch your life transform!

8. Social Circle: Curate Your Tribe

You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely:

• Evaluate your relationships – do they lift you up or bring you down?
• Seek out positive influences – surround yourself with people that help fill life’s cup. The engaged, the upbeat and one or two dream chasers!
• Set boundaries with negative people – Not everyone can be as positive or proactive in shaping their life as you. Some of these people need our help too, but remember that it’s okay to limit exposure to energy vampires
• Join groups or clubs aligned with your interests – find your tribe
• Schedule regular catch-ups with loved ones – nurture those important connections

Your social environment shapes you more than you might realise. Make it count!

9. Nature Connection: Bring the Outdoors In

In our concrete jungles, we often forget our roots. Let’s reconnect with nature:

• Create an indoor garden – even a small herb garden can work wonders
• Use natural materials in your decor – think wood, stone, and natural fibers
• Maximise natural light – open those curtains and let the sunshine in
• Incorporate nature sounds – a tabletop fountain or nature sound machine can do the trick

By bringing nature into your environment, you’re tapping into its restorative power.

Conclusion:

Controlling your environment isn’t about being a control freak – it’s about creating a space that supports your health, happiness, and goals. By focusing on these nine areas – air quality, clear spaces, mindful eating, reducing chemical use, stress management, time organisation, sleep optimisation, social connections and nature integration – you’re setting yourself up for success in 2024 and beyond.

Think about it: every day, you have the power to shape your environment. Each choice, from the air you breathe to the food you eat, from the clutter you clear to the way you manage your time, is an opportunity to create a better life for yourself.

So, what’s it going to be? Will you let your environment control you, or will you take the reins? I challenge you to implement at least one strategy from each area this week. Start small – maybe open a window for 15 minutes first thing each day, or spend 10 minutes decluttering a drawer, or switch one cleaning product to a natural alternative. Remember, small changes done consistently lead to big results!

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Which of these areas do you struggle with the most? Or do you have any environment-control hacks that have worked wonders for you? Share in the comments below – let’s learn from each other and create environments that help us thrive.

Here’s to breathing easier, living cleaner, eating better, creating a chemical free haven, stressing less, managing time like a pro, sleeping soundly, nurturing meaningful relationships and connecting with nature in 2024. You’ve got this, and your best life is waiting just around the corner!