New year, new you? The start of the New Year is a great opportunity to reflect on your lifestyle and make some positive, healthy changes. Where better to start than in your own apartment? After all, your environment has a huge impact on your mental and physical health.

If you’re ready for a fresh start in 2021, we have six healthy apartment living tips to transform your home into a tranquil oasis that supports your wellness goals.

Clear the Clutter

A cluttered apartment can be a source of stress. Simply decluttering and organizing your space has an immediate calming effect . Take a day to tackle your closets, medicine cabinet, kitchen cabinets and get rid of anything you don’t use or need anymore. When you’re done with the clutter, give your apartment a thorough cleaning. Use non-toxic or eco-friendly cleaners for the ultimate healthy apartment living.

Promote Healthy Habits

Invest in accessories that will support healthy living in an apartment. Stock the kitchen with pretty accessories that encourage you to choose good-for-you treats, such as a decorative fruit bowl on the counter. Don’t forget to drink up, too—hydration is key for overall health, energy and mental focus. Soma offers beautifully designed water filter pitchers and bottles that will be a constant reminder to drink your H2O. Finally, an air purifier can remove harmful pollutants (and odors) from the air, making it a good investment towards your healthy apartment living goals.

Bring the Outdoors In

Natural light is an instant health and mood booster. To start, sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for absorbing calcium, building strong bones, and boosting immune systems—which we could all use right now. Natural light also fights off seasonal depression. Make the most of your natural light by opening your curtains or shades, and positioning your frequently used furniture as close to the light as possible. Plants are also proven to improve health and wellbeing—they are nature’s air purifiers, removing pollutants and chemicals from the air. Add some low-maintenance plants to your space to further promote healthy living in an apartment.

Create a Productive Work from Home Space

If you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, a private home office space probably isn’t in the cards. That doesn’t mean you have to work in the same place you sleep, though. Instead, position furniture, bookcases, or even foldable room dividers to create zones that allow you to separate work from relaxation and other activities. Invest in a high-quality desk and chair, add some fun desk accessories (including plants and framed photos), and don’t forget to light up your space (either with natural light or a stylish desk lamp).

Maximize Your Sleep

Healthy apartment living starts with a good night’s rest. Make your sleep setup more comfy and cozy by investing in a high-quality mattress, pillows, and natural linen or organic cotton sheets to promote deep sleep. Consider investing in blackout curtains—these are especially important if you have bright street lights on the other side of your window—and don’t forget to leave the electronics (including TVs, tablets and phones) outside the bedroom door.

Designate Space for Fitness

When it comes to healthy living in an apartment, exercise and meditation can work wonders. Even if you’re tight on space or can’t visit the gym due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can still prioritize your health and wellness. Set aside time and space to perform regular workouts or meditation. Push the coffee table to the side when you workout with free weights, roll out a yoga mat at the foot of your bed for some deep breathing exercises, or hook resistance bands to the back of a closet door for the ultimate small space strength training routine. If you’re using a fitness app or online video, consider purchasing a tablet or phone holder for easy viewing. 

Enjoy Healthy Apartment Living with Southern Management

Ready to make healthy living in an apartment a reality this year?  With these healthy apartment living tips and few key investments, you’re ready to turn your space into a haven of positivity in 2021.

If you’re looking for a fresh new place to call home, look no further than Southern Management. We have over 25,000 apartments across Maryland and Virginia, many with features that promote healthy apartment living, including on-site fitness centers, swimming pools, gardens and green spaces.

Explore our communities today with a virtual tour, or contact us for more information!