Nothing compares to the peace you feel when walking into a beautiful, comfortable, hard-working home, however, the way your home looks is only part of it. For me, lifestyle changes are helping me on my journey of finding peace in my place.
After the birth of baby #3 I was ill. I was used to the sleep deprivation, but this was different. My energy levels were non-existent, I had chronic pain, and my weight wouldn’t budge even though my diet was “good.” I was dismissed by my endocrinologist because my labs were “normal” and “that’s just how women feel as they age.”
Feeling bad all the time is not something I am willing to accept as normal, so I started researching what changes I could make to my lifestyle. These lifestyle changes have helped me and my family, and that gives me peace.
Diet
I’ve always considered myself a healthy eater. I buy organic produce and don’t include a lot of processed sugar in my diet. I was shocked after discovering the amount of toxins in the foods we eat every day. Now, everything I buy, from produce to packaged foods, is organic to reduce exposure to toxins such as glyphosate. I’ve cut out seed oils and inflammatory food additives. I primarily buy local, pasture-raised beef, chicken, eggs, raw dairy, and wild-caught fish. We also have a no tolerance policy for artificial sweeteners and food dyes in our home. Did you know that food dye with the word “lake” in the name is made using aluminum salts?
Skin and oral care
I’ve replaced all soap, shampoos, lotion, and cosmetics with products that don’t contain synthetic fragrance and score 3 or lower on EWG’s Skin Deep database. If you’re unsure where to start, Branch Basics has a great blog post where they compiled a list of their favorite non-toxic products. We also replaced our toothpaste with a fluoride-free option that contains hydroxyapatite.
Cleaning products
I replaced our dish soap, dishwashing detergent, cleaners, and laundry detergent with products free of synthetic fragrance and harmful chemicals. My favorite cleaning and laundry products are Branch Basics and Thieves by Young Living.
Home fragrance
I replaced our fragranced candles with essential oil diffusers. I pair Young Living essential oils with a Vitruvi diffuser.
Decorating with crystals
While this last one isn’t directly health-related, it certainly gives me peace. I collected crystals as a child and have always loved them. This year I’ve been intentional about decorating my home with crystals and reconnecting with activities I enjoyed as a child.
These lifestyle changes are helping me on my journey of finding peace in my place. What brings you peace in your place?
Image sources: West Elm Lucas Wire Base Chair, West Elm Hex Side Table, Serena and Lily pillow (discontinued)
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