Spring cleaning may officially begin on Feb. 2, if Groundhog Day predicts an early end to winter. The first day of spring is a perfect time to assess the safety and convenience of a home as it is prepared for warmer spring days. Although beneficial for all, this analysis and preparation is especially important for women with mental health issues.
A home is the basic foundation around which our lives revolve. A woman’s living environment is a contributor to her quality of life; home is the first thing a woman experiences when waking, the last thing she sees before bed, and affects many other aspects of day to day living. While a streamlined kitchen can nurture a desire to cook and eat healthfully, a cluttered cooking area can increase the frequency of fast food purchases.
Because the environment affects mood, emotion and behavior in such a way, it plays an important role in recovery from mental illness. An analysis of the home environment, including the kitchen’s impact on nutritional habits and the bedroom’s impact on sleep hygiene allows women to identify day to day factors that may hinder long-term wellness. Analyzing neighborhood location and safety, including lighting and security needs as well as nearby hospitals and schools helps women maximize the safety of their environment.
