I still have a long way to go to create my own beautiful, ‘non-toxic’ bedroom space! I hope you enjoy the tips below. I recommend that you do things slowly, whenever you need to purchase something new – do your research and make sure you are making conscious choices that promote optimum health! -B xx

Creating a beautiful non-toxic bedroom space is extremely important for optimal sleep, rest and relaxation. Our bedrooms should be our sanctuary and retreat from the world. Try as much as possible to keep your bedroom space ONLY for getting yourself ready, connecting with loved ones, sleep, rest and only activities that will relax you. Ideally, we will associate our bedroom and our bed for relaxation and sleep only.

Here are SEVEN TIPS to create your own non-toxic bedroom space:

1. BAN/LIMIT ELECTRONICS:
Try as much as possible to keep electronics out of the bedroom and don’t bring them into the bed! The majority of us have a whole room devoted to screen watching called the lounge! As much as possible only keep the absolutely necessary electronic items in your bedroom space. This might be a speaker for some gentle music, an alarm clock or your watch. Try and keep your phone away from your bed so you are not tempted to check it in the night or as soon as you wake up! Another option is to turn everything off at night but we think it is just better to try and find another location for all of these items. Also, don’t work in your bedroom or have your office space in your bedroom – if you can at all help it!

2. DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER!
You bedroom space is your own personal sacred space just for yourself (and your partner if you have one!) don’t store anything that is not related to your bedroom in this space. Keep only what you need for getting yourself ready to greet the world, relaxing and sleeping in this space. Keep all surfaces clear and free of unnecessary clutter. As this is your own personal space feel free to have beautiful mementoes and more personal items on display to lift your spirits.

3. NON-TOXIC FURNITURE:
Try and have solid wood furniture. Particle board and cheaper composite wood furniture can off-gas toxins due to all of the nasty glues involved in making these products. A way to remedy any off gassing from non-solid wood furniture is to keep plants nearby. Here is a great list of plants that can help absorb toxins. Don’t, however, keep plants directly beside your bed or right near where you sleep. Always open your windows during the day and if your temperature and location allow for it sleep with your window open at night also so you are constantly letting fresh air into your sleeping space. If you are unable to open windows another option would be to invest in an air purifier.

4. FENG SHUI TIPS:
Try and set up your bedroom so that it promotes the most optimum flow of energy. Don’t have your bed pushed up against the wall and allow for plenty of space to easily move around the bed. Keep the bed balanced, allow for a side table and lamp (if necessary) or some beautiful, natural soy candles to burn on each side of the bed. Don’t keep your bed directly in line with the door. If your bed has to be in this location try and keep the door shut. Try and make the bed the focal point of the room. Don’t have bright, energising colours in your bedroom – try and stick with neutral, restful and soothing colours. Have art and objects that promote love, healing and happiness. Keep all of your clothes clean and organised in your closet or drawers. We love the Konmari way of organising and folding your clothes. If at all possible don’t keep any dirty clothing in your bedroom area!

5. MAKE SPACE FOR A BEDTIME RITUAL:
We recommend that you put aside a specific space to carry out a relaxing bedtime ritual. Recently we wrote about setting up a yoga/meditation area – this would also be a great place for a relaxing bedtime routine. If space is tight you can easily use your bed. Play some relaxing music, put some relaxing oil in a diffuser, do some gentle yoga, moisturise or do some self-massage, drink some relaxing herbal tea and read before you sleep to help yourself relax. Try not to go on your phone or use screens for at least half an hour before you sleep. Work out your bedtime using this great calculator.

6. NATURAL MATTRESS + BEDDING:
Conventional mattresses are horribly toxic and we are all sleeping on them! Mattresses can be sprayed with any number of things including flame retardants, boric acid, formaldehyde, antimony, and synthetic latex (1). All of these things can be incredibly toxic to our health. Try and find a good quality natural or organic mattress and pillow. (If you live in NZ Innature does them). Another option is to get a natural topper for your mattress or regularly get your mattress deep cleaned with non-toxic cleaners. Try and make sure that all of your bedding is of natural fibres, preferably organic cotton or bamboo. Natural cotton is always better than synthetic fibres like polyester or poly blends because it is more comfortable to sleep on and it allows your skin to breathe while you sleep.

7. ORGANIC SLEEPWEAR:
In ‘The Sleep Revolution’ Arianna Huffington said that she was such a poor sleeper and got into a really bad habit of wearing her ‘work-out’ clothes to bed like an old T-shirt or sweatpants. She realised that in order to give sleep the priority and attention it deserves we all need to be wearing proper sleepwear that we only use for bedtime! When we change into our pyjamas it gives our brains the necessary psychological shift to start winding down for sleep. We recommend that you buy some beautiful organic or natural sleepwear that you strictly keep only to wear to bed. Make sure they are super comfortable to wear and also look beautiful at the same time. ♥

Links:

1 – Organic Matresses and healthy bedding from Dr Axe

Natural/Organic Mattresses from Innature

(Photo: Pinterest)