Promote Environmental Wellness With These 8 Tips
What is environmental wellness?
We often don’t realize the impact that our outer environments have on our mental and emotional well-being. Our physical spaces are even more impactful now, as many of us work and live in the same space. Outer order contributes to inner calm, which is why environmental wellness is one of the eight dimensions of wellness. When our environment feels cluttered, chaotic, or unsafe, it’s hard for us to lead happy or healthy lives. Environmental wellness means occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being. Additionally, it involves:
-
- Spending time outdoors enjoying nature.
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling.
- Working to reduce your environmental impact.
- Walking, biking, using public transportation, or carpooling when possible.
- Being concerned about impacts on your local, national, and world climate.
- Having a space to call your own.
- Living and working in spaces that are free of abuse and hostility.
- Feeling safe and content in your environments (home, work, etc.).
- Having access to fresh food, drinking water, and nature.
- Keeping your home and workspaces clean and organized.
How can you improve environmental wellness?
Wondering how to improve your environmental wellness? Here are eight suggestions:
1
Organize your spaces daily.
Research shows that having a messy home decreases our life satisfaction. Additionally, clutter is associated with higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), difficulties falling asleep, procrastination, and reduced focus. The piles of mail we need to sort through, children’s toys all over the floor, or dishes piling up in the sink serve as constant reminders of unfinished business. When our space is organized and clutter-free, we can better relax. Don’t wait until your working or living environments are chaotic and overwhelming. As a suggestion, declutter your space for at least 15-minutes at the beginning or end of your day. At the end of the workday, organize your desk or home office. Before bed, declutter your home.
2
Get rid of clutter.
Having less clutter to organize in the first place makes it easier to keep our spaces clean and organized. Each season, spend some time going through your closet. Pick one room per month to sort through, getting rid of items you haven’t used recently.
3
Acquire less stuff.
Our materialistic culture misleads us into believing that the more we have, the better. The opposite is often true; reducing your consumption makes us feel better emotionally, and it’s better for the environment.
4
Live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Recycle, ride your bike instead of driving, reduce your use of non-renewable energy, and eat less meat.
5
Spend time outdoors.
Spending time in nature reduces stress, increases vitamin D (which helps boost your mood, improves immune function, and helps with bone strength), and improves focus. Make it a goal to get outside for at least 10 minutes per day.
6
Improve your local community.
You can improve your community by contributing to a community garden or volunteering for a local clean-up. If you live in Chicago, the Chicago Park District’s Pitch in for the Parks (PIFTP) initiative organizes clean-up events across the city.
7
Create a hygge atmosphere.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish term used to describe a feeling and way of living that emphasizes coziness, warmth, and togetherness. Think about what soothes your senses the most, and create a home atmosphere that incorporates those stimuli (i.e., lavender essential oil, pictures of the beach, a sound machine, etc.).
8
If possible, have distinct working and living spaces.
It may feel nice to work from your bed, but our brains start to form associations between work (and, thus, stress) and our beds. Our bed should represent rest and relaxation.
At Embodied Wellness Center, we take a holistic approach to mental health treatment. Interested in holistic therapy or want to learn more about it?
*Disclaimer: The content posted on this website is for marketing and educational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, psychotherapy or a replacement for mental health treatment. Please seek the advice of your licensed medical or mental health professional, and do not avoid seeking treatment based on anything read on this website.
