We’ve been at home for a year now and one thing’s for sure: our physical spaces are the backdrops to our lives. But have you ever considered how the places where we live, work, and gather help keep us well? In this post, we explore how our physical and virtual environments support our health, and how we can put the things around us to work to help us be our best.
Environmental well-being – what is it?
Environmental well-being refers to our sense of safety, comfort, and connection with our surroundings, which is inextricably linked with our overall health. When our personal surroundings are well cared for, are clean and organized, we experience a greater sense of comfort and less anxiety.
How we view and experience our environments influence how we feel. It’s important to think about how to make the most of where we are, every day:
- Make sure you’re sitting comfortably: Learn how to optimize your workspace and protect yourself from work-related musculoskeletal injury risk factors.
- Get outdoors as often as you can: Getting some fresh air and sun helps improve cognition, reduce stress, and combat excessive worry.
- Bring the outdoors in – welcome a plant (or two) to your life. Not only do indoor plants purify the air you breathe, but they have calming effects on mood, stress levels, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health too. Not sure what type of plant to buy? Here are 15 plants that’ll help you with stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Make every day Earth Day: Unplug electronics when not in use, turn down the heat, choose products with less packaging, walk or cycle to your next errand.
- Create a distraction-free space to enjoy your meals (and connect with others while you eat): Take the time to eat with your family and friends (virtually, of course) to stay socially connected and enjoy a meal together. No matter your setup, make it a zone that allows you to eat well.
- Allocate some time at the end of the day to tidy up: Easier said than done, especially if you have young kids, but you’ll wake up and start your day on the right foot, not to mention clutter-free.
What spaces most influence your well-being and how? Share your thoughts below.