Our physical environment impacts health.
A cluttered office space can lead to a cluttered, frazzled mindset. That nagging pile of laundry that hasn’t been folded or put up creates anxiety. A dim, dreary workspace can make you feel lethargic and depressed.
There are four major factors that impact our mental and physical health as it relates to our personal environment:
Clutter — Studies show that life satisfaction decreases as clutter increases. Those who believe their homes are cluttered tend to be less happy than those who do not. This could be the stress of not being able to find what you’re looking for, decreasing efficiency, or an increased number of distractions around you. Clutter nags at our minds, so decluttering brings peace.
Pollution — Pollution is not limited to smoke and smog (though these are big factors!). Air pollutants have been linked to poorer mental health. Not only that, but even those of us in the suburbs may be combating airborne dust, dander, and mold that may make us physically sick.
Noise — Loud or persistent noises in your environment (crowds, traffic, etc.), have proven to increase mental distress. In fact, big cities are known to have higher rates for anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.
Light — Ever wonder why those couples on HGTV are always raving about natural light? There is a well-documented condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in which people (usually during winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight) are more prone to spells of depression. It is directly linked to how much sunlight we are exposed to!
Not only that, but artificial light can increase stress, and a lack of light can lead to depression.
With these four factors in mind, we have to look for solutions. All of us are affected by our environments, albeit in different and varying ways. You can start with decluttering, sure — but one thing you can do on a regular, daily basis is to spend time outside.
3 Major Benefits Found in the Great Outdoors
I think now, during self-quarantine, is perhaps the most important time to be outside and getting fresh air. For some of us, I know this is easier said than done. Not everyone has a nice backyard or nearby parks and trails. There is an issue of accessibility. Just the same, finding a way and a place to be outdoors is critical, particularly as we face elevated anxiety and stress.
These are just some of the benefits you’ll find if you make a habit of getting out into the fresh air.
1) Relieve Mental Fatigue
Mental fatigue is a significant issue facing our workforce, particularly as we battle COVID-19. You know you’re fatigued mentally when you seem to be stuck in a “brain fog,” in which processing information and thinking critically seems to come more slowly.
Studies have shown that time spent in nature is restorative for our minds. In the end, participants who spent time in nature after being taken to a point of mental fatigue bounced back more quickly in terms of maintaining direct attention and focus. Nature gives us a mental boost and offers a soft reset for the mind!
2) Reduce Risk of Disease
I am constantly amazed by how many things can affect the health of our minds and bodies. The food we eat, the exercise we get, and the environment we inhabit impact everything from our risk of cancer and heart disease to hypertension and eyesight.
Studies show that spending time “forest bathing” (in other words, going outside and spending time among trees) results in an elevated number of anticancer cells. Some believe this has to do with our senses — namely smell.
At the very least, we can expect our blood pressure to drop and the immune system to improve when we spend time outdoors and in nature.
3) Improved Mental Health
We are all more aware of mental health than ever these days. So many people are afraid to broach the subject, but it doesn’t mean we don’t all struggle in one way or another. Whether it is anxiety, depression, or other negative thought spirals caused by stress or other environmental factors, we can fight it with a little fresh air.
Fresh air isn’t a cure-all, but taking a walk outside does produce endorphins, which relieve stress and improve mood. Improved mood and a happier state of being decreases “risky” activities such as smoking and drinking — which ultimately improves health!
How has spending time outside improved your life, particularly during self-quarantine? Share in the comments.