Environmental Wellness
In this installment of our walk through the wellness wheel I will be inviting you to consider Environmental Wellness. From the interior decor & cleanliness of our homes & offices to the pollution found through out developed parts of the world our environment plays a large role in how we feel and thus affects our health and wellness.
Environmental Wellness is defined as the ability to recognize our responsibility in the quality of all aspects of our surroundings, more specifically the quality of our air, water, and earth. The ability to make a positive impact on the quality of our environment, be it our homes, our communities or our planet contributes to our environmental wellness.
Did you know that there is a whole realm of psychology based on our relationship to ecology? At the Centre for Ecopsychology & Wellbeing they offer up two different descriptions as to what Ecopsychology is:
Ecopsychology applies ecological and psychological theories and research methodology to study the relationship between people and the natural world. There is a focus on wellbeing. (Quote from Palmer, 2014; 2015:2)
Ecopsychology studies the relationship between human beings and the natural environment through both ecological and psychological principles. Ecopsychology seeks to develop and understand ways of expanding the emotional connection between individuals and the natural environment, thereby assisting individuals with developing sustainable lifestyles and remedying alienation from nature (Blaschke, 2013: 3) (e.g. Buzzell & Chalquist 2009; Milfont 2012). A related area of social and mental health research experiencing recent rapid growth is that of positive psychology, a psychology of positive human functioning, which aims to ‘achieve a scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving individuals, families, and communities’ (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi 2000). (Quote from Blaschke, 2013: 3.)
With so much new emphasis on our relationship to our natural environment & it’s resources as a key to improved wellness you know there’s got to be validity behind it!
How much time we spend in nature is also a key component. Being out in the natural world gives us a sense of awe and the chance to appreciate what we have while inspiring us to be better wards of this earth that sustains us. It also provides opportunity to see that we are all part of the web of life and how we care for the planet directly impacts our lives as well as the lives of all beings. And, if you understand the science behind electromagnetic frequencies you might see how man made EMF’s differ from the EMF’s found in nature. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) recognizes the impact of EMF’s on our health and has written a valuable article on the matter. Read it ~HERE~.
Here are a few suggested steps in improving your relationship to our ecology:
Be aware of the natural environment you live in.
Learn about and choose sustainable life options.
Work to ensure the stability and longevity of our natural resources.
Participate in activities that protect the environment.
Openly advocate for sustainability.
Visit a nature setting as often as possible.
Acquire a plant friend &/ or grow a garden.
Then there is our personal environments to think about. The surroundings we spend the most time in are extremely influential in our wellbeing. Maybe you’ve heard, read, or experienced how the brightness & color of a room can ease anxiety and depression? Research has shown this to be true! And how your space is set up can even encourage or discourage social interaction. For example, a warm space with comfy chairs invites guests to sit down and chat for awhile where as a more clinical setting can evoke a sense of coolness and distance. Then there is the theory that how you keep your space will motivate behavior. If you have a disorganized, cluttered environment you are more like to perpetuate this by dropping what’s in your hands in a way that adds to the disorganization where as it you are neat and tidy you are more likely to follow suit and put things away properly. Having an organized and well put together home will actually decrease stress.
Marie Kondo, a recently popular tidying expert, has heralded in the joy of simple, tidy living. She has launched an entire method that guides one through the steps to create both a home and office environment that fosters a sense of peace and serenity. All of this is based on the very important impact that our surroundings have on our mental and emotional health which, consequently, is also related to productivity. For more information on the KonMari method, click ~HERE~.
Mindfulness Exercise
For this weeks mindfulness exercise I will offer up several for you to enjoy:
Walking meditation:
Take a slow, silent intentional walk on your favorite nature trail. See how it feels different from other times when you may have missed some of the beauty that surrounds you by being focused on a goal or conversation or podcast or music. Pay attention to not only what is around you but how you body feels as you stroll the familiar path.
Declutter one area of your home or office:
Identify an area of either of these places that could use a good sorting and get to it! Before you begin take in the current state then check in with how it resonates within you. What feelings or energies do you experience? Once you’ve completed your task check in again and see what’s different.
Identify one act of sustainability you can incorporate into your daily life then make it happen. (i.e. purchase and utilize a straw made from silicone, glass or stainless steel instead of accepting straws provided in restaurants, coffee shops, cafe’s, etc.)
Use this video, or one like it, as the backdrop for a seated mediation:
Until next time, be well and enjoy the journey!