Environmental Wellness

 The next dimension of wellness we will explore together is Environmental.

The concept of Environmental Wellness reflects how your surroundings contribute to your quality of life.   As with Intellectual Wellness, this can look very different for each individual since we all have various needs and desires.  Environmental Wellness includes some basic elements that apply to everyone, such as:

·       Living in a clean and safe neighborhood

·       Appreciating time outdoors in a natural setting

·       Creating home and work areas that are pleasant and stimulating

·       Practicing habits that promote "green living"

Noticing how your immediate environment impacts other areas of wellness would be a good place to start when developing an action plan for improved or sustained Environmental Wellness.  For example, I enjoy spending time outdoors on sunny days.  I find it invigorating and boosts my mood 9,000%.  However, I work in an office setting. 

To enhance my office setting, I place my desk near a window facing the sunny sky and tall trees.  I also have plants and flowers on my desk and a small fan to simulate a cool breeze.  This helps me to experience the outdoors when I cannot be outdoors.  

The impact your environment can have on your wellness is much more important than some may have previously considered.  Your surroundings impact your mood, employment options, relationships, access to healthy food and clean drinking water, access to quality health care and so much more!  For example: A person who (at the time of this writing) lives in Virginia, USA - regardless of race, class and gender - will rank their Environmental Wellness much higher than a person who lives in a country overwhelmed by war, famine, disease and/or poverty.  Some of us may not have a choice in where we can exist but for those of us who do enjoy that freedom, take advantage of it by making your environment suitable to your wellness goals.

Take a moment now to use the decision tree below to develop your plan! (TIP: click on the map to enlarge it)

Taking stock of Environmental Wellness means becoming aware of how your surroundings add to or detract from your well-being and taking steps to make positive changes.  It is not enough to merely notice or observe.  You must also do the work to make changes as needed to ensure your environment is having a positive impact on your wellness goals. 

What are your strategies to maintain optimal Environmental Wellness?  Please share what works for you in the comments as it may inspire someone else!