Have you ever wondered why some people need a quiet space to study, while others do their best work when surrounded by the bustling of people in a coffee shop? Or have you ever noticed that certain people can’t concentrate on the day ahead of them when they know their home is cluttered, while others seem to be unaffected by a messy house?
Various factors in your environment can affect how you feel and function from day to day. Although everyone is different, it’s important to consider how these different elements can influence your productivity, happiness, comfort, and so on.
Photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash
Keep reading to learn more about creating an environment conducive to mental health and happiness.
How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?
When it comes to mental wellness, numerous factors are at play, such as your genes, quality of sleep, diet, stress level, past experiences, relationship satisfaction, amount of physical activity, and more.
While social, biological, and psychological elements all determine our mental state, environmental factors typically make a significant difference.
Your surroundings, at their best, can lead to improved productivity, a lower chance of developing mental health disorders, and enhanced resilience in the face of adversity.
At its worst, your environment can lead to poor mental health outcomes and affect your ability to cope effectively with existing concerns.
For example, if you live with a condition like depersonalization-derealization disorder, you may find that you struggle to alleviate your symptoms when your environment is chaotic or uncomfortable.
Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to make your space inviting and relaxing.
To learn more about DDD and understand why its treatment often necessitates safe, comfortable, and quiet surroundings, check out this article.
Environmental Factors To Consider
It’s important to keep the following considerations in mind when assessing the impact of your environment on your mental health.
1. Space
Take a moment to look around your home and office space. Do you see clutter? If so, it could be directly impacting your mental health. An overcrowded or messy space can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, limiting your productivity and ability to concentrate.
Decluttering and organizing your home and workspace can lead to improved mental clarity and less stress.
2. Lighting
Is your home flooded with natural sunlight, or do you have to turn on several lamps to get any kind of light? Do you work outdoors or in a basement where windows are absent? The absence of natural light in your environment can influence your mood, contributing to sluggishness as well as mental health disorders like depression.
Contrastingly, the presence of natural light can promote feelings of rejuvenation, leading to a happier mood and lessening one’s risk of mental illness.
3. Aesthetic
While it may not seem like a big deal, it’s important to consider whether your space is well-decorated and comfortable. You may or may not have control over this aspect in your environment, especially if you work at an office and don’t have a say on décor.
However, the overall aesthetics of your environment can impact your mental health, making it vital to do your best to create a visually pleasing space.
Feeling comfortable in your environment can lead to higher levels of health and productivity, while a dull or unappealing space may contribute to a lower mood and more stress.
4. Noise
Is it loud where you work due to construction or an airport being nearby? Do your neighbors regularly play loud music or get into big fights? The level and amount of noise in your environment can contribute to problems with concentration and productivity while also increasing your stress levels.
A noisy space can disrupt your thought processes and lead to feelings of irritation, frustration, and anxiety. Creating a quiet and peaceful environment to work or simply exist in can help promote relaxation and peace.
5. Distractions
Are there people interrupting you regularly at your place of work? Do your neighbors consistently bother you during the day while you’re trying to cook, clean, or spend time with your kids?
Constant distractions in your environment can hinder your ability to focus and stay on tasks. This isn’t limited to people alone; your phones, TV, and other electronic devices can also be distracting.
Minimizing these distractions and putting boundaries in place around your time can help you keep your focus and reduce your stress.
6. Temperature
Is it too hot or too cold where you work or sleep? While researchers have found a link between higher temperatures and negative mental health outcomes, cold temperatures can also cause discomfort.
Being too hot can lead to irritability, poor sleep quality, reduced performance at work, and the development of mental disorders such as depression. Being too cold can affect your mood and ability to concentrate and relax.
Thus, it’s crucial to maintain a comfortable temperature whether you’re at work or home. If you can’t control the temperature, try bringing cold water, a blanket, a heavy coat, or fans—depending on your needs.
When all of these elements are taken together, it can create an environment that is either warm and accommodating or uncomfortable and cramped. Being willing to make adjustments can be key to fostering secure, restful spaces.
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
Getting Creative
The challenging part about maintaining a comfortable environment is that you won’t always have full control over your space.
Even if you are trying to make your home more inviting, for example, you might have to consider your spouse’s input or the needs of your children before changing anything. At work, your boss may prioritize the technology you use rather than how the office looks.
This said, not having complete control doesn’t mean you can’t take small steps to improve your surroundings. You might consider bringing plants to your office to place on your desk or invest in a heated blanket to ensure you’re not freezing at home.
You may also turn your phone off during the workday to avoid distracting notifications or rearrange your room so that more natural light can get in.
Thinking outside the box can help you create spaces that you’re proud of and comfortable in, leading to a higher quality of life and more consistent happy feelings.
This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
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