Environmental Wellness

​The Environmental Dimension of Wellness
 
 
Ok, if you have been around for any amount of time, you know that I love Gretchen Rubin. She has a book called Happier at Home (find it here) that I absolutely love and read yearly. So, some of these tips I need to give her credit for but before we get there, let’s talk about what the environmental dimension of wellness is. 
 
If we are really focused on this dimension, we are looking at environmental wellness from a macro and micro level. On a macro level, environmental wellness includes recycling, caring for the earth, using water and natural resources wisely and leaving the world a better place than we found it. 
 
On a micro level, the environmental dimension is making your home and living environment a place where you feel safe and actually want to be. Somewhere where you feel relaxed and free to be authentically you. 
 
So, back to Gretchen Rubin’s book. If you want to work on the micro level of the environmental dimension, you should totally check this book out. But today I am going to share with you two major takeaways I got from her book and you can read the book for the rest of her brilliant perspective. 
 
First, in order for your home to be safe place, it needs to be an organized place. Whether you care about organization or not, studies show that the more chaotic or cluttered your environment, the higher your anxiety and inability to relax. It doesn’t mean you have to turn into a minimalist but you may need to contain your hoarder ways….
 
Second, add a bit of whimsy or fun in unexpected places. Perhaps you wallpaper the inside of one of your cabinets in a vibrant pattern or have a secret corner of your house that has a fairy garden. That little bit of the unexpected will likely make you smile every time you see it, even if no one else knows about it. 
 
Now let’s look at the macro level. On the macro level, there are many ways to work on environmental wellness. Perhaps you carpool to work, ride your bike or take the bus. Maybe you recycle or upcycle old items and use them for something new. 
 
Aside from taking care of the environment, environmental wellness is also about taking time in your environment. How often do you walk in nature, go to the park or take a deep breath of fresh air? Do you have outdoor hobbies or could you engage in some new ones? These are all great ways to connect to that dimension of wellness. 
 
As I write this, I am enjoying my backyard and the environment we have created on our homestead. I hope you will also be intentional about creating your own environment that you love. 
 
See you next time!