When we talk about the environment, it's easy to immediately think of the great outdoors—lush forests, meandering streams, and wide-open spaces. However, the term “environment” encompasses much more than just natural settings. It includes any space where we spend significant portions of our time, such as our homes, workplaces, local neighborhoods, communities, and outdoor areas we frequently visit. The environment surrounding us plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Even subtle differences can change how we think, feel, and act. Some of the environmental factors that may influence you include light, clutter, noise, and comfortability.
Light. The amount of daylight we're exposed to can play a significant role in our mental health. Our bodies rely on natural light to regulate our circadian rhythms—the internal process that signals when to wake up and when to sleep. Therefore, the presence or absence of natural light heavily influences our overall well-being. Insufficient natural light can disrupt our sleep patterns and confuse our natural rhythms, leading to issues like disturbed sleep. Moreover, spending prolonged periods in dimly lit environments can negatively affect the production of mood-regulating chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, potentially contributing to higher levels of depression. Conversely, excessive exposure to natural light might lead to heightened anxiety due to overstimulation and sleep disruption. While I personally appreciate the ambiance of a dimly lit space, it's essential to occasionally open the blinds and embrace natural light to help our bodies maintain balance.
Clutter. Clutter is more than just a minor nuisance; its effects on our mental health are profound and often underestimated. I cannot tell you the number of times I have walked into a cluttered space and immediately felt myself becoming more tense and on edge. Whether it's our own living space or someone else's, clutter tends to evoke feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. Research supports this observation, showing that living in households with higher levels of clutter is associated with increased stress levels and a decrease in overall mood. Keeping our surroundings clean and organized not only fosters a sense of calm but also contributes to a more positive emotional state. Moreover, clutter has been linked to diminished focus and decision-making abilities, including a propensity for unhealthy eating habits and impulsive spending. For the sake of both your mental well-being and your wallet, work on tidying up your home and decluttering both your environment and your mind.
Noise. Noisy environments can significantly strain our well-being, primarily through the activation of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. This surge in cortisol leads to increased tension and feelings of being overwhelmed. When we're continuously exposed to high noise levels, our bodies adapt to this stressful state, hampering our ability to relax and recuperate. The relationship between noise and health extends to our sleep quality as well — a critical component of mental health. Disturbances in sleep patterns due to excessive noise undermine our overall well-being, highlighting the importance of managing noise levels in our environments for both physical and mental health benefits.
Comfortability. Make a space yours. The joy of entering a space that resonates with your tastes and preferences is relaxing and satisfying. Transform a space with color schemes, decorations, artwork, and lighting that beckon you to spend time there. Tap into your creative side to jazz up a space that feels authentically yours.
The spaces we inhabit are linked to our overall well-being, often influencing us in ways we don’t consciously realize. Our surroundings can impact our body’s natural rhythms as well as our thoughts and feelings. Creating and fostering a comfortable space that meets your needs is a proactive step toward prioritizing your well-being and enhancing your quality of life.
Jesse Lamm is a Dakota Family Services’ therapist providing telehealth to adolescents and adults in Minnesota and North Dakota. He earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Dakota State University and specializes in working with people struggling with trauma, stress, anger, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties. Contact Dakota Family Services at 1-800-201-6495 to make a telehealth (virtual) appointment with Jesse.