How to take back control of your environment—and your health

Here’s an inescapable truth: our environment shapes our health.

Whether you struggle with problems like lack of a quiet work space, or more systemic ones, like living in an area without many healthy food options, greengrocers etc…

There’s a lot about our environment that we can’t change.

And rarely—if ever—do we stop to think about how that affects us, our mood, mindset, and overall well being. Mainly because of the way our lives are set up: most of it feels out of our control.

However, lets challenge that.

A little mindfulness—or the act of "being present"—can have a calming effect on your mind, regardless of your current environment. (Even if it can’t solve bigger, systemic problems—it might be able to help you cope with them, just a little.)

So, let's try a simple awareness-building exercise.

Grab your phone.

(Or just open your timer app if you’re already here!)

Set a timer for 3 minutes, and write down as many aspects of your surroundings as you can observe. This can be anything: sights, sounds, decor, temperature, ambiance, other people, etc. Capture them wherever you take notes.

Once the 3 minutes are over, answer these questions:

1. What did you observe about your surroundings?

Examples could be: Sunshine coming in through your window. Traffic noises outside, or chatter in the background of a coffee shop. Cooking smells from the kitchen. Family chatting in the background.

2. How do you think those environmental features might affect what you think, feel, and do? Try to feel out how and why you’re reacting to these particular aspects. (Are they distracting you when you’re trying to focus, etc.)

Does the sunshine give you a feeling of peace?

Is the honking from the street grating on your nerves?

Are the smells from the kitchen pleasing?

Do you feel calmer or more anxious about the amount of people around right now?

- - -

Done? (Don’t read this if you’re not!)

Take a look at your list. Try to find one small stressor that you do have control over.

Some of the things on the list aren’t possible at all, like taking on the expense of moving to a safer neighborhood, trading in your toddler for a white noise machine, or getting better access to healthcare immediately.

Others, like getting noise-canceling headphones, may be a good step in the right direction if you find yourself struggling with focusing while working at home.

The goal isn’t to “fix everything, right away!” but to become more aware of how we move through the world, and how the world impacts us in return.

While this exercise may not bring world peace, I do hope it brings you a little bit of peace, even if just for the moment.

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Blog Written by Tanvir Heer Coaching

Weight Loss Health and Fitness Personal Trainer Online | Harrow on the Hill | Sudbury Hill | Rayners Lane | Wealdstone | Kenton | Pinner | Hatch End | Wembley | Alperton