Environmental Wellness
What is Environmental Wellness?
On the heels of World Health Day (April 7th) and Earth Day (April 22nd), and in celebration of Mental Health Month, we are celebrating a month of Environmental Wellness for #SelfCareSunday!
But, you might ask, what exactly IS Environmental Wellness? Well, Environmental Wellness involves stepping into and occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support your well-being. This means interacting with nature and creating an enjoyable personal environment (both in and outside of your workspace).
According to the article listed below, “The core principle of environmental wellness is respect—respect for all nature and all species living in it. When you become environmentally aware, you will be able to realize how your daily habits affect your home life as well as your work life. Improving environmental wellness is simple and results in a more balanced lifestyle.
https://www.nnva.gov/2585/Environmental-Wellness
Here are some tips for nurturing your Environmental Wellness:
- Set up your workspace in a manner that efficient and comfortable
- Conserve energy
- Recycle & using reusable products like water bottles
- Become aware of Earth’s natural resources and their role in your life
- Spend time outdoors!
Not everyone has access to healthy, safe environments. The WHO’s World Health Day (April 7th, 2021) brings awareness to this. Environmental inequalities are a large issue in our world, and they call on leaders to ensure that all people have access to environments conducive to thriving. For more information about this campaign, please head to the following link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2021
National Walking Day
Friday May 7th was National Walking Day, so for this #EnvironmentalWellness, we’re going to talk about getting outside and getting a little physical exercise.
Spending time in green space can benefit both your mental and physical well-being. It can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger, help you be more active, and improve your confidence and self-esteem.
Getting outdoors has been found to help with anxiety and depression. Research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Research shows getting outdoors can also alleviate irritability, insomnia, tension headaches, and indigestion.
It doesn’t have to be hard to start getting into nature. You don’t have to drop everything and go on a camping trip. Start with a walk in the woods or at a park nearby. If you feel safe doing so, even take your workout into nature! Hiking is also a great way to get out into nature and experience some beautiful sights.
For more information on nature’s benefits on Mental Health, please check out the below links. Thanks!
Sustainable Living
With growing concern for the planet, many find themselves wondering how to live a more sustainable life. Many even experience Eco-Anxiety when thinking about the health of our world and environment. Whether you’re looking to make small changes or large to do your part for the environment, there are many habits you can pick up that can make a difference for the environment and put you a bit more at ease when thinking about sustainability. The tips below will help you be more sustainable, thus elevating your own Environmental Wellness.
Tips:
1) Don’t leave your water running: When you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth, remember to limit your running water!
2) Bring your own bags or use recycled paper bags when you go grocery shopping. If you bring your bag from home, you can also avoid using the plastic produce bags, using your own instead as you walk about the stores.
3) When you bring your lunch to work (when you start back in your offices, of course) bring a lunch box, reusable cutlery, and a water bottle/cup for your drink. Single waste plastic utensils are especially easy to avoid if you plan ahead.
4) Ride your bike or walk when you can! This is both environmentally healthy and good for your physical wellness.
5) We all know it: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Remember that the first 2 R’s are just as important as Recycling. Reduce what you consume where you can, and when you get containers from your purchases, try to reuse them.
6) Snip your six-pack rings: If you find yourself with six-pack holders, make sure to snip them so that they don’t strangle animals when they end up accidentally in the environment.
There are many other ways you can be sustainable; this is only a start.
Link for more information: https://www.bellinfitness.com/tips-improve-environmental.../
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is often considered a kick-off into the summer. It’s a great time to relax, get outdoors, and enjoy (hopefully) good weather. Memorial Day as a holiday is meant for remembering those who have passed while serving in the military. Though this is a somber and necessary observation, it also brings us joy to be together with family and friends that are still present.
While you’re out in the sun and remembering the men and women who served, also take some time to think about the Earth. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Memorial Day Flowers - Many people take time on Memorial Day to visit the resting places of loved ones and leave flowers. If you do this, think about the environmental impact of the type of flowers you chose: rather than artificial flowers which are not biodegradable, bring fresh flowers or even flowers from your own garden for a more natural alternative.
The Food and the Grill - When planning your Memorial Day meals, think about maybe using natural gas grills instead of coal grills when possible to lessen your impact on the earth. When using the oven, try to make more than one thing at a time.
Finally, instead of using plastic tableware, if you can use reusable materials; it’s much better for the environment. Non-breakable, cheap, and reusable tableware will help you avoid single-use items!
Thank you for joining us this month for #EnvironmentalWellness! We hope you have a great Memorial Day! Enjoy your time with family and friends.
For more information on today’s topic, check out the link below!
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