How Physical Environment Affects Our Mental Health

Humans are social beings therefore they cannot live in isolation, there is a constant interaction between man and its surroundings. Hence, the physical environment one lives in is very crucial. The nature of our physical environment has a strong direct and indirect relationship with our mental health. Our physical environment includes not just the space we live in but everything around us, wherever we go. Right from our personal space within our homes to the space we share with others outside our homes, each and every aspect has an impact on our overall well-being. Environmental factors that have a direct relationship without mental health are our homes and all its elements, the height at which it is situated and the quality of the living space. Our neighborhoods, the people we share our living space with, social groups, hygiene, noise pollution, work spaces, and our perceptions of how things are around us.

On the other hand, some environmental factors that indirectly affect our mental health are the ability to exercise personal control, economic status, and the climate and conditions of the place such as the town or city we live in.

Let us look at how these environmental factors affect our mental health. Firstly, our home is where we spend most of our time therefore its impact is the greatest. Studies have shown that having houses situated in tall high-rise buildings have led to increased psychological distress, people reported feeling more isolated and disconnected from their surroundings and having no leisure around their building added to the lack of interaction between people. Poor quality housing such as crowded space, cluttered areas, lack of hygiene, poor air quality indoors could cause issues with one's physical health, and increase anxiety. Cold temperatures and dull lighting decreases motivation and increases depression, lethargy and sleepiness.

Exposure to continuous loud noises in the surrounding could also lead to hearing issues, sleep disorders and mood disorders. Having inconsistent relationships, constant conflicts and disagreements with people they are living with could make one feel isolated, distant and unsupportive which could also result in substance abuse as a coping mechanism. If the individuals feel like they have a lack of control over the things around them this often leads to the feeling of helplessness and depression. Individuals who aren’t as well off would not be able to afford very comfortable, convenient and healthy spaces to live which results in emotional distress in the long run. Pressured, tense work environment, unhealthy competition, long working hours, and long commute times could lay great stress on the individual causing him or her to have extreme anger issues, anxiety and elevated stress levels. Lastly, factors that are beyond one’s control are those of the climate and surrounding, having inconsistent weather conditions, poor air quality, crowded public areas and a lack of recreational spaces could lead to one feeling triggered, increased anger issues, behavioural issues in children, constant health issues, fatigue, cognitive issues and reduced happiness and positivity.

How could we bring about a change to the environment?

The first step to bring about this change is recognizing the need for change in the environment. Therefore, it is important that one starts paying attention to their day-to-day activities and changes in how they feel in different spaces. Monitoring one's mood using a mood tracker is the first step, place yourself in different spaces and analyse your emotions. For example, if you live in a place close to the main road and often feel a sense of irritation and anxiety from the constant noise of the vehicles, it could mean that you need a quiet, calm environment to feel good. Give yourself enough time to make these observations and then move into action by making changes. The following are a few changes and their benefits that could help improve your mental health.

• Clean out cluttered spaces and organize articles in a proper manner, this would reduce anxiety, give one a sense of clarity and induce a feeling of calm.

• Use bright colours on walls and curtains as bright colours such as a yellow, which helps to uplift mood and gives one a pleasant feeling.

• Replace dull lights or add more lights to your space and expose and ventilate your living space once a day. Doing so, unpleasant smells and bacteria leave the space and allow cold spaces to warm up leaving you feeling energetic and fresh.

• Introduce subtle aromatic fragrances and soothing music, this helps to reduce anxiety, help you stay focused and relaxed.

• If you are having constant conflicts with those you share a space with and are unable to create a physical distance then emotionally distancing yourself and creating space away from the individuals with whom there is a constant conflict.

• If your work environment is one that is stressful, taking breaks and going on short vacations would help you feel rejuvenated.

• If their weather conditions are inconsistent then, creating a consistent home environment would help you maintain the balance and keep you feeling in control.

• Add plants to your home as it boosts mood, reduces stress and actively cleanses the air within your home.

• Keep changing your spaces and the arrangements around you to create a sense of freshness which in turn keeps you feeling productive and positive.

• Our perception about things around us also play an important role, therefore if you find yourself with consistent negative thinking patterns and low mood seeking therapy would help you understand yourself and help you with looking in a more positive light.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.