What do a cluttered work space, a sloppy table, and lots of excess noise have in common? Besides the fact that all of them could be fitting descriptions of my room during finals, these can all be classified as “bad environments.” I have come to realize how much a change in environment can change your mood and how one's environment relates to self care.
Being in an environment that you don't like or that doesn't make you feel productive is detrimental to your environmental self care. Almost like how you wear clothes that you like in order to feel your best, environmental self care is all about creating a space around you to nourish your well being. The space that you spend the most time in should be one that energizes, stimulates, and nourishes your soul, instead of a bad environment, where you end up feeling more stressed than relaxed. Also remember that different environments are great for different things.
How do you find an environment that is right for you? While there is unfortunately not a straightforward answer, there are many things that you can do in order to find a space that works for you. One thing you can do is identify what you want and what you need. This one definitely depends on the situation. For example, I like to work in my living room so that I am not distracted by things in my bedroom, but I would much rather relax in my bedroom because I want to be in a cozy space. Speaking of working and bedrooms, did you know that it is scientifically proven that working in your bedroom leads to less productivity and sleep? For more information, I would check out the American College of Healthcare Service’s article on this topic. Another thing you can do to improve your environment is by adding unique and personal touches to your space, whether it be adding posters from your favorite musicians or shows, pictures of your family and/or friends, plants, or whatever thing will make you feel joy when you are in that space. Sometimes the smallest changes in your environment have the biggest effect.
Your environment does not have to be limited to your home. Sometimes a change of pace is all that is needed to bring a newfound level of focus and clarity to one's work. There are so many places to go when you feel cooped up. For example, museums are amazing at sparking creativity and re-finding the wonder you had as a child. Going to a new restaurant that nourishes your soul by trying new flavors and by providing you with delicious food, or visiting a local landmark to see what the Berkeley environment was like before you were born are also great places. Overall, an environment plays a huge role in your physical and mental well being. Taking the time to create a space that is right for you can make you feel more focused and relaxed. This, in turn, promotes the self-care that is crucial for our wellbeing.