Surroundings
Overview
For many people, there is a strong connection between where they are and how they feel. That’s because your surroundings — your neighborhood, climate, workplace, sights and sounds — can affect your overall health and well-being.
Why do surroundings matter?
YHealth isn’t just about what goes on inside you. Your everyday surroundings can have a major impact on who you are and how you feel — even when you’re not thinking about them. Your external circumstances contribute to your internal levels of happiness or sadness, relaxation or stress. They can also be the difference between developing good habits and breaking bad ones.
Here's more
Your surroundings comprise five major areas:
- Your home
- Your workplace
- Your neighborhood
- Experiences that affect your emotions
- Your climate and environment
Your relationship to any of these areas has significant implications for your Whole Health. Interacting with them in a positive way can improve your mental and physical health and even prevent accidents.
Take action
Nobody has perfect surroundings all the time. In fact, many aspects of your surroundings may be outside of your control. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t practical, actionable steps you can take to make your surroundings happier, healthier, and safer.
It starts with assessing your surroundings. Pay attention to where you are and how you feel when you’re there. Ask yourself questions. For example: Is clutter in your home making you feel stressed? At work, do you take breaks when possible? Do you spend time outdoors? Is your media consumption at a reasonable level?
If you identify something unhealthy in your surroundings, address it. Sometimes changes are large and require great effort. You can make smaller adjustments that add up over time to enhance your quality of life. Modify your surroundings to remind yourself of positive associations and good memories. Lean on natural lighting and fresh air. Limit your screentime. Allow yourself time to visit the places that bring you joy. When you can’t, imagining yourself in those places can also be a useful exercise.
Setting a SMART goal is a great way to change something in your surroundings for the better. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Timed. If you’re having trouble getting started or need help, discuss with a member of your health care team.
Contact your local VA facility to learn more about how a Whole Health approach can help you live your best life.
Explore further
- Whole Health Library: How to Set a SMART Goal
- Veteran Success Story: Tina Hart
- VA housing assistance webpage
- Live Whole Health #224: Take a mini-mental vacation
