We become the environment we live in

The environment we are in affects us in many different ways, both physically and psychologically. Not least, our physical and mental health are affected. So what do we mean by our environment? Well, it's everything from the air we breathe, auditory impressions, visual impressions, microorganisms in our vicinity, the food and water we consume, to the animals and nature around us, our social environment, work environment, and home environment.

Physical environment

The physical environment includes the air we breathe and also smell, the sounds we hear, the surroundings we see, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the microorganisms around us. Even the physical work we do, or don't do, can be included. All of this affects our body physically but also psychologically.

Air quality: Clean air is crucial for our health. Polluted air can lead to respiratory problems and long-term health damage.

Sound environment: Loud sounds and noise can cause physical damage to our hearing, but it can also affect us mentally by causing stress from excessive noise levels. This stress, in turn, leads to other health problems.

Food and water: The quality of food and water is, of course, strongly linked to both physical and mental health. Nutritious food and clean water are vital for us to feel well on all levels.

Social environment

The social environment, meaning the people around us at home, in our circle of friends, or at work, has a significant impact on us psychologically, which in turn can have physical effects on us, whether positive or negative.

Being around people daily who give off bad energy, with whom we don't get along well, makes us more and more mentally down, and eventually, we also become physically ill. On the other hand, if we spend time with family, friends, and colleagues we enjoy being with, who provide positive energy and with whom we feel happy, it will also have positive effects on our health. The vagus nerve is activated by positive relationships, blood pressure drops, digestion and gut flora are benefited, the immune system becomes stronger, and we generally become more harmonious and well.

Vagus activity

The vagus nerve is the body's longest autonomic nerve and part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It runs from the brain and branches down to virtually all organs: the pharynx, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and more. It transmits information from the organs to the brain and vice versa. Activation of the vagus nerve makes us feel good; we feel calm, relaxed, and harmonious, and our digestion functions optimally. Our vagal activity is also contagious. We can sense the mood when we enter a room, whether the vagal activity in the group is high or low.

Ask for help

Sometimes a situation can feel completely overwhelming to change on your own. Ask for help, from a friend or a professional. Someone who can look at the situation from the outside, from a different perspective, can be crucial. Don't hesitate to get help before it goes too far and becomes deeply ingrained.

It can be easier said than done, but choose company that brings joy and positive energy. Also, remember to try to contribute to positive thinking and joy for others yourself. Don't stay in a relationship that feels destructive. Taking the step to change your social environment can be the first step towards better health and well-being.

Spending time in nature

To enhance our well-being, we can learn from nature. Research shows that time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen the immune system. Being outdoors, especially in green areas, can contribute to mental recovery, recharge energy, and also promote physical health.

Regular walks in nature, gardening, or just being in a park can have positive effects on our well-being. Nature offers an environment that promotes calm and recovery, which can be valuable for improving our health.

We become the environment we live in. By being aware of how our physical and social environment affects us, we can actively take steps towards improved health and well-being. Surrounding ourselves with positive energies, asking for support when needed, and spending time in nature are important components in creating a healthy lifestyle.