Improving Environmental Wellness
Updated: Jun 29, 2021
The Environmental Wellness Dimension involves being able to be safe and feel safe. This can include:
• Accessing clean air, food, and water;
• Preserving the areas where we live, learn, and work;
• Occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support our well-being; and
• Promoting learning, contemplation, and relaxation in natural places and spaces.
Photo credit: BragoPhoto
There are three sub dimensions to environmental wellness: Green Living, Change of Scenery, Home and Work Environment
GREEN LIVING
Some questions to think about
1. Are you recycling whenever possible, and buying recycled products?
2. Do you limit the power and water you use at home?
3. Are you taking public transportation? 4. Do you check your car’s emissions every year, even if not required by law?
Some resources
1. Get recycling bins for your home—they may be free from your town.
2. Look for clean-up volunteer efforts, such as collecting trash from roadways or parks.
3. Explore the “green” aisles at home improvement stores; they often have energy efficient light bulbs and other products
CHANGE OF SCENERY
Some questions to think about
1. Are you spending as much time outdoors as possible?
2. Have you visited a public park to either play a sport like tennis or basketball or just take a walk?
Some resources
1. Figure out what outdoor activities make you feel good, and then find a few options that make it easy to do that.
2. During work hours, take a break to walk around the block or buy bottled water from a nearby store.
HOME AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Some questions to think about
1. Are you going through mail and other paperwork frequently to get rid of clutter?
2. Do you organize your work space from time to time and add things that make you happy?
3. Is your living space filled with styles and textures you enjoy?
Some resources
1. Make a schedule to clean up your home or living space. It could be by room or activity (bathrooms on Sunday, dusting and sweeping every Wednesday, etc.).
2. Look in magazines or online and find styles you like best so that you’re comfortable in your living space
Source: SAMHSA CREATING A HEALTHIER LIFE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO WELLNES