Environmental wellbeing is how you interact with the world around you. „Your environment” means where you live. What does the air feel like when you step outside? Can you see any plants throughout your day? Little things. Most people do not think about but it is very important.

Photo by Caroline Badran on Unsplash

Being around nature. Even if you are driving to and from work every day to be outside can help your wellbeing. Go outside for a walk. Having trees in your sight or a patch of grass next to you allow you to clear your mind and let your brain rest from all of the information it normally processes. You do not need to climb a mountain and camp to enjoy nature, but the more you are around the “green stuff” the better you will feel.

Your immediate environment matters too. Working in an office that is clean, inviting and nicely designed (that is biophilic design) you will feel more relaxed and ready to get work done. Natural lighting, plants, fresh air. These things are not “extra’s” - they transform the feeling of a room. When you invest time and care into your environment those who live or work in that space will feel better.

How you treat the Earth affects your environmental wellbeing as well. Recycling, using resources instead of wasting them, mindful consumption. Small things. No one of these things will change the world on their own but they plant the idea that you are helping to give back to the world rather than taking.

Many people these days want to feel like they are doing their part for the planet. Projects like SWEPPP can help tie your personal health, your work’s health and your planets health. You do not have to sacrifice everything to make a difference but doing a little means a lot.

Environmental wellbeing can be simple. Do you feel at ease in your environment? Do you feel like you are living with the world around you or on top of it? When you take care of yourself and your environment the environment will take care of you.

References and find out more!

  • Ganzleben, C., & Marnane, I. (2020). Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well-being in Europe. Publications Office of the European Union.
  • Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press
  • United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Making Peace with Nature: A scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies.
    https://www.unep.org/resources/making-peace-nature
  • World Health Organization. (2016). Urban green spaces and health: A review of evidence.
    https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289052498