Environmentalism for Mental Health

1. Nature and the Environment: Impact on Our Wellbeing

Our environment has a huge impact on our wellbeing. From climate change to pollution, all of these things affect our psychological and emotional state. Not to mention these issues are further compounded by often disturbing statistics on major news outlets making it easy to feel overwhelmed.

Things like excessive noise in the office, lack of ventilation and green spaces are just some of the many things that affect our wellbeing at work. In this guide, you will leave understanding how your environment has an impact and what can be done to allow nature to support our mental health.

2. How does the environment affect my mental health?

Ever been in a room that has felt a bit stuffy? It has likely had an impact on the air quality, and consequently your mood. It is important to identify what may be contributing to poor environmental spaces and ways to rectify them for a healthier atmosphere.

Green Spaces

Natural green spaces have a direct impact on our mood. Research frequently cited by the Black Dog Institute suggests that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature can significantly boost mental health. Access to parks and bushland is linked with a reduction in the risk of anxiety and depression.

Blue Spaces

The same can be said for blue spaces, such as bodies of water. Think of our iconic Australian coastlines, fountains, lakes and rivers. Many Australians report better mental health when spending time near the water, as it provides a natural reset for the nervous system.

Urbanisation

High rises and new developments seem to be popping up everywhere these days and unfortunately, some of them negatively impact green spaces by drastically reducing their availability altogether. This is why it is important to have added or man-made green and blue spaces where possible, whether that is considered in the landscaping process or as part of a workplace décor.

Air Quality

No one likes a stuffy or smelly environment to work in, so ensuring clean air at an ample temperature is crucial. Poor air quality and pollutants may lead to psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. A significant risk factor includes a lack of access to fresh air and greenery.

Climate Change

Climate change anxiety is very much alive in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a large majority of Australians report concern that climate change will directly impact their lives and the lives of future generations. Increased temperatures and extreme weather events have been linked to increased psychological distress across the country.

3. Nature's healing touch

Spending time in nature, whether that be in green or blue spaces, is a great way to lessen the effects of stress, anxiety and depression. It is especially important if you work long hours indoors or behind a screen. Across Australia, thousands of people report elevated feelings of happiness and reduced cortisol levels when they spend time outdoors.

4. Connecting with nature in a meaningful way

So how can we connect with nature in a way that is meaningful and intentional?

• Explore:

If you have a local park, coastal walk or open bushland you can wander around, this can make all the difference. You can also double up on other ways to connect with nature in these places, such as by bird watching or discovering local flora.

• Gardening:

If you work from home and have a garden, now could be a great time to pick up a new hobby. No garden? No problem! Indoor and vertical gardens are very popular in Australian apartments lately.

• Listen:

The sound of the wind through the gum trees or the sound of the ocean can all be ways to evoke a sense of calm in times of stress.

5. How can you develop your connection with nature?

Find nature wherever you are

Whether it is right outside your door or a short distance away, making the effort to be in nature can do wonders for our mental wellbeing. Try observing these spaces at different times of day to discover birdsong or simply observe how nature looks at dawn or dusk.

• Use your senses

Immersing as many of your senses in nature can be a fantastic way to deepen your connection. Consider laying in the grass, walking barefoot, dipping your feet in water, or simply listening to the sounds of nature moving around you.

• Bring nature indoors

If the weather is harsh or you are a little under the weather, wandering into nature may be the furthest thing from your mind. Why not have a small haven of nature in your workplace or home instead? Whether that is a small succulent or a shelf full of your favourite plants, just admiring nature indoors can work wonders.

6. How can we manage the mental health impacts of climate change?

• Acknowledge how you feel

Having anxieties and fears around climate change are all completely valid. Normalise how you feel and take steps to accept it rather than fighting it.

• Talk it out

It is important to share how you feel with others. Discussion forums and eco based organisations are great places to seek advice and express your concerns, particularly as these are like minded spaces where you can find people to discuss your issues with.

• Focus on the things you can control

From managing your mental health to making small changes to how you go about your day, you can make eco conscious choices to minimise your carbon footprint.

• Seek advice from a professional

Sometimes we need professional intervention if our thoughts are reducing our quality of living. Our employee assistance program offers counselling sessions that are solutions focused to tackle your immediate issues and provide you with healthy coping strategies. It is available 24/7 all year round.

7. Wisdom App and EAP

The Wisdom app is perfect for logging your daily mood and wellbeing. If you are experiencing the negative effects of climate change anxiety, you can log your moods to identify patterns. Plus, our app has access to a variety of articles, including sustainability conscious ones for those who take a special interest in the environment.

When the going gets tough, our guided meditations and soundscapes are perfect to listen to every day. They are especially great to listen to if you are out in nature already!

8. Summary

Our physical environment plays a massive role in our psychological health. By making a conscious effort to integrate green and blue spaces into our daily routines, we can significantly reduce the impact of stress and anxiety. While we cannot always control the broader environment, we can choose how we interact with nature to keep our mental wellbeing in check.Discover how Wisdom Wellbeing can support your organisation and call Wisdom on 1800 868 659.