How our Environment Impacts Our Emotions
Have you ever felt that certain places make you happy? Maybe certain colors make you feel warm and safe? Or maybe sometimes when you clean, you feel refreshed?
Our environment can play a huge role in our emotions. Think of yourself as a flower, with a bit of rain and sun you can grow healthy and tall. Now imagine there being a thunderstorm with flooding, then a heat wave, high winds, and then maybe some snow. Chances are the flower won’t grow up well. Similarly if our environment is chaotic, messy, loud, it can impact how we feel and influence our behaviors.
Let’s break it down a bit more
Here are some specific things that can really affect our feelings.
Sensory perceptions: What we smell, hear, taste, touch, and see can impact our mood. If our environment is filled with things such as cluttered books, clothes, etc. it may make us feel overwhelmed and in distress. Harsh, soft, yellow or white toned lightning can also impact our comfortability in the environment. Smells, harsh or unpleasant, can make us frustrated and even hateful of our environment. The texture of sheets, couches, rough, soft, can all affect our ability to feel at ease.
Aesthetics: The way we decorate can also play a role in our mood. Colors can represent emotion. Brighter colors may make some happier and feel energetic while others prefer darker colors which can be calming and feel a sense of ease. The way and where we place decorations such as candles or figures can play a role of safety and attachment. A bed full of plushies may be comforting some while a bookshelf filled with novels may be a comfort to others.
People: Another important aspect is if our environment is being shared. If it is, is everyone respecting each other's boundaries? Do others clean up after themselves? Or do they do whatever they want? The interactions that happen play a huge role in our emotions and behaviors. Maybe you avoid the kitchen because your roommate always leaves a mess or maybe you avoid the living room because your dad has the news on.
So how can we change our environment?
Maybe you were able to connect and identify some of your own environmental frustrations. Here are a few ways to change up your environment.
Candles or Room Scents: To make an environment more comfortable, pick a few scents that you love and find soothing. Whether it be your own home or at work, a change in scent can improve your mood. Maybe you love the fresh scent of the beach or prefer a sweeter smell like vanilla. A simple room spray or candle can help you achieve that sensory comfort.
Decorations: Another simple way to make a space suited for you is to decorate with what you love or hold memory too. For some that can be plants, having a room full of plants to add color and connect with nature. For others it may be paintings or posters. Putting up your favorite bands or movie posters can make you smile and be great conversation starters.
Organization and Decluttering: Sometimes maybe a lot of change isn’t possible. A simple way to change things is to clean and organize. For those with busy schedules, a messy room can appear easily. Maybe organizing things in a certain way can help keep things organized. What if you organize clothes by season or by color? What if you only keep the things you use on top of the desk?
What if you can’t change your environment at all?
Sometimes, we just can’t change things up. Or maybe the way we tried doesn't work. Here are some other ways to help shift and diversify your environments.
Taking walks: Stepping out of the house or apartment and going for a walk can be beneficial. Fresh air, greenary, walking around with your favorite music or podcast can help you be mindful. It allows you to get some sun, get in your steps, and helps you take a break from your responsibilities.
Going to Parks or Museums: Take an hour or a few hours and plan for new scenery. This can look like a picnic with friends, a play day with your dog, or even a walk through paintings or sculptures. This can allow you to explore and look past your everyday routine.
Group Settings: Another great way to change up your environment is to find a new group setting. This can be in the form of group therapy, a book club, or even a comedy club. The goal is to surround yourself with people you may not be familiar with to experience a new environment.
Remember
Environments are where we spend our lives, whether it be home, workplace, or other settings. It is important to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and happy in your environment. If you are unsure what to do or where to start, bring it to therapy. Your therapist can help you explore what makes an environment safe and what doesn't. You can brainstorm ideas with your therapist and explore what expectations you have for different environments. You do not have to explore this alone!
Resources:
Very Well Mind - How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?
Understanding the environment-mental health connection By Sara Lindberg, M.Ed and Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD
American Psychological Association - Nurtured by nature By Kirsten Weir