The Power of Environment: 3 Settings in Your Life to Prioritize and Why
“It is confidence in our bodies, minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures, new directions to grow in, and new lessons to learn — which is what life is all about.” -Oprah Winfrey
Have you ever taken a drive around your city and been inspired by your surroundings? Or do you have a favorite spot in your apartment that helps you relax? The environments we encounter throughout life significantly impact us, influencing our mood, self-perception, and overall well-being. Granted, some factors can restrict our environmental preferences or ideals; however, there are ways to adapt to our current surroundings and plan to establish more control over our environments later on. You may be wondering what I mean by 'environments,' which, by definition, refer to the surroundings in which we live and operate. Here are five main types to consider: natural, built, digital, social, and economic.
Natural Environment: Mother Nature, these environments are formed from natural ecological processes on the earth(Forest, Mountains, Beach)
Built Environment: Surroundings that are designed and built by humans(Cities, Apartments, Workplaces)
Digital Environment: Online platforms and digital spaces (Social Media, Digital Tools)
Social Environment: Relationship and community structures(Neighborhoods, Families, Culture)
Economic Environment: Financial resources, and market structures (Cost of living, Investment Opportunities)
These five environments have a profound effect on our mental health and the way we think, whether consciously or subconsciously. What thoughts or emotions does your environment facilitate? In this blog, we’ll focus on built environments and three core settings for you to prioritize throughout your life: city, home, and workplace.
A Deeper Look Into Built Environments
Within our modern society, we spend most of our lives in built environments. Someone living in a big city is subject to more manufactured structures and has less access to natural environments. Even those living in rural areas with more natural environments still have a home and workplace where they may spend most of their time. Regardless of where you live, your surroundings should be considered, as they have a profound impact on you.
Urban design and planning are key fields that specialize in shaping the physical settings that comprise a town or city, as well as how people interact with them. However, you do have some authority over the settings you would like to interact with, and if not now, plan to have more control over them in the future. The city you live in, the apartment or home you sleep in, and where you work are all key settings that you choose. Let’s have a look at what to consider in these core settings and how to make the right choice.
Choosing the Best City for You
Each city has its own reputation, whether it is known for its career opportunities, housing, investments in the arts, or its design. When considering a new city, ensure it has everything you need, plus some key wants. It's also essential for your city to inspire you. If you’re going to settle, live, work, and build relationships, it's vital to be in a location that supports those efforts and makes it easy to thrive in the environment. Think to yourself, what city would I thrive in? Or what city would feel like home to me? Research places you think would be a good fit, and be sure to plan months in advance.
What To Consider When Finding a New City:
Cost of Living and Affordability
Quality of Life and Infrastructure
Diversity, Culture, and Community
Arts, Recreation, and Nightlife
Governance, Politics, and Crime
Creating Your Ideal Space at Home
Your space, whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, or home, is the setting in which you have the most creative control and can be made to reflect who you are as a person. Decorating and designing your space takes time, effort, and money. It can be an investment, so it's essential to select a space you would like to spend some time in. Keep in mind that decorating doesn't have to break the bank to create a living space that reflects your aesthetic. You also don't need to be an interior designer; focus on developing an eye for what you like. And if you are unsure of what you want, feel free to do research.
***Personally, I enjoy watching Homeworthy tours on YouTube, where I gain inspiration. I also maintain a “home collection” for both Instagram and TikTok, where I save content related to home decor. Over the years, my taste has evolved, requiring me to grow and welcome new decorating ideas. So, remember to keep an open mind and try new things with your space.
Tips for Designing a Space That Reflects Who You Are:
Add Cultural Heirlooms or Pieces to Your Space
Dedicate a Room or Corner to a Hobby or Something Meaningful You
Use Colors that Speak to You and Elevate Your Mood
Find Creative Ways to Increase Space for Your Things
Collect Physical Media that Speaks to Your Interest
Decorate the Walls with Posters, Pictures, Paintings, and other artwork.
Finding Your Ideal Workplace
Where you work matters. Granted, depending on where you are in your career, you may not have as much control over this decision; however, it is helpful to know your ideal workplace setting and work towards achieving it. You will spend 40 hours a week there, so ensure it's a setting that supports your mental health and provides opportunities for you to regulate your nervous system.
Evaluate the work location you’re more likely to be in and picture yourself there, working a 40-hour week. When you visualize this, is it something you look forward to, dread, or feel indifferent toward? For example, if you dislike the idea of working in a hospital, becoming a nurse might not be ideal, or at least would require reconsideration of the work modality. The primary work modalities are on-site, remote, or a combination of both, known as hybrid. If you prefer not to be confined to one building all day, hybrid or remote work may be a more suitable option. However, if you require more social interaction and love being out of the house, on-site could be the best for you.
*** As someone who used to work remotely and is now working in-person again, I realize I prefer hybrid and remote work. I enjoy the autonomy and self-accountability that come with it, which allows me to focus more on my work tasks. I also love saving on commuting and getting more sleep. However, I met many people who are the exact opposite of me and love working on-site. As an introverted ambivert, I’ve come to realize that most people who prefer to work in person tend to be extroverted. What is your preference? What’s great about modern work is that we now have more options, so no matter your personality type, you can find something more suitable for you professionally.
Your Life, Your Environment, Your Settings
The environment is critical to well-being and should remain a consideration throughout your life. It’s never too late to discover a new way of life, spruce up your apartment, or find a job that fits you better. From time to time, assess these areas of your life, and make adjustments as needed. To explore wellness items for your space or other resources, feel free to visit my linktree.
