Boosting wellness in our environment

What has the environment got to do with my wellbeing?

Our environment plays a huge role in shaping both our physical and mental wellbeing. Surprisingly, environmental issues contribute to an estimated 23% of deaths worldwide. With the growth of urban areas, more people are choosing city life which comes with its own set of challenges.

City dwellers often lead more sedentary lifestyles, have limited access to green spaces, and face a higher risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. These factors can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. While it might seem like we have little control over the environmental policies set by local or national governments, we do have the power to make small, meaningful changes in our daily lives. By making simple adjustments, we can create a healthier, happier future — for ourselves and for the planet.

But how, you ask? Keep reading to find out!

Ways to achieve environmental wellness

1. Create living and working environments that are safe, clean and free of hostility: 

   Taking care of our living and working spaces is key to creating a comfortable and positive environment. Keeping your halls accommodation clean and showing respect for your university campus and city helps everyone. That means regularly tidying your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, and being mindful of how your actions affect your surroundings — littering, for example, is a big no-no! Equally important is how you interact with your flatmates. Kindness, patience, and respect go a long way in making your home a happy place. If we neglect this, it can lead to tension, which isn’t great for anyone’s wellbeing, especially during exam season. At the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected where they live. So, try to remember two things: you never truly know what someone else is going through, and being kind doesn’t cost a thing.

2. Spending plenty of time outdoors:

   Being in nature is scientifically proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing. Nature does this by reducing stress levels, improving mood, and increasing self-esteem. Getting out and about is the best way of experiencing nature first-hand. Take a walk, go on a run or hop on your bike solo or with friends! Simply adding a couple of houseplants to your personal space or some pictures of nature can also have some of the same benefits too!

3. Connect with others!

   Spending time with others boosts dopamine and oxytocin production in the body which makes us feel more satisfied and motivated. This can be super handy at this time of year when trying to get through your revision and assignments!  Social connection also helps to boost the mood by reducing the production of stress hormones, helping us feel that little bit less blue.

4. Limit screen time:

   We know your laptop or tablet is going to be your best friend during revision and assignments, but it’s important to give yourself some screen-free time too! Instead of mindlessly doom-scrolling, try picking up a book, cooking something delicious, meeting friends in person, or heading outdoors for a change of scenery. We also really recommend cutting back on screen-time before bed. It will help your brain switch off and wind down for a restful sleep. Plus, reducing screen use means less electricity consumption, which is a win for both you and the environment!

5. Use eco-friendly products and materials in your home: 

   By swapping out harsh chemicals and unsustainable materials in the home for eco-friendly alternatives, you will improve your health as well as decrease the demand for finite, raw materials (which also lowers your carbon footprint). Sounds pretty win-win to us! Some examples of this could be: 

   1. Bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic toothbrushes.
   2. Reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. 
   3. Eco-friendly cleaning products instead of products containing harsh chemicals. 
   4. Shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo. 
   5. Eco-friendly toilet paper that is biodegradable. 
   6. Reusable razors instead of plastic razors. 
   7. Beeswax wraps instead of cling film. 

   By opting for these product substitutes, we can decrease the volume of waste that we produce, prevent harmful chemicals and plastics getting into our bodies, and lower our carbon footprints which will improve the environment we live in.  

Using these five simple tips to improve your surroundings will help contribute to a healthy body and mind over the next few weeks and beyond!

And don’t forget — the Res Life team is here for you! If you ever need support or just someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at reslife@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, or book an appointment with a team member through the Accommodation Portal.