When many people think about improving their health, they think of eating better, getting active, and improving their sleep quality. However, some of the most effective ways of improving your health may include where you are instead of what you do. There is a direct link between your daily environment and your health.

The air you breathe, the temperature of your home or workplace, the amount of noise you encounter, the design of your surroundings, and even how easy it is to move around your neighborhood can all influence your health. The CDC refers to these factors as social determinants of health.

You don't have complete control over your environment, and not every environmental factor creates an obvious health problem, but understanding how your surroundings can matter may help you recognize small changes that can significantly impact your health and wellness.

The Air Inside Your Home

Your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on your health. Indoor air can contain pollutants and irritants from many sources, including smoke, mold, dust, household products, building materials, and outdoor pollution that enters through doors, windows, and HVAC systems. The EPA reports that some homes may have indoor air that's five times as polluted as the air outside. Symptoms of poor IAQ include increased allergy symptoms, headaches, and fatigue.

You can invest in air purifiers and other pieces of IAQ technology, but there may be some other, simple ways to boost your air quality. Using exhaust vents while cooking, avoiding smoking indoors, and regularly opening windows when the weather allows can all boost air quality.

Noise Can Become A Health Issue

Noise is another environmental health factor that is often overlooked because it’s not something that you consume or touch. When you deal with constant noise, you may notice decreased sleep quality, concentration, and communication.

Several factors come into play when dealing with noise and your health. The duration and volume of the noise, as well as its source, matter. Occasional noise is part of everyday life, but living or working around persistent loud sounds can create a very different experience. A quieter bedroom, a less distracting workspace, or simply taking breaks from noisy environments can sometimes make a noticeable difference in how an environment feels.

Your Workspace Can Affect Your Body

Your workspace can have a significant impact on your health, especially if you spend most of the day doing repetitive tasks. A desk, chair, keyboard, or monitor that doesn't fit you well can contribute to awkward postures and discomfort. Whether you work from home or report to an office every day, ergonomic design is an important part of protecting your muscles, joints, and other body systems.

This doesn't mean that you need to invest in an elaborate standing desk or costly office furniture. Something as simple as tilting your monitor to a more natural angle or adjusting your chair to the proper height can help. It's also a good idea to take breaks and move around throughout your workday. The goal is to cultivate an environment that supports the way that you actually use it.

The Design Of Your Neighborhood Can Influence How You Move

Your environment doesn’t stop at your front door or your workspace. The design of your neighborhood plays a pivotal role in environmental health. The design of a neighborhood can influence how easy it is for you to walk, bike, or reach everyday destinations without getting into a car. Sidewalks, crosswalks, parks, trails, and access to recreational spaces all affect your opportunities for regular physical activity.

This doesn’t mean that you need to move to a walkable neighborhood. Instead, it means that you can decide if you want to be physically active in the community where you live or if you need to find another way to be active.

Your Social Environment Matters Too

Your health isn’t restricted to how your physical body functions. Mental and emotional health are also important components of health and wellness, which makes your social environment an important part of the equation.

Do you remember the CDC’s determinants of health that we discussed earlier? The CDC includes social and community factors on that list. While some environmental factors are personal choices, others revolve around the support system that an individual has.

Your health isn’t just about taking medicine, eating right, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. It also includes everything from the air in your home to your friendships. Being healthy is a journey, and every step in the right direction is one that you want to take.

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