healthy environment

3 Big Reasons Your Environment Matters When Trying to Start Healthy Habits

Creating and maintaining healthy habits can be challenging, but one of the most impactful factors is often overlooked: your environment. As a personal trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to shape your surroundings to support your health goals. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why your environment matters and how you can optimize it to foster healthier habits.

The Power of Environmental Cues

Environmental cues are the triggers around us that can significantly influence our behavior. According to a study published in Health Psychology, environmental cues can either facilitate or hinder healthy habits. For example, having fruit visible on the kitchen counter encourages healthier snacking choices, while keeping junk food out of sight reduces temptation.

These cues work on a subconscious level, often prompting us to act without deliberate thought. By strategically placing positive cues in your environment, you can make healthy choices the path of least resistance. Simple changes like keeping a water bottle on your desk, laying out your workout clothes the night before, or having healthy snacks readily available can make a significant difference.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

Your home is where you spend a significant amount of time, and it should be a sanctuary that supports your health goals. Start by decluttering your living space, as clutter can increase stress and make it harder to focus on healthy habits. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals with cluttered homes had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Organize your kitchen to prioritize healthy eating. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with nutritious foods and limit the availability of unhealthy options. Consider meal prepping on weekends to ensure you have healthy meals ready throughout the week. Additionally, designate a specific area for exercise, even if it’s just a corner of a room, to make it easier to stick to your workout routine.

The Influence of Social Environment on Habits

The people you surround yourself with can have a profound impact on your habits. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that obesity can spread through social networks; if a close friend becomes obese, your chances of becoming obese increase by 57%. This highlights the importance of social influence on health behaviors.

Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your health goals. Engage in activities with friends or family who share similar health aspirations, such as group workouts, healthy cooking classes, or hiking trips. Join online communities or local groups focused on fitness and wellness to expand your support network. Positive social interactions can provide motivation, accountability, and a sense of belonging, all of which are crucial for sustaining healthy habits.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Environment

  1. Declutter and Organize: Create a calm, organized space that reduces stress and promotes focus.
  2. Healthy Food Accessibility: Keep nutritious foods visible and within easy reach.
  3. Designated Exercise Areas: Set up a specific area for workouts to encourage regular physical activity.
  4. Positive Social Interactions: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who share your health goals.
  5. Healthy Work Practices: Incorporate movement and healthy eating into your workday.
  6. Curate Your Digital Space: Follow accounts that inspire healthy habits and set limits on screen time.

Your environment has a profound impact on your ability to form and maintain healthy habits. By intentionally shaping your surroundings to support your health goals, you can create a foundation for lasting change. Remember, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. As you embark on your journey to better health, take a close look at your environment and make the necessary changes to set yourself up for success.

Click here to read more about managing your cortisol levels!

Click here to read more about other healthy lifestyle habits.

References:

  1. Verhoeven, A. A., Adriaanse, M. A., de Vet, E., Fennis, B. M., & de Ridder, D. T. (2014). It’s my party and I eat if I want to: Reasons for unhealthy snacking. Health Psychology, 33(2), 103-112.
  2. Saxbe, D. E., & Repetti, R. L. (2010). No place like home: Home tours correlate with daily patterns of mood and cortisol. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(1), 71-81.
  3. Christakis, N. A., & Fowler, J. H. (2007). The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(4), 370-379.
people working out in a group fitness class

A NEW YOU STARTS HERE

Talk with a coach to see if working out at Capacity Fitness & Nutrition is right for you.
Book Free Intro