Why Your Environment Shapes Your Daily Mood
There are many factors that can affect your mood. You might receive a positive email at work that makes you happy. It might be that you’ve had a run of bad luck and feel a little gloomy.
As well as events happening around you influencing how you feel, the space you move in also has an effect. A dark kitchen can drain your energy before breakfast, while a noisy office filled with artificial lighting can leave you tense before lunchtime rolls around.
By making small changes to your surroundings, you could see a noticeable difference to how you feel from one day to the next.
The science behind environment and mood
Our brains constantly process sensory data from our immediate surroundings, heavily influencing our cortisol levels and emotional resilience. Recent studies have looked at how our brain reacts to sensory input, while organisations like the Mental Health Foundation highlight how poor housing conditions, excessive noise pollution and inadequate lighting directly correlate with higher rates of psychological distress among British adults.
When you live or work in a space with persistent background noise or dim lighting, your nervous system stays in fight-or-flight mode. Clutter operates in a similar fashion. An untidy room can impair your ability to focus and trigger anxiety.
The role of nature
Stepping away from concrete and tarmac can recalibrate your brain chemistry. Back in 2019, The University of Exeter conducted research into environmental psychology. This revealed that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature reported an improved overall wellbeing.
A lot has happened in the years since that study and now more than ever, it can feel like getting outside is good for switching off from current events. Spending time in green spaces lowers your blood pressure. Natural daylight also regulates your circadian rhythms, which ensures you sleep deeply and wake up with a more stable, positive outlook.
Creating a positive home environment
Your home should be your sanctuary. If you are currently looking at new homes or planning a property renovation, prioritising natural light will drastically boost your daily energy levels.
You can also easily transform your current space by clearing one busy surface every evening, such as your kitchen counter or coffee table. Consider swapping harsh overhead bulbs for warm-toned lamps and place a hardy houseplant like a peace lily on your windowsill to improve air quality and inject life into the room.
Community and social connections
What is your neighbourhood like? Do you have friends who live locally to you? Thriving high streets and welcoming community hubs can help create spontaneous social interactions that tackle loneliness.
You can enrich your social environment by joining a volunteering group or participating in a neighbourhood tidy-up scheme through platforms like Keep Britain Tidy. Engaging with your area in this way can give you a sense of belonging.
You have the power to change your surroundings. Whether you paint a room, quickly declutter a cupboard, or open your curtains every morning to flood your home with daylight, the smallest adjustments can make a huge difference to your mood.
