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Healthy Changes to Make at Work and Home

Tips to improve your surroundings and well-being

Health isn’t just about diet and exercise. Your surroundings can affect your health and well-being. The places where you live and work can change how you feel physically and emotionally every day.

For most people, there is a strong connection between where they are and how they feel. Your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and brain chemicals are all affected by your environment. Your surroundings can also invite good or bad habits.

Making changes to your environments—or choosing healthier ones—is a great way to support your Whole Health. Whole Health is an approach to your well-being that focuses on what matters to you. It combines your physical health with other areas of life, like mental health and community. We have tips for getting started.

What should I pay attention to in my surroundings?

Notice how your environment affects your mind and body. What are the sights, sounds, smells, and temperature? How do they make you feel? You may have concerns about your safety. Or you may notice things like clutter, noise, bad smells, poor lighting, or bad water.

Nobody has perfect surroundings all the time. But making even small changes can improve your health.

How can I improve my surroundings?

Start with the simplest changes first. You may be able to improve your health and safety by adjusting some surroundings and avoiding others. Try the tips below to get started.

At home:

  • Remove unnecessary clutter so your space is easy to navigate.
  • Soften the lighting with lamps or dimmers in rooms where you relax.
  • Reduce exposure to harmful noises, dust, or toxins.
  • Spend time in outdoor spaces to get closer to nature.

At work:

  • Wear appropriate shoes and safety gear.
  • Use a comfortable chair to support your body.
  • Play soothing music in the background.
  • Add artwork or a plant to bring nature into your space.

How My HealtheVet can help

Whole Health empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being in all areas of life. If you’re interested in making lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor by sending a Secure Message. Your health care team can guide you on your Whole Health journey.

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