Every day is a new opportunity to change your life. Some people form new goals to help them get more active or find a new passion in life. Others start learning about going green, which has shifted from a cultural trend to a respected lifestyle as climate change becomes more prevalent with time.

There are many reasons to start living more sustainably, but sometimes your reasoning will be simpler than wanting to make a global impact. You could want to experience the personal changes that come with abandoning chemicals and pollution, which you can start feeling right away in your mental well-being.

Did you know: The chemicals used to make everyday products can disrupt the hormonal balances that monitor and maintain your mental health.

Read on to learn more about the link between eco-friendly living and mental health. You can experience these benefits for yourself with just a few adjustments to your routine:

1. Sustainability Restores Peace

Consumerism is the driving force behind the world today. Everyone spends their money on the things they want right now without thinking about how the manufacturing process or their purchases affect the planet. Buying something new may feel fun, but you can experience lasting peace with a sustainable lifestyle.

When you form eco-friendly habits, you get the peace of mind that you’re contributing something to the world. You’re making it a better place for the people currently inhabiting it and the generations that will follow. Finding a purpose reduces the symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses that would usually leave you feeling powerless.

2. Chemicals Disrupt Hormone Balances

The chemicals used to make everyday products can disrupt the hormonal balances that monitor and maintain your mental health. Water bottles contain Bisphenol A (BPA) in their plastic structuring, which is similar to estrogen and can result in a diagnosis like schizophrenia because it’s an endocrine disruptor. A quick solution like a reusable, BPA-free water bottle is more sustainable than throwing out plastic bottles, and it protects your health.

3. Nature Fights Anxiety

When you feel anxious because you’re stressed, take a nature walk. Spending time outdoors allows nature to help reduce your body’s stress hormone production and improve your emotional state. Even a quick stroll around your neighborhood will give you fresh air and time away from what’s on your mind.

Many people who live sustainable lifestyles take nature walks to remember why the planet is worth the changes in their lives. Spend a few minutes every day walking outside, so you can go home with a calm state of mind.

4. Sustainability Eases Financial Stressors

Money is one of the most common stressors in life. You may feel like you’ll never save more than you spend, but eco-friendly lifestyle changes can help. The next time you’re upset, stressed and frustrated, consider switching to solar panels to reduce your energy bill. When you can build your savings and worry less about your next paycheck, you’ll feel at peace about your finances and environmental impact.

5. Exhaust Triggers Psychiatric Disorders

Air pollution has a significant influence on mental health, but you may not always realize when you’re around it. Something as simple as sitting in your car at a stoplight with your windows down exposes you to car exhaust, a major source of CO2 pollution. As you breathe in the exhaust, you’re more likely to trigger specific psychiatric disorders like depression or anxiety.

Using your car less often, opting for public transportation or using eco-friendly transit is one way you can maintain your mental health and go green. Think about using an electric bike, buying a hybrid car or carpooling with friends to reduce CO2 pollution and preserve your well-being.

Start Green Habits Today

These green habits are easy to start without changing your lifestyle, like skipping plastic water bottles or learning about solar panels. As you live in new eco-friendly ways, you’ll improve your mental health and keep it resilient for years to come.

About the Author

Emily covers topics in sustainability and green living. You can read more of her work on her site, Conservation Folks.

Are you aware of the link between eco-friendly living and mental health?

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