The Ohio State University
Have you checked your environmental wellness lately? This is probably not a typical question you ask yourself, but it should be! If you are like me, the words “environmental wellness” immediately overwhelm, or at least confuse, and confusion never seems to me like a good foundation for change. Luckily, we never walk the path toward healthy living alone, and there are many amazing educators, researchers, and health workers we can learn from. They have devoted their lives to shedding light on what environmental wellness is, and of course, why we should care! In this spirit of togetherness, let’s take a moment together to check our environmental wellness right now.
So just what does environmental wellness mean? Some researchers from Ohio State’s College of Nursing share that contributing to our environmental wellness starts with simply being mindful of the day-to-day impact we have on our environment. It also means paying attention to the effect our treatment of the environment has on our minds and bodies. It is important to realize that the word environment does not just mean nature. Paying attention to the ways we build, clean, and use our cars, homes, and workplaces, as well as tracking what and how much we consume, helps to determine our level of environmental wellness too. So, begin your environmental wellness check by keeping it local, and focus on the impact of your interactions with your immediate surroundings.
You can reap the health benefits of environmental wellness in your life and support the wider environment by doing some of the following:
In my work with Adventure Central, a positive youth development program in West Dayton, we have the privilege of partnering directly with our local Fiver Rivers MetroParks organization to acquaint youth and adults with the importance of getting outside to play, enjoying the environment, and helping to preserve the beauty in nature we have come to enjoy. With just a little bit of exploration, you just might find that including new habits for environmental wellness is simple and fun.
So what will you do to check your wellness? For more ideas and resources, check out our Ohio 4-H Mental Health Month page, which includes an Environmental Wellness Tip Sheet.
Be happy and well, fellow health seekers!
Tyler Kessler, 4-H Educator, Adventure Central, Dayton
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, please email u@osu.edu or call 614-292-5000 for assistance.
The content of this site contains information pertaining to The Ohio State University. Respective University constituents are responsible for reviewing and maintaining up to date information. Links and all references to outside content do not constitute (i) incorporation by reference of information contained on or in such outside content and such information should not be considered part of U.OSU.EDU or (ii) endorsement of such content by The Ohio State University.
Get a weekly email of all new posts.
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.