We all know that our environment can have a big effect on the way that we think and behave — the people we live together with, and which town or city or culture we live in. For example, if we are surrounded by people who are highly stressed then most likely we can feel their stress and it will affect us. Most of the time we may not actually realize how our environment is affecting us, and yet it can still change our reactions and behaviors.
In addition, our social relationships have a profound impact on both our mental and physical health. Whether it is the support of family and friends, or interactions with neighbors and colleagues, these connections significantly influence our wellbeing. Research has shown that people who maintain strong social bonds and positive friendships and family age better, compared to those who are socially isolated.
Our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our health, influencing both physical and mental wellbeing. The social surroundings that we interact with daily can significantly impact our quality of life and longevity.
My recent travels to Europe made me realize this again, as being somewhere different makes it much easier to notice how much our surroundings affect us, positively or negatively. I noticed how so many people are stressed and living their life at a rush. Now you may say that that is the same almost everywhere, but there are noticeable differences when you travel to new places, and if you consciously watch your own reactions then you may realize how it starts to have an effect on your own behavior and thinking as well.
Even when going back to the surroundings and culture that I grew up and lived many decades in, I look at it now from a very different perspective. That is most certainly not a judgmental one, because we all just try to make our lives the best that they can be in our current situation. Also consuming unfamiliar foods, disrupted eating patterns and exercise regimen, and a different circadian rhythm all lead to us feeling different when we travel. But the differences are still very noticeable.
In Europe, generally you won’t see as much extreme obesity as you might in the US but unfortunately, as it is now all around the world, a majority of people are unhealthy and use prescription medication. There are noticeable differences in food quality, however, and I see more people choosing whole meals and eating together with friends and family, often at with regular times throughout the day. This helps to create supportive relationships that in turn help with managing stress and reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses. Without this, chronic stress can lead to prolonged activation of the body’s fight-or-flight response which can increase levels of inflammation and stress hormones and damage various body systems over time.
Positive relationships also improve mental health, for example feeling connected to others can reduce depression and anxiety. On the other hand, loneliness has been shown to have a detrimental effect on mental health, comparable to smoking or obesity, and can exacerbate feelings of stress and hopelessness which contribute to a decline in overall health. Whether it’s a short conversation with a friend or sharing a meal with family, these interactions can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation, which is crucial for mental wellbeing.
The place where you live, including your community, city, culture, friends and family, has a significant impact on your diet and exercise habits. People tend to adopt the habits of those around them, both in the positive and negative. For example, if your friends prioritize healthy eating and exercise, you’re more likely to do the same. But if they regularly eat fast food and don’t engage in physical activity, you might be following their behavior. Social gatherings and celebrations also often revolve around food, which can create social pressure and lead to overconsumption, especially of unhealthy options.
It is wonderful to see people exercising together. For many, going on a daily walk or jog and having a conversation together is the best part of their day. I started recognizing the same faces every morning when I’d go out early, and it is very nice when the faces start to become familiar and we start greeting each other. Just a small action, like reaching out to a friend or saying hello to a stranger, can help build and maintain strong relationships and make a big difference.
References:
Liz Mineo, The Harvard Gazette. “Work out daily? OK, but how socially fit are you?”. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/02/work-out-daily-ok-but-how-socially-fit-are-you/
Jill Suttie, Greater Good Science Center. “How Your Relationships Affect Your Health”. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_your_relationships_affect_your_health
