HOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT AFFECTS YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Loren Hogue

The space where we live and work profoundly influences our nervous system. From the lighting to the noise levels, and even the social dynamics around us, our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our mental and physical health. This is due to neuroception - the automatic process by which our nervous system constantly takes in new information from our environment. As someone who has spent years creating solutions for nervous system regulation, I’ve seen firsthand how these factors can either support or hinder our well-being.

The Impact of Lighting on the Nervous System

Lighting is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting our nervous system. Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which are essential for maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

Exposure to natural light during the day can also boost our mood and energy levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, proper exposure to natural sunlight can improve our circadian rhythm, which improves sleep and overall well-being and ensures our nervous system spends more time in the regulated states on the NEUROFIT Ring:

Practical Tip: Try to maximize your exposure to natural light during the day. If you work in an office, take breaks outside or sit near a window. At home, use light-filtering curtains to let in as much daylight as possible.

Artificial lighting, especially blue light from screens, can disrupt our circadian rhythms if we are exposed to it late in the day. This can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and poor sleep quality, which in turn affects our nervous system.

Practical Tip: Limit screen time in the evening. Consider using blue light filters on your devices or switching to warmer lighting as the evening progresses. Harvard Health confirms the benefits of reducing blue light exposure before bed.

Noise Levels and Their Effect on Stress

Noise pollution is another significant factor that can affect the nervous system. High noise levels can trigger the body's stress response, leading to increased cortisol levels and a heightened state of alertness. Over time, this can contribute to chronic stress and burnout. Research from PubMed highlights the link between noise pollution and elevated stress levels.

Practical Tip: Use noise-canceling headphones if you work in a noisy environment. At home, try to create a quiet space where you can relax and unwind. White noise machines can also help mask disruptive sounds and create a more peaceful ambiance.

The Role of Social Dynamics

The people we interact with daily also have a substantial impact on our nervous system. Positive social interactions can boost our mood and promote feelings of safety and security. On the other hand, negative interactions or social fatigue can trigger stress responses and lead to emotional dysregulation.

Practical Tip: Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. If you find certain relationships to be consistently stressful, it might be worth revisiting those connections. Setting boundaries can also be very helpful in managing overstimulation.

Clutter and Organization

A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. When our surroundings are disorganized, it can be challenging for our minds to relax, leading to a constant state of low-level stress.

Practical Tip: Take time to declutter and organize your living and working spaces. A tidy environment can promote a sense of calm, and also improve focus and productivity.

Temperature and Comfort

The temperature of our environment can also affect our nervous system. Extreme temperatures can be uncomfortable and stressful, leading to an imbalanced state.

Practical Tip: Aim to maintain a comfortable temperature in your living and working spaces. Use fans, heaters, or air conditioning as needed to create an environment where you feel at ease.

Signs of Environmental Stress on the Nervous System

It's important to recognize the signs that your environment may be negatively impacting your nervous system. Some common symptoms include:

Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality

Feeling constantly on edge or irritable

Trouble concentrating or experiencing brain fog

Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or chronic pain

Increased anxiety or depressive symptoms

If you notice these signs, it might be time to revisit your living and work environments and make some changes to better support your nervous system. Overstimulation can often be managed by changing up your environment.

Practical Ways to Improve Your Environment

To summarize, here are five actionable steps you can take to create a more supportive environment for your nervous system:

1. Natural Light: Increase exposure to natural light during the day.

2. Reduce Noise: Use noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines to minimize disruptive sounds.

3. Positive Social Interactions: Surround yourself with supportive people.

4. Declutter: Keep your living and working spaces tidy and organized.

5. Comfortable Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature in your environment.

Our app, NEUROFIT, is designed to help you monitor and improve your nervous system health with daily check-ins and personalized recommendations. By understanding how your environment and other ares of life affect your nervous system, you can take proactive steps to better support your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does natural light affect the nervous system?

Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which is key for maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule. Exposure to natural light during the day can boost mood and energy levels, while a lack of it can lead to sleep disturbances and increased stress.

What are some practical ways to reduce noise in my environment?

Using noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines, or creating a quiet space in your home can help reduce noise levels. Additionally, taking breaks in quieter environments can provide relief from constant noise pollution. Social fatigue is another factor that can impact your nervous system.

How can I create a more supportive social environment?

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Limit interactions with those who consistently cause stress or negative emotions. Building a strong social support network is key to maintaining a balanced nervous system. Coregulation within your trusted social circle plays a key role in nervous system health.

How does clutter affect the nervous system?

A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Keeping your living and working spaces tidy and organized can promote a sense of calm and improve focus and productivity. On the other hand, chronic stress buildup can lead to persistent feelings of overwhelm, irritation, and shutdown.

Creating a supportive environment for your nervous system doesn't have to mean big changes; even small adjustments can have an impact on your overall well-being. By understanding and optimizing your living and work environments, you can take meaningful steps towards a more balanced and healthier life.

Balance your nervous system, reduce stress, and feel your best with NEUROFIT.