Earth Day and Mental Health in the Workplace
Each year on April 22, we celebrate the planet with Earth Day. It’s a reminder to do what we can to help protect the planet’s environment, as well as a celebration of all that the Earth does for us. We benefit from the natural world so much, from the air we breathe, to clean water, to the many benefits nature has for our mental health. Spending time outdoors has been proven to help restore our mental wellbeing. A positive mental health state contributes to productivity, focus, and happiness in the workplace. So, this Earth Day, enjoy all that the Earth offers -- plus take action to give back!
How nature can support your mental health at work this Earth Day
We spend a surprising amount of our time indoors, working all day at our desk, eating lunch in our kitchens, then ending the day on the couch watching TV. All that time inside can have an adverse impact on your mental health. Let Earth Day be a reminder to get outside and take advantage of the ways nature can improve your mental health in the workplace.
In a study of 20,000 people, those who spent two hours a week in nature (visiting parks or other natural environments) reported good health and mental well-being at a much higher rate than those that didn’t. Additionally, studies have shown that taking time in nature is an effective remedy for stress, which is one of the biggest mental health issues in our modern work environment. Time in nature was shown to lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, calm the nervous system, and generally improve people’s moods. These benefits support mental health in the workplace, and when incorporated into employee’s schedules can produce happier healthier staff!
Incorporate nature into your workday for mental health:
● Work outside. Work from home makes this option especially easy to do. Fully charge your laptop, then head out to your balcony or backyard to answer a few emails!
● Work near a window. If you work in an office building, heading outdoors with your work might not be an option. You can still reap the benefits of the outdoors by giving yourself a view of the natural world. If the weather is nice, open the windows and let fresh air in to invigorate your workday!
● Take a walk on your break. Movement in nature is an especially wonderful way to gain the benefits of being outdoors. Exercise can also reduce stress and boost focus, productivity, and general wellbeing.
● Make a lunchtime picnic. Instead of eating your lunch at the kitchen sink or in the breakroom, try taking your lunch to a nearby park, or grassy area. Spread out a blanket and soak up the sun!
● Try an outdoor hobby when off the clock. If your go-to after-work activity is watching TV, try changing it up with a new outdoor hobby. Some options to consider are hiking in nearby natural places, joining a local sports league, starting a garden in your yard or in a community plot, cycling, or birdwatching. And there are so many more opportunities to consider!
● Add a few plants to your workspace. Make your desk a little more relaxing with a few potted plants. You’ll want to pick plants that are compatible with the amount of sunlight your office gets. If you get a fair amount of sunlight, you might try planting a small herb garden, cactuses, or succulents. If your office is dimly lit, try low-light plants such as Pothos, Snake plants, Philodendron, or bamboo.
● Bring the wildlife to you. If you work near a window, try placing a bird feeder outside your window. Some feeders have suction cups so you can stick them directly to the glass. Hummingbird feeders, birdseed containers, or even a squirrel feeder can provide welcome entertainment during your workday.
● Set boundaries around your time. If you’re always working, you simply won’t have time to spend outdoors. We know how important it is for our mental health to spend time outside, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in the stress of your workday and stay late at the office. Try setting hard boundaries about when you are available (and when you aren’t).
Giving back to the environment in the workplace for Earth Day
We know how important nature is for our mental health, and how much nature can support our well-being at work. But did you know that environmentally responsible companies actually have happier, more engaged employees? Make your office eco-friendlier and you’ll both support the environment and cultivate employee satisfaction. Taking action this Earth Day to make your workplace an environmentally friendly place is easy! Get your workplace involved by offering practical ways to make an impact on the planet:
● Offer incentives for employees to commute to work in eco-friendly ways. Walking, biking, or taking group transit reduces carbon emissions and is a great step to take for the planet.
● If possible, switch to renewable energy. While this takes an investment upfront, switching to solar or wind energy can save you money in the end. Many states also offer tax incentives to switch.
● Use eco-friendly products. Recycled paper and notebooks, refillable bamboo pens, and environmentally friendly cleaning products are all examples of ways to keep your office planet friendly.
● Ask employees to unplug their devices at the end of the day. Surprisingly, The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 75% of the electricity is used by devices when they are turned off but plugged in. Creating a policy to always unplug at the end of the day will use up less electricity, saving on bills but also saving the planet!
● Create a sustainability team and let them come up with ways to keep making your company more environmentally friendly.
Nature helps us feel calm and centered. Spending time outdoors reduces work stress and contributes to employees feeling happier and healthier. Plus, an environmentally friendly workplace tends to make staff happier to work there! With all these amazing benefits, we hope you’ll celebrate Earth Day by following a few of our suggestions above!
Want to learn more ways to improve mental health in your workplace? Consider a keynote speech tailored to your companies needs!