The Everyday Environment Affecting Your Health and What to Do About It
When you hear the phrase “your environment impacts your health,” what do you think of?
For a lot of us, it’s things like air pollution, microplastics, or the chemicals in our cleaning products. And while those are important, the conversation around “environment” goes much deeper than what’s simply around us. It includes all the daily lifestyle factors that influence how our bodies function - from what we eat, to how we sleep, move and manage stress.
In fact, when we talk about environmental health in this broader sense, we’re really talking about things like:
Chemical exposures (think plastics, smoke, and synthetic fragrances)
Diet and nutrition
Movement and physical activity (or lack thereof)
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Alcohol or cigarette use
Basically everything that’s not genetic. And we know that environmental factors add up when it comes to our health. In fact, research shows that modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to 60–80% of chronic disease risk. That means the choices we make every day have a powerful influence on our long-term health.
But here’s the good news… You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to start seeing benefits. Small, sustainable changes can add up over time - and it’s often the basics that make the biggest impact.
Start Small: 7 Simple Lifestyle Shifts That Make a Big Difference
You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to feel better. Small, consistent changes can add up in big ways over time. If you're looking for a few high-impact habits to start with, here are a few basics:
🥦 1. Prioritize Whole, Fiber-Rich Foods
Fruits, veggies, legumes, and beans should be your daily staples. The more variety and color, the better!
😴 2. Get Consistent, Quality Sleep
Stick to a bedtime routine. Aim for a dark, cool room and try to avoid screens at least 60 minutes before sleep.
🚭 3. Avoid Smoke Exposure
This includes firsthand, secondhand, and even thirdhand smoke.
💃 4. Move in a Way That Feels Good
Forget the pressure to do intense workouts if that’s not your thing. Walking, dancing, stretching, yoga, or swimming - if it gets your body moving and you enjoy it, it counts.
🌬️ 5. Reduce Daily Stress
Even five minutes of deep breathing, journaling, or sitting outside can calm your nervous system.
♻️ 6. Minimize Plastic Use, Especially with Food
Choose glass, stainless steel, or silicone over plastic. Ditch single-use plastics when you can.
🕯️ 7. Skip Synthetic Fragrances
Scented candles, air fresheners, and sprays often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. Look for clean, naturally scented alternatives instead.
The Bottom Line
You won’t always be in control of your environment and that’s okay. Life happens, and there will be times when you’re stressed, short on sleep, or grabbing takeout. The goal isn’t perfection, but about making lot of changes that stack up over time.
