Whole Health is offering skill building workshops for each of the eight self-care areas of the Circle of Health. A different course will be presented each week at Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran VAMCs. Each course consists of knowledge, discussion, mindfulness/meditation activity and a goal setting opportunity for that specific area.
Contact your local Whole Health Coach, Whole Health Partner, or the Whole Health scheduling line at (314) 289-6583.
Surroundings 101
Your physical, mental, and emotional surroundings are important for your health. They affect
how your genes work, and your genes control how healthy you are and how long you live.
Where are your favorite places to be, and why?
- Improve Where You Live. No matter where you live (house, apartment, motor home,etc.), improving your home environment can improve your health.
- Get More Organized. Keeping things neat can help improve your mental state, improve cleanliness, hygiene, and improve safety.
- Improve Where You Work. Where you work may or may not be the same place as where you live. Some things at work may be out of your control, but even small changes can help.
- Improve Emotional Surroundings. How your surroundings make you feel is important for your mental health.
- Create Healing Environments. Many things in your surroundings can support good health. To stay healthy or recover from illness, what kind of place is most helpful?
- Reduce Toxins. Your body is constantly protecting you from toxins (poisons) in the environment. Keep your exposures to them as low as you can.
- Spend Time in Nature. Studies show that time in nature helps us live longer, with fewer strokes and heart attacks. Green spaces can help our memory and speed up recovery after surgery.
- Make One Small Change.
Locations: Please refer to the Whole Health class calendar for specific dates and times.
For more in depth information and additional resources please see the Veteran Handouts below:
Surroundings Skill Building Course Veterans Guide
Resources
