Five reasons sustainable living is good for your mental health

We see in the news every day that we need to live sustainably, and of course that’s incredibly important. We want a world to live in for future generations and by doing our bit, we can go some way to achieving that.

However, sustainable living can also be incredibly beneficial to our own mental health. We live in a world where more and more of us are suffering, with the likes of addiction, anxiety and depression all rife. Sustainable living can aid in combatting that, to the point where people who have gone through addiction detox are being advised to consider it as a way of finding a more positive pathway to live their life by.

But why exactly is living more sustainably quite so transformative when it comes to our mental health?

It Provides a Connection With Nature

Firstly, it encourages a much deeper connection with the natural world, appreciating the environment and understanding that there is a world beyond us. 

Studies have shown that exposure to the natural elements is good for our mental health and spending time outdoors can reduce the likes of stress, anxiety and depression while promoting feelings of calm and tranquility. By prioritising susainable practices that protect the planet, individuals can cultivate a more profound connection with the earth.

Increase Your Sense of Purpose and Meaning

Adopting sustainable living practices also helps provide a real sense of purpose and meaning. Making conscious choices to reduce waste, and conserve resources can be incredibly empowering and lead to a much more fulfilling life. Whether you’re embracing zero-waste living, supporting local businesses or championing environmental causes, that sustainable living will only increase overall satisfaction and boost wellbeing in the process.

It Promotes Mindful Consumption and Minimalism

Embracing sustainable living often entails practising mindful consumption and embracing minimalist lifestyles. By prioritising quality over quantity and eschewing materialism, it can help reduce clutter, simplify lives, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. Studies have shown that excessive consumerism and materialism are associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. In contrast, adopting a minimalist approach to living promotes contentment, gratitude, and mental clarity. By embracing sustainable consumption habits, you can free yourself from the cycle of consumerism and experience greater mental peace and serenity.

Improve Community and Social Connection

You’ll find that sustainable living can really drive community and social connection with like minded people. There are tons of groups to collaborate with and share resources, as well as support each other both from a mental health perspective and in environmental efforts.

Building stronger connections with people is essential for mental health and can provide a real sense of belonging that can go a long way in improving our wellbeing in the long term.

Finally, It’ll Reduce Any Environmental Anxiety

Finally, many of us are seeing our mental health struggle as a result of feelings of environmental anxiety. By living more sustainability, you reduce that anxiety and promote a more positive lifestyle. By taking tangible steps to reduce your carbon footprint, you can have a valuable impact on your mental health and create a much greater sense of hope and resilience in the face of environmental uncertainty.