Changing Your Environment to Heal

“You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick.” 

What does it mean to change your environment? It’s not always possible to pack up and move to a new home, city, or country. But the environment is more than just the physical space we occupy. What can we change?

 •  What you put in your body

 •  How you deal with stress

 •  Your thoughts, beliefs, and self-talk

 •  Your daily habits and routines

 •  How you move your body

 •  How you breathe

Change isn’t easy, but neither is feeling unwell. Starting small—focusing on just one or two simple adjustments—can have a profound impact on your system. As you consistently shift one habit, you can gradually build from there. The nervous system thrives on gentle, manageable steps. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is the simplest: laying down for a moment of rest, or saying no to a commitment that feels too heavy.

Here are three simple changes I made over the past year that helped me transform my environment:

 1 Morning light: I make sure to get at least five minutes of morning light on my face each day. Even when it’s cloudy, I just adjust by spending more time outside.

 2 Saying “no” more often: Learning to set boundaries and decline obligations that don’t serve me has been key to preserving my energy.

 3 Breath awareness: I started tuning into my breath throughout the day, especially during moments of stress. Just a few intentional breaths can shift my entire state of mind.

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start where you are, and let each small step lead you toward a healthier environment for healing.

In health and healing,

Lila