Week 3: Environmental Wellness
Week two of the challenge has come to an end and week three is just around the corner! I hope that you are finding success with your health new habit. Remember, if you get off track, don’t get discouraged. Tomorrow is a new day and you can recommit if necessary. Your new habit is a lifelong commitment, so focus on the long view.
This Week’s Focus: Environmental Health
Environmental Wellness is one of the seven aspects of wellness. We may not think much about Environmental Wellness as part of an overall wellness plan, but our environment and how we feel about it can have a huge impact on the way we feel. Environmental Wellness encompasses not just our relationship with the planet and nature but our relationship with our personal surroundings as well. When our personal surroundings are well cared for, clean and organized, we experience a greater sense of comfort and less anxiety. Environmental Wellness also affects the other seven aspects. It’s hard to feel good when your space is messy or disorganized. Caring for our homes and other personal environments also helps us maintain a sense of personal care. On May 24th, WorkLife and Wellness will present the Brown Bag, “Clear Your Clutter” where we will learn tips from a professional organizer on how to keep our personal “environments” in order.
Specific ways to improve our Environmental Health right here in Davis include:
TRANSPORTATION
One of the biggest impacts we have on the planet is a direct result of the way we move ourselves around. Fortunately this is easy to do here in Davis. You might consider walking, biking or using Unitrans, at least a few days a week. Maybe you can carpool with a friend? Check out these options here at UC Davis at the GO CLUB. Remember all of these alternatives effect other pieces of the wellness wheel—social (meeting new people on the bus or carpooling), physical (riding your bike), financial, (parking passes are pricey), and emotional (not fighting the 5:00 rush out of the parking lot)!
WATER
Water has become a topic of discussion here in Davis. Fortunately it's pretty easy to do something about water and the associated rates, collect rainwater and invest in sustainable landscaping. How? Attend the March 1 Brown Bag, “Sustainable Gardening and Landscaping” where Don Shor will advise on plantings that thrive sustainably here in our specific climate.
FOOD
It stands to reason that our collective food choices have a huge impact on the planet, and with the global food industry shipping products further and further around the world, and with farming becoming ever more intensive, this impact is only getting bigger. There are four principles that can help guide you to greener meals: eat local, eat seasonal, eat organic, and finally, eat less meat. Here in Davis we are fantastically fortunate to have an abundance of healthy food right at our doorstep. Visit the Davis Farmers Market, or the UC Davis Farmers Market opening at the Silo at the beginning of the spring quarter.
CLOTHING
The global garment industry ships great distances and often employs the liberal spraying of harmful chemicals. Cotton is, in fact, one of the most heavily sprayed crops on the planet, so it stands to reason that our choice of clothing can have a major ecological impact. Fortunately, solutions are out there. Organic cotton, and other alternative fabrics like hemp, flax or bamboo are becoming increasingly common, as are high-end fashion items from recycled materials. And then, of course, there are the trusty vintage and thrift stores so beloved everywhere--style never goes out of fashion. Some of the local favorites: SPCA Thrift Store, All Things Right and Relevant, Aggie Re-Store, as well as Thrift Town, and Goodwill both with multiple locations throughout Sacramento.
The UC Davis Wellness Portal lists many resources on the Davis campus and surrounding community for improving your environmental health.
Other upcoming wellness-related events:
Davis campus:
Emotional Intelligence…Your Hidden EDGE
Thursday, February 23, noon – 1 p.m., Voorhies Hall Conference Room 126
FREE; pre-registration is not required
Do you feel like you’re often on an emotional roller coaster at work or at home? This this is for you! Learn about this revolutionary concept which explores the ability to read, regulate, and work with emotions effectively in yourself and with others. You will hear about how to strengthen your self-management, self-awareness, stress-busting and self-care. Presented by UC Davis Academic & Staff Assistance Program…for questions, call 530-752-2727.
Sacramento campus:
Yoga
Wednesday, February 15, PSSB G300, Sacramento campus, noon – 1 p.m.
All levels of yoga practitioners (including complete beginners) are welcome to this class that weaves together breath work, movement, and holding poses in order to improve balance, alignment, and body awareness. Variations of poses and modifications are offered so that each pose is accessible to every participant. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat/other mat or large beach towel with you (the class will be performed with bare feet). Participation is free.
Pyramid to Plate: What’s on Your Plate?
Tuesday, February 21 – Nutrition, Marriott – Ballroom, Sacramento campus, noon – 1 p.m.
What happened to the Food Pyramid and what does it mean to you and your family? Join us for a fun interactive workshop, where you will create your own plate model.
The new plate model is a guide that can help increase the variety of foods you eat each day, which leads to a healthier diet. Learn how to plan balanced meals, while including favorite foods.
Remember to keep tracking!