Disclaimer: The information provided below is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Links throughout this blog may also contain affiliate links. Please be assured, that these are all products I personally use and/or recommend. There is no additional cost to you, and often times when you use my link, you will save money with my exclusive discounts and coupons.
The Modern Environment Challenge
Let’s talk about something we see every day in our practice: the impact of modern environments on our health. Whether you’re balancing remote work, managing a hybrid schedule, or spending long hours in a traditional office, your surroundings are constantly interacting with your nervous system. And in today’s world, these interactions are more complex than ever.
Think about your typical day. You might start with early morning emails in bed (hello, blue light exposure), move to a makeshift desk at your kitchen counter (causing that nagging neck pain), and end your day under artificial lighting that keeps your brain wired well past bedtime. Sound familiar?
The Not-So-Obvious Culprits
Remember the last time you finished a day of “just sitting” at your desk, only to feel as exhausted as if you’d run a marathon? Poor ergonomics does more than just hurt your back. When you’re hunched over your laptop or craning your neck to see your screen, your entire body goes into stress mode. Your muscles tense, your breathing becomes shallow, and your energy drains – all without you consciously realizing it.
What’s more concerning is how these patterns affect our kids. We often see children unconsciously mimicking their parents’ posture habits while doing homework or using devices. This creates a cycle of poor positioning that can impact their development and well-being.
Light: Your Body’s Time Keeper
Natural light isn’t just about brightness – it’s about timing and quality. Many of our practice members are surprised to learn that their afternoon energy crashes or evening insomnia might be linked to their lighting exposure throughout the day. Your body craves natural light patterns to regulate everything from hormone production to energy levels.
This becomes especially important for families. When everyone’s circadian rhythms are disrupted, it affects not just sleep but also mood, appetite, and even how well we connect with each other. Ever notice how everyone seems a bit more irritable after a few dreary days indoors?
The Air We Breathe
Indoor air quality might be the most overlooked environmental stressor we encounter. Between VOCs from furniture, cleaning products, poor ventilation (especially in home offices), and the potential for mold in humid spaces, the air in our homes and workplaces can significantly impact our health. This is why we recommend Branch Basics for all our cleaning needs – their plant and mineral-based products are free from harmful preservatives and safe for the whole family. You can get $10 off your first order using our link.
We’ve seen remarkable transformations in families who address their air quality issues. Often, mysterious symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and allergies improve dramatically with better ventilation and air purification.
Your Body's Environmental Control Center
Here’s something fascinating we share with our practice members: your nervous system acts as your body’s environmental response center. It’s constantly processing information from your surroundings and adjusting your responses. When overwhelmed by environmental stressors, it can get stuck in a stress response pattern – like a smoke alarm that won’t stop ringing.
This is where chiropractic care comes in. Regular adjustments help your nervous system better adapt to environmental stressors. Think of it like resetting that smoke alarm to respond appropriately to its environment. When your nervous system is balanced, you’re better equipped to handle environmental challenges without becoming overwhelmed.
Creating Healthier Spaces: A Family Approach
The good news is that creating healthier environments doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Start with one space and one change at a time. Maybe it’s setting up a proper desk height for your workspace, or creating a family charging station outside of bedrooms to reduce nighttime EMF exposure.
In our practice, we’ve found that involving the whole family in these changes makes them more likely to stick. Kids especially love being part of the “wellness detective” process – noticing how different environments make them feel and suggesting improvements.
Simple Steps for Immediate Impact
Start with your workspace. Position your screen at eye level and your keyboard at a height where your elbows rest comfortably at your sides. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, consider a full-spectrum desk lamp. Take regular movement breaks – we love the “water break reminder” trick, where filling up your water bottle doubles as a chance to move and reset.
For family spaces, create areas that encourage movement and natural positioning. Maybe it’s a floor seating option for movie night or a standing art station for the kids. We often recommend checking out Avocado Mattress (the only mattress supported by the American Chiropractic Association) for creating healthy sleep spaces, and the Hatch Restore for better sleep routines that help your body wind down naturally in the evening. The key is making healthy choices feel natural and enjoyable.
Product Recommendations for a Healthier Environment
We’re often asked about specific products we trust for creating healthier spaces. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Branch Basics – For non-toxic cleaning throughout your home ($10 off with our link)
Avocado Mattress – Chiropractic-approved, non-toxic mattresses and bedding
Hatch Restore – For better sleep routines and natural light patterns
DoTerra Essential Oils – For natural air purification and stress relief
LARQ – Our favorite self-cleaning water filtration system for staying hydrated with clean water
Note: These are products we personally use and trust. While we may receive a small commission from these affiliate links, we only recommend products that align with our wellness philosophy.
Looking Forward
Understanding how your environment affects your health is the first step toward creating spaces that support your family’s wellness. Pay attention to how different environments make you feel. Notice patterns in your energy levels, mood, and physical comfort. These observations are valuable clues to understanding your environmental needs.
At Rise Chiropractic & Nutrition, we’re passionate about helping families create environments that support their health goals. Through proper nervous system function and awareness of environmental factors, you can create spaces that help your family thrive.
Know someone who’s been feeling drained or uncomfortable in their space? Share this article with them – sometimes the smallest environmental changes can make the biggest difference in someone’s health. Together, we can create healthier spaces for our entire community.
Follow us on Instagram @risechiropracticandnutrition for more practical wellness tips designed for busy professionals and active families.