A change of place can do wonders for your mood. When we are in an environment that makes us feel safe and good about our lives, it is much easier to find the peace of mind that we have within ourselves.
An agoraphobic client who wouldn’t leave the house to attend social activities has found relief from anxiety aboard cruise ships. In her case, being at home felt safe but was too isolating. On cruises, she is able to interact with others and enjoys all that the seven seas have to offer. Upon returning home, her agoraphobia hasn’t entirely gone away, but over time, she is becoming a little bit bolder and less withdrawn.
For people with depression or anxiety, leaving the house can be a challenge, yet it’s important to get out and be in the world. If there is something you love to do, spending more time doing that activity will give you a lift. If it brings you into the world with other people, all the better. Having an outlet and being able to put away your depression or anxiety, even for a limited time, will benefit you in the moment and over time. Slowly but surely, you will eliminate the fear that keeps you from doing the things you desire.
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Changing your environment can also help you in other ways. For example, if you have a meeting coming up that you are nervous about, going for a walk beforehand can reduce your anxiety. Arriving early and taking a walk around the building can be helpful, even if the building is where you regularly work.
When you need to clear your mind, sometimes simply stepping outside can give you a new perspective. Getting some fresh air will help your brain work better. It will also enliven your senses, and you may start to think of something more pleasant than whatever is concerning you.
Another way to change your environment and develop yourself as a person is to take some kind of workshop, class or seminar that requires you to go someplace new. Doing new things builds the brain chemical oxytocin, which helps to make you feel safer. In addition, the growth you get from your experience will broaden your horizons, and you will most likely enjoy yourself and maybe make a new friend or two.
A change of environment is something that can work wonders. At the very least, it will give you more to think about. It almost always helps you heal your difficult moods, because part of your mind is taking in your new surroundings and you may not think about withdrawing or being sad. Changing your environment also lowers your overall stress and will give you more to talk about when you meet someone with whom you want to share.
