I love the quote, “You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick.” To me, this is a very accurate statement, however it is not talked about enough. When I started my health and healing journey, I realized there were a lot of triggers for me, both small and big ones. I am talking about relationships with people in my circle, but also about how my room was set up.
As humans, we almost always choose the easy route when it comes to getting tasks done. We want as little friction as possible. For me, this meant reorganizing my room. I have to admit, I am a very aesthetic person, so having a clean and visually pleasing environment is a nonnegotiable need for me.
Which objects do I use on a daily basis, which ones do I use multiple times a day, and are there certain items where it would make sense to have more than one? For example, having a few lip balms in different places instead of just one.
Think about this for a moment. I can confidently say that since I created a setup that truly works for me and my needs, I have not forgotten anything anymore. It is not rocket science, but it requires honesty with yourself. A wrong or even toxic setup will keep you in a vicious cycle.
Here are a few changes I made.
My supplements are organized according to when I take them. My pre and probiotics are in my room because they are the first thing I take in the morning. My fish oil is in the kitchen because I take it with a fatty meal. This way, the placement supports the habit instead of relying on memory.
My phone charger is no longer next to my bed. It is plugged in somewhere uncomfortable to sit, which creates friction for me and keeps me off my phone.
My workout equipment is now visible in my room.
My keys, wallet, and lip balm, which are my essentials, are always in the same basket. I never have to think about where I put them.
I have a notebook and pen next to my bed. When I wake up at night, there is no need to go on my phone to write something down.
I am certain that having an organized environment sets you up for success. First, ask yourself what changes you want to make. Second, ask yourself what steps you need to take to achieve them. The only hard thing about this, in my opinion, is being honest with yourself.
The same goes for relationships with your close ones. I strongly believe you are who you surround yourself with. Do the people in your circle align with your values? This might also be a good time to evaluate whether you are giving enough to the people who truly fulfill you and have a positive impact on your life.
The healing stage looks different for everyone. Every journey is bioindividual, meaning each person has different needs, triggers, and ways of healing. There are a few things, though, that I believe we all need in order to heal. A home where we are able to relax and detach. A bedroom where your mind can be clear and there is no noise coming in. An office or workspace where we can be productive.
Since embarking on my health journey, I have created my own rule book. No working in bed, no eating in front of screens, although sometimes I will listen to a podcast while eating, and no snacks in my bedroom.
I used to work in my bed, eat while watching Netflix and being on my phone, and keep snacks next to my bed. Separating daily life from a cozy evening made a big difference. Your daily habits shape you. A cozy evening, like having dinner in front of the TV, is now a treat for me, and that is how I keep my daily life productive and efficient.
On a personal note, taking time to sit, eat, and truly appreciate a meal has helped me tremendously. My digestion and bloating have improved, I am more present, and prioritizing myself has even helped with bigger issues like hormonal imbalances.
The takeaway is it is up to you how efficient and productive you want to be, and the choices you make about your environment will either support your healing or keep you stuck.