Calm a Distressed Mind by Changing Your Environment

1. Surround yourself with nature. Nature makes us feel good and improves our health. It helps as a buffer against the stress we deal with on a daily basis. If nature is inaccessible, looking at photos of nature helps, as well as listening to birds and rain.
2. Create opportunities for awe. It gives us the feeling of ceding control of our inner voice. We are less self-focused.
3. Declutter. When we see the order in our environment it gives us a comforting feeling because it makes life easier to navigate.

1. Shifting our perspective
2. Talking to others to get support; and
3. Changing the environment around us

The first two work in moments of distress and allow us to make smarter choices, while the third is something that we can proactively do. How we think and how we feel are embedded in our physical spaces.