The What is Fitness Series?#Environmental Fitness!

What do I mean by environmental fitness?  Let’s for a moment go back to my original definition of fitness. “Fitness can be defined as a set of attributes or abilities that one possesses that may allow them to complete a task or meet demands of the environment in an efficient or effective manner.”

If we consider the environment as being the physical structures or places we spend our time; be it sleeping, studying, working out, reading, or relaxing, the environment in which we do all those things can shape how we are able to meet the demands of said task.

The environment in which we spend our time shapes us. Where we spend our time influences who we become. We become a by -product of where we spend that time. For example, if my goal is to get eight hours of truly restful sleep but my environment is one where the neighbors below me are arguing or playing music loudly, or if I never put my phone away or I keep the TV on for hours into the night such that it cuts into my sleeping routine or sleep hygiene time, the environment is shaping my future self. I am now becoming a by product of that which I am being exposed.  Not getting good sleep will now affect my energy the next day and the kind of energy I have to put forth into my work.

How we organize our office spaces can also influence our productivity and creativity. By creating a space that sparks our energy, is well lite, and one in which we enjoy being in, can enhance our working hours, improve productivity and thus we may find ourselves happier and more fulfilled with what we were able to get accomplished in the day. If we are in a space that feels negative, is dark or poorly lite, and does not help us feel productive or creative, we are more likely going to feel and be less productive, become easily distracted, and ultimately be more upset about what we failed to accomplish.

Spending our time around productive and caring people can have significant benefits to our growth. When we spend time around those who not only demonstrate a sound work ethic but also positive boundaries and standards, we in turn are able to further develop our own work ethic, boundaries and standards. Just the same, if we are surrounded by those who lack a work ethic, set negative boundaries or standards for themselves, we are more likely to develop a similar pattern of work ethics, boundaries, and standards. We become extensions of those to whom we are exposed.  

The sights and sounds we see and listen to can be a harmonious symphony adding to our productivity or it can be a slow and steady stress much like a pebble in our shoe. It may only be mildly painful, it may not be doing any noticeable damage at the moment, but given long term application can cause an uncomfortable scratch to our very nervous system. When our nervous system gets scratched, and we become stressed that too can affect our productivity and happiness.

 Despite whether, we describe the environment in terms of physical location, people with whom we surround ourselves or the sights and sounds we are putting into our consciousness, the attribute we must possess is our unwavering ability to keep our focus on what we are doing, why we are doing it, and getting the job done despite the environment.