April 22 marks Earth Day, when nearly 200 countries and more than a billion people worldwide reflect on the planet’s resources and our responsibility to use them wisely. The scale of climate change, over-consumption, and pollution can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to face such enormous problems amid our busy lives and limited resources. Yet our well-being is deeply connected to the planet’s health. By making small, meaningful daily decisions, we can improve not only the health of the Earth, but our physical, mental, and emotional health, too.

The connection between climate anxiety and health

The 24/7 news cycle and prevalence of social media can feel relentless, often filling our feeds and minds with doom and gloom that are hard to shake. The barrage of information about everything from sweeping political changes to natural disasters near and far does more than capture our attention: They literally trigger stress responses in our bodies. These reactions trace back to our ancestors, who were always on the lookout for threats from predators. The stress hormones released in the face of danger, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, helped us in our fight-or-flight response.

Our bodies still react the same way, but our stressors have changed to include things like work problems and upsetting news reports, which don’t dissipate as quickly as the physical threat of a saber-toothed tiger. This prolonged stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health and can lead to high blood pressure, digestion issues, headaches, weight gain, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Doom-scrolling on the couch fuels anxiety and doesn’t allow us to process it. On the other hand, taking action allows us to redirect that energy in a positive way, not only for the planet but for our state of mind.

Small, impactful actions to celebrate Earth Day (and beyond!)

When we identify causes we care about—whether that’s endangered animals, clean water, or reducing over-consumption—the best approach is to focus on an issue or two and take meaningful action. If we are concerned about the health of the river, we can volunteer with a river clean-up. If our passion is endangered animals, we can organize a fundraiser that benefits a wildlife conservation effort we are passionate about. Taking action, no matter how small, improves environmental outcomes while combatting stress and improving our physical well-being. Additionally, we’re often spending time with others with similar passions, which increases our sense of community and connection. All of this mitigates feelings of hopelessness and creates an upward spiral: We do something meaningful, we feel better, and we continue making a difference.

Actions we can take every day that benefit the planet and our health

Choose local food. This might mean purchasing fruit from a local grower instead of buying imported bananas. It could mean reducing our consumption of red meat, which benefits our health and reduces the drain on planetary resources. Or, it could mean shopping at the local grocery store instead of placing an order online. Local foods are fresher and often more nutritious. They produce less pollution due to reduced transportation needs, while supporting local growers and sellers.

Address stress with outdoor time instead of screens or online shopping. Scrolling and online shopping provide quick endorphin boosts, but they also encourage sedentary lifestyles and unnecessary consumption. More importantly, they don’t resolve the issues we’re trying to escape. Cutting back on screen time and online shopping can reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen the strain on the planet’s resources. Instead of picking up your phone when overwhelmed, try getting outside, whether it’s a quick walk around the block or a longer activity like hiking, gardening, or swimming.

Grow a garden. Even a small raised bed or a couple of tomato plants can reduce what we purchase in the store, and home-grown produce tastes amazing. Gardening is a great way to get kids involved in environmental stewardship, too.

Earth Day only comes around once a year, but habits we build during this time can lead to lasting change. By establishing these habits, we create a healthier environment and improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our Earth deserves it—and so do we.

Justin Ebert, PA-C, is the chief medical officer at MCHC Health Centers, a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare. MCHC includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. 

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