How Your Environment Impacts Stress
by Julia Collins
RYT 500, YACEP
April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to explore how the spaces we live, work, and move in can either add to our stress — or help relieve it. We often talk about stress in terms of what’s happening inside our minds and bodies. But have you ever considered how your physical surroundings could be affecting how you feel? At Soul Society Yoga, we deeply believe that wellness is not just about what you do — it’s also about where you are.
Simple Ways to Shift It
From the lighting in your home to the energy of the spaces you spend time in, your environment can either soothe your nervous system or quietly add to your stress. That’s why our studio is intentionally designed to help you feel grounded, safe, and supported the moment you walk through the door.
Here’s how your environment impacts your stress levels — and how small shifts (including time at the studio) can help you feel more calm, centered, and supported.
Digital and Mental Clutter
Visual clutter can overwhelm the brain and keep the nervous system on edge. Whether it's a pile of laundry or a cluttered inbox, these things take up mental space.
Simple Shift: Clear off one surface in your home and make it a stress-free zone — your nightstand, a corner of your kitchen, or even your car. Let that little space symbolize peace.
How Soul Society Helps: Our studio is designed with clean, minimal, and intentional aesthetics so that when you step in, you immediately feel like you've left the noise behind. The clutter stays at the door — this is your space to breathe.
Too many notifications, tabs, or screen time can overstimulate the brain and increase anxiety.
Simple Shift: Create tech-free moments in your day — like leaving your phone outside the bedroom or setting boundaries around work, social media, and email.
How Soul Society Helps: Our classes are an opportunity to unplug completely. No screens, no notifications — just you, your breath, and the present moment. Consider it your built-in digital detox.
Lighting Affects Mood
Natural light helps boost your energy and lift your mood, while harsh lighting can make you feel drained or overstimulated.
Simple Shift: Let in more daylight where you can, or use soft, warm-toned lighting in the evening.
How Soul Society Helps: From our soft, soothing lighting to our natural-lit yoga classes, every detail of the studio is designed to help your body and mind relax.
Beyond the mat, we offer a full-sensory reset through our Infrared HaloSauna, which uses chromotherapy (color light therapy) and heat therapy to promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, and support deep detoxification.
For an energizing contrast, our Cold Plunge Therapy stimulates circulation, improves mood, and helps build resilience to stress. Our cold plunge room is softly lit with warm, ambient lighting to create a calming atmosphere — balancing the invigorating experience of the cold plunge with a sense of comfort, grounding, and peace. Whether you need to slow down or reset completely, Soul Society is a space where your environment truly works for you.
Noise (and Silence) Matters
Constant background noise — traffic, notifications, TV — can contribute to stress without you realizing it.
Simple Shift: Turn off unnecessary devices, or use calming music, white noise, or silence during wind-down times.
How Soul Society Helps: Many of our classes are set to peaceful music, gentle rhythms, and intentional silence so your nervous system has a chance to truly settle.
In both the Infrared HaloSauna and Cold Plunge Therapy rooms, you have the option to immerse yourself in relaxing music or a calming guided meditation. Whether you prefer gentle instrumental sounds, soft nature tones, or the soothing voice of a meditation guide, these soundscapes are designed to enhance your experience, quiet the mind, and deepen your sense of presence.
In a world filled with noise, choosing what you hear — or simply enjoying intentional silence — can be a powerful part of the healing process.
Nature Soothes
Being around greenery and natural elements helps lower stress and boost feelings of well-being.
Simple Shift: Add plants to your home, or even sit outside for a few minutes each day.
How Soul Society Helps: We bring elements of nature into our space — from greenery to grounding materials — to help you reconnect with the Earth, even indoors. This summer, we’re embracing the healing power of nature by offering outdoor yoga classes at three beautiful local spots — Love Point Vineyards, The Oaks Waterfront and The Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club.
Practicing outdoors invites you to connect more deeply with the elements: the warmth of the sun, the sound of the breeze, and the grounding energy of the earth beneath you. These open-air classes are the perfect way to expand your practice, reduce stress, and soak in the warmer weather.
A Space Designed to Support You
One of the most powerful ways to reduce stress is to spend time in spaces that feel calm, supportive, and intentional.
That’s exactly what Soul Society Yoga offers. From the moment you walk in, we’ve curated everything — the lighting, the scent, the music, the energy — to tell your body, “You’re safe here.” Whether you’re joining us for an invigorating flow, a restorative class, or a peaceful session in the infrared sauna and cold plunge, our space is here to hold you. Explore our classes
As you move through this month with a bit more awareness, take time to notice how your environment is making you feel — and remember, even the smallest shift can make a big difference. Whether it’s lighting a candle, stepping outside for fresh air, or rolling out your mat in a calm space, you deserve an environment that supports your peace. And when you need a place to reset and reconnect, Soul Society Yoga is here for you — a space designed with intention, care, and your well-being in mind. Come breathe, move, and find your calm with us