the front enterance of the Curry Health Center on a sunny day surrounded by tree

Curry Health Center

The image shows a simple, graphic-style icon of a globe centered on a white background. The globe appears as a solid green circle with darker green or black line outlines depicting continents. The visible land shapes resemble parts of North and South America on the left side and Africa and Europe on the right side. The design is flat and minimal, with no texture or shading, and is commonly used to represent Earth, the environment, or sustainability.

Environmental Wellbeing

Build a positive, supportive relationship with your surroundings.

The environments you live in, work, and study in can strongly influence your mood, focus, and stress levels. Environmental wellbeing isn’t just about being outdoors—it also includes the spaces you interact with every day. Your bedroom, study area, and even your digital spaces can affect how you think and feel. 

    • Clutter and Focus: A cluttered environment can overwhelm your brain, making it harder to concentrate and stay productive. Creating a more organized space can help support mental clarity and focus. 
    • Order and Calm: Spaces that feel orderly and comfortable can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and control, giving you a place to recharge. 
    • Small Changes Matter: You don’t need a complete makeover. Spending just 10 minutes a day tidying your space can make a noticeable difference in how you feel and function. 

  • Spending time in nature is a simple and effective way to support both mental and physical health. It offers an opportunity to step away from screens and daily stress and reconnect with yourself. 

    • Reduced Stress: Being outdoors can lower stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure. Even short periods—10 to 20 minutes—can have a positive impact. 
    • Improved Focus: Time in nature helps restore attention and concentration, often making it easier to refocus than staying indoors. 
    • Improved Mood: Regular exposure to natural spaces is linked to increased happiness, calm, and overall wellbeing. 

Living Sustainably in Missoula

You don't have to be a hardcore activist to make a difference. Understanding local systems and making small changes in your daily routine can significantly reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to Missoula's goal of 

    • Reduce: The most effective strategy! Be mindful of what you buy and the packaging it comes in. 
    • Reuse: Always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Keep reusable bags handy for groceries or other shopping. Before you buy new, check out local thrift stores.
    • On-Campus Recycling: The ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú recycles aluminum, paper, cardboard, and #1 & #2 plastics. Look for the blue bins!  
    • Off-Campus Recycling: If you live off-campus,  provides curbside recycling. Check their guidelines to see what's accepted. 
    • Composting: Composting food scraps and yard waste is a great way to reduce landfill waste. You can start your own small compost bin, or use a local service like . 

  • Where your food comes from matters for the environment and the community. 

    • Local First: Support local producers by shopping at the  or other local food stores. 
    • UM's Farm to College Program:This amazing program brings fresh, local food right into the UM Dining halls. Pay attention to their labels to support local agriculture. 

    Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of what you purchase to avoid spoilage.

    For food assistance, the  of Missoula provides crucial support to those facing food insecurity.

  • Missoula is your backyard! Engaging with it is a great way to build a sense of place and appreciation. 

    • Explore Local Trails: Hike the 'M' Trail, explore the , or bike the . 
    • Volunteer: Look for opportunities with local organizations like the  or  to help with trail maintenance or river clean-ups. Stewardship is a great way to give back to the places we love to play in.