When we consider health, we often focus on what’s happening inside the body. But our external environment, where we live, work, sleep and socialise, plays a profound and often underestimated role in shaping our metabolic wellbeing. At Combe Grove, environment is a key pillar within our 5 Roots of Metabolic Health™, interconnected with sleep, nutrition, movement and mindset.
Environmental stressors, such as noise, clutter, artificial light and even the pace of modern life, can disrupt the body’s delicate hormonal balance. A chaotic workspace, constant screen exposure or overstimulating home environment can elevate cortisol levels, hinder quality sleep and impair the body’s ability to regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives has shown that exposure to noise and light pollution is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Meanwhile, access to natural light, greenery and calm spaces is linked to better glucose regulation, reduced stress and healthier body composition.
At Combe Grove, we encourage guests to reflect on how their surroundings support or hinder their health. Here’s how environment interacts with the other Roots of Metabolic Health™.
Sleep: A calm, cool, dark bedroom promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone essential for metabolic recovery. Screen-free evenings, soothing colours and natural materials can create an ideal space for rest.
Nutrition: Our eating environment shapes how we experience food. Eating in a quiet, tech-free space enhances digestion and satiety. A cluttered kitchen or eating on the go can lead to distracted eating and poor food choices.
Movement: Our surroundings can either invite movement or discourage it. Is your living space conducive to stretching, walking or dancing? Are you close to green spaces or parks? Even small changes like keeping your walking shoes visible, can make movement more accessible.
Mindset: Environmental cues influence our mental state. Natural light, order and aesthetically pleasing spaces reduce cognitive load and stress. Creating boundaries between work and rest spaces at home supports emotional clarity and focus.
At Combe Grove, the Estate and woodland setting support healing and metabolic recalibration. But you don’t need to live in the countryside to benefit. Small shifts, like decluttering your workspace, introducing plants into your home or setting up a quiet nook for reflection, can dramatically influence your physiology.
Your environment speaks to your nervous system before you’ve had a chance to think. By curating spaces that promote calm, order and connection with nature, you empower your body to return to balance.
