Can Where You Live Affect Your Mental Health?

Can Living in the Dominican Republic Affect Your Mental Health?
You exercise, eat reasonably well, work hard, and try to do everything right. And still, you feel burnt out, a little depressed, bored, and constantly stressed. There never seems to be enough time or motivation for exercise or a social life.
But what if part of the problem isn’t you? Maybe it’s your environment that is quietly making you unhappy.
Do you recognize this?

• Grey weather
• Being indoors all day
• Stress and rushing
• A lack of connection, because social life isn’t what it used to be
• Not feeling motivated to work out and getting stuck in that negative spiral, where healthy eating goes out the window too

So, we all know the feeling of being happier on vacation.
The question is: what happens when vacation becomes your everyday life?

• Starting your day at the beach is an incredible way to give life that little something extra.
• Swimming is very good for your body without putting too much stress on it. And floating in the ocean? There is something undeniably calming about it.
• Sunshine means vitamin D, and all that outdoor living shows, with a golden glow on your skin!
• Fresh tropical fruit and healthy food are so easily accessible in the Dominican Republic. A pickup truck passing by with fresh fruit, local markets, and restaurants offering fresh ingredients every day.
• A slower rhythm, without calling it “simple living” 😆. Because we still run, play golf, go hiking, practice yoga, or play dominoes in the park!
• The friendly, social Dominican culture is something you notice quickly. Have you noticed that Dominicans are always smiling and joking around? And when needed, they are always ready to lend a hand.
• Dancing, music, and laughter is literally everywhere. You can’t dance? No problem! You’ll learn in no time, because Dominicans can always find an excuse to dance a merengue or bachata.
• Spending more time outside is how you get your steps in, meet new people, and take the most stunning pictures of nature.
• The psychological effect of living close to the sea, breathing in the salty air, and enjoying beautiful sunsets will never disappoint.
• Changing your surroundings sounds scary.
  But once you prepare and take that first step, you may notice how proud you feel and how differently you start looking at life.
  Meeting people from all over the world can change your outlook on life tremendously.
  It’s definitely a life-changing decision, and the Dominican Republic won’t magically solve all of your problems.
  But perhaps changing your environment could be the medicine you didn’t know you needed.