Prioritising self-care is essential for our mental and physical well-being. We can do this whilst still looking after Mother Earth and being mindful of our impact on the planet. Here are ten eco-friendly and sustainable ways to show yourself and the planet some love.
Practise Mindful Meditation
Find a quiet room, sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath for a few minutes. Notice what parts of your body feel tense and try to let go, calming your heart rate and clearing your head.
If you can find time to practise meditation every other day, you will notice positive changes in your life, including reduced stress and improved emotional balance.
Meditation can give you a sense of contentment and peace, and this clarity will give you the opportunity to make more sustainable choices in your daily life.
You don’t need any equipment, just yourself. This is a fantastic way to look after yourself without using up any resources and even saving a bit of money!
Eco-Friendly Skincare
Eco-friendly skincare brands celebrate the planet by using certified organic ingredients, prioritising sustainable sourcing. So, when you choose these products, you will reduce your own environmental impact.
These natural and organic ingredients also break down more easily in the environment than synthetic ingredients. This means we don’t have to worry about the burden these ingredients will have on ecosystems when washed off.
Certified organic brands also tend to favour minimal or biodegradable packaging and the planet will thank you for less plastic waste piling up in the environment.
Eco-friendly products will be kinder to your skin and make you feel rejuvenated. From body balms and face balms to exfoliants, beard balms and cleansers, there is an eco-friendly option for everything.
Spend Time in Nature
Nature is an incredibly powerful force. By immersing ourselves in it, we can soothe feelings of anxiety and lessen mental fatigue.
We can actively strengthen our connection to nature by going for a hike or a walk, or just sitting in a park for a few minutes. Through this, we will be inspired to make more sustainable choices in other aspects of our lives.
In fact, people with a closer relationship to nature have been shown to possess more pro-environmental behaviours such as recycling items and buying seasonal foods.
So, try to get fresh air every day, go for a walk and appreciate the natural world around you.
Digital Detox
It’s easy to get caught up with scrolling on your phone for a few too many hours – it happens to the best of us. But it is a slippery slope and once you start, it can be difficult to stop.
Disconnecting from digital devices can do wonders for restoring mental balance and improving concentration and focus.
Plus, you’ll be conserving energy and by using your device less, you’ll extend its lifespan and will not have to replace it as often. You can reduce the demand for the production of new products, which is also environmentally beneficial.
So, it’s time to try a digital detox, to show yourself and the planet some love.
Gratitude Journaling
Another great self-care practice is gratitude journaling. Spend ten to fifteen minutes writing down your thoughts, feelings and the things you’re grateful for in life. This will help you to feel more positive towards the world around you.
By cultivating a sense of contentment with what you have, you will also lessen your need for excessive consumption. This can contribute towards making more eco-friendly or ethical choices in the future.
Just grab a pen and paper and then you’re good to go.
DIY Spa Day
Get creative and try to make some soothing products packed full of natural ingredients for your very own DIY spa day.
Commercial spas and beauty salons use a ton of water and energy whilst producing significant waste. By pampering yourself at home, you can reduce this environmental impact without sacrificing self-care.
You can make almost anything, from body scrubs to facemasks, using just oatmeal, honey, yoghurt or any of the ingredients you find in your pantry.
Green Cleaning
A clean home can soothe your mind, and make you feel at peace. Your surroundings certainly affect your state of mind, so it is essential to choose the right cleaning products for you.
Synthetic cleaners from your local store can leave a strong smell, sometimes even leaving you uncomfortable. But plant-based cleaning products made from non-toxic ingredients will smell and feel refreshing.
We love the Greenscents range as it’s certified organic and palm oil free. These products are also biodegradable, so they will break down nice and easily when washed back into the environment.
This is a great way to show yourself some care, so give it a go.
Plant Care
Taking care of plants means you can connect with the environment, even in an urban setting. By nurturing a living organism, you will appreciate the beauty of the natural world much more.
Plants also offer numerous physical benefits. They act as natural air purifiers by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. The improved air quality will create a more enjoyable and sustainable living space, having positive effects on your overall sense of calm.
If you really enjoy this, you can go on to create a garden full of fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy foods that you have grown yourself will give you an even greater sense of fulfilment.
Second-Hand Shopping
Another sustainable self-care practice is shopping second hand. You can give second-hand items a new lease on life, and this will prevent them from ending up in landfills, thus reducing waste.
There will be less of a demand for the production of new items, conserving energy and natural resources. This form of a circular economy fosters a more sustainable approach to consumerism. An added benefit is that many second-hand shops also boast interesting and unique pieces, so you can indulge in self-care and buy yourself something you love without breaking the bank or harming the planet.
Yoga
As an ancient practice that is valued by cultures around the world, yoga is the perfect exercise for reconnecting with yourself and finding a sense of inner peace and calm.
Yoga also requires minimal equipment, so as long as you have a mat or soft surface you can give it a go pretty much anywhere.
By focusing on mindful movement, you will feel a deeper connection to yourself. You can also immerse yourself in nature whilst practising it, combining multiple self-care practices to show yourself even more love and care.
It’s time to embrace self-care that is kind to you and the Earth. From mindfulness to buying eco-conscious products, there is a sustainable option for everyone. Give any of them a go and see how sustainable self-care has the power to transform your life.
Abbey Varns
A little bit about me: My name is Abbey and I am a sustainable fashion and beauty copywriter based between London and Prague. I studied law at university and then went on to train in clean energy and climate change. You can contact me for articles abbeyvarns@gmail.com
