An Eco-Friendly Guide To Self-care
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An eco-friendly guide to self-care

Let’s face it; your life can get pretty busy every now and then. Between working 9-5, grocery shopping, paying the bills and caring for family, it can be difficult to find time for yourself. Yet somehow, on top of everything else, you make an effort to live green and eco-friendly. For all of the busy environmentalists out there who deserve some much-needed “you-time,” look no further. Below is your eco-friendly guide to self-care in a variety of simple, environmentally-friendly ways.

Practice meditation and natural healing – an eco-friendly guide to self-care

One of the best ways to relieve stress the natural way is to take up meditation. Meditation is a process that involves a variety of components, from intense concentration to deep breathing exercises. It’s a great method for releasing tension that builds up throughout a busy day. Meditating also gives you an opportunity to clear your head and find inner peace and quiet. In addition to being a great stress-reliever, meditating can even help decrease anxiety; improve sleep, and lengthen your attention span so you’re more alert on the days where you need to stay focused.

Natural healing is another remedy for stress-relief. Herbs shown to help treat chronic stress and promote relaxation include chamomile, passiflora (passion flowers), and hops. They can be used in the form of capsules, tablets, teas, and powders. Another natural method that can be added to your self-care routine is the use of essential oils and aromatherapy. Lavender is a lovely scent for soothing and balancing the body, while cedarwood stimulates a region in the brain to help release melatonin, which can help you sleep better. These methods great for your mind and body. Their all-natural properties make them green and the perfect addition to our eco-friendly guide to self-care.

Treat yourself with some (sustainable) retail therapy

How you feel in the clothes you wear can have an effect on the way you feel as a whole. If you’re looking to your wardrobe for that boost of confidence you desire, consider treating yourself to some much-needed retail therapy. Psychology Today presents a perfect article on why retail therapy works, and discusses how “dressing for success” can help you feel like you’re capable of taking on the world.

But if you’re looking to treat yourself and achieve the wardrobe you want without doing a number on the environment, see what’s trending in ethical fashion. Brands like Alternative Apparel and Thought Clothing create clothes made from organic, eco-friendly materials. A variety of other ethical fashion brands use recycled materials or sell up cycled clothing, like online thrift store thredUP. At thredUP, you’ll be able to track down your favorite brands in a sustainable, eco-friendly way. Searching for a stylish Madewell top? thredUP has you covered.

Use all-natural beauty products

Another fun way to show yourself some love in an eco-friendly way is to host your own vegan, cruelty-free spa session. Whether you invite friends over or decide to de-stress on your own, there are a variety of natural skin and beauty products you can use to help you unwind and achieve ultimate relaxation. Vegan face masks like the Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial exfoliates your skin with a mix of organic ingredients to help feel fresh and revitalized. Other all-natural beauty products you can find include facial cleansers and creams, body lotion, perfume, makeup, and more.

Exercise in the great outdoors

Practically any form of exercise can help you feel good, inside and out. However, there’s something about working out outside underneath the sunshine that just helps you feel that much better. Show your appreciation for nature while also showing yourself some love by getting outside and exploring the great outdoors. You could jog around your neighborhood, head to a local park to practice some yoga, or embark on a hike in the woods. While you’re out and about in nature, it also gives you an opportunity to do your part and clean up the environment. Bring along a bag on your walk, run, or hike to pick up trash and debris you find along the way. Not only are you practicing self-care, but you’re caring for the planet in return.

Enjoy a vegan cookout with friends

Surrounding yourself with the people you love and care about the most is a wonderful way to feel happier and more fulfilled in your own life. The next time you need a self-care day, plan a backyard cookout with your best friends and family members. Make the menu more eco-friendly by preparing and serving delicious vegetarian or vegan dishes, from homemade hummus to veggie burgers and more. While you chow down on some yummy (and eco-friendly) cuisine, acknowledge all of the people in your life who make it great.

You deserve to take some time for yourself every now and then. Whether you’re shopping your favorite sustainable brands or spending quality time with friends and family, there are so many different ways you can practice self-care in an environmentally-friendly way. What would you add to an eco-friendly guide to self-care?

Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.

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