YOU HAVE GOT TO NOURISH TO FLOURISH

FIVE SUSTAINABLE SELF CARE SWAPS:

Self-care is important. Don't we hear that everywhere now? That's because it is and it's the first thing we neglect if we are busy.

If we don’t take care of ourselves, we risk running into problems that include burnout, fatigue, anxiety and depression. We need to sustain balance in our lives to maintain strength, resilience and focus. Safety briefings on planes always tell you to secure your own face mask before assisting others, a message that rings throughout our lives. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re no good to anyone. So it’s time to shun any feelings of guilt and start embracing self worth with a renewed enthusiasm. Give yourself permission to be kind to yourself.

1. Disconnect

While this might sound like pointing out the obvious, we are all guilty of handing over too much of our time to our screens. The bright screen of our phones can disrupt our circadian rhythm (the pattern of daylight and nightfall that tells our bodies when to rest). So scrolling through Instagram just before bed is likely to affect the quality of your sleep as well as the duration. Try putting a screen time curfew in your house, and leaving your phone to charge downstairs, instead of next to your bed.

2. Skin kind

One of the best ways to protect your skin and the planet is to make the move to reusable make up wipes. Rather than using wet wipes (which are woven with plastic) start using gentle cotton pads that can be washed and reused again and again. Not only does it save you money in the long run, but you will also be taking a kinder, gentler approach to your skin and the planet.

 3. Eat well

Diet can have a profound impact on how we physically feel, but also our level of energy. We all know that sugary drinks and food deliver a spike, followed by a crash, so it can be a good idea for longevity and sustained energy to look into the kind of foods that work for you. Try reaching for fresh fruit over a bag of crisps, or pepped-up hummus over a cheesy dip. You may very well find your energy levels, and physical comfort start to improve. Choose organic wherever you can.

4. Sustainable soak

Choose essential oils over bubble bath. Slipping into a warm bath with a good book is a simple daily escape we can all indulge in. Switching out a foaming bubble bath for essential oils or natural bath salts, soaks, crumbles and bombs can be a revelation. Not only do essential oils have varying therapeutic properties, helping us to relax better, bath salts and oils can also deliver natural benefits to our skin and muscles. Ditch plastic bottles with chemical laden, SLS loaded bubble bath, and elevate your bath with nature.

5. Meditate not vegetate

Who doesn’t love a Netflix binge?! While delving into the latest series is a great way to unwind in the evening, many of us might benefit from cutting back a little. Watching half an hour less in the evenings liberates enough time to enjoy contemplative activities and let your mind truly rest. Whether that’s drawing or painting, reading, practicing yoga or meditating, we all benefit from switching our brains off from time to time. Headspace offers short, guided meditations, while Sam Harris’ The Waking Up App also offers simple meditations from 10-30 minutes in length.