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Slow Down and Show Yourself Some Love: Sustainable Self-Care Practices

Writer's picture: sunnyjarecohubsunnyjarecohub

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of news, the relentless pace of city life, and our growing disconnection from nature and each other. This whirlwind can leave us feeling stressed, anxious and drained. During the colder darker months, many of us are likely to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes. Symptoms can include low mood, increased sleep, and social withdrawal. Engaging in self-care practices can be particularly beneficial in managing these symptoms, and taking a moment to slow down and show ourselves some love through simple self-care practices can make a world of difference. Sustainable self-care habits allow us to nurture ourselves while minimising our ecological footprint.


Here are some of our team's favourite sustainable Self-Care Practices


  1. Create Natural Skincare Products

    Crafting your own skincare items using natural ingredients reduces exposure to chemicals and minimises waste.

    • Simple Foot Soak Recipe

      Ingredients:

      • 1/4 cup sea salts or Epsom salts

      • 1/4 cup oats

      • 5 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus)

      • Warm water

      Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes, allowing the warm water and soothing scents to relax you.

    • Exfoliating Scrub: Combine coffee grounds with coconut oil for a gentle exfoliant.

      Check our coffee scrub recipe.

    • Hand and body salve: Melt beeswax with shea butter and coconut oil and add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a soothing balm. Check our moisturising balm recipe.


    • We love combining these 3 products for a relaxing home foot spa, start by soaking your feet, gently scrub before patting dry and moisturising.



  2. Practice Self-Massage

    Regular self-massage can alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation. Techniques such as gentle neck and shoulder massages can be effective and relaxing. Gently warm up some sunflower or olive oil in a pot before transferring to a jar and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils for a warm oil massage.

    Neck and Shoulders:

    • Place your right hand on your left shoulder.

    • Gently squeeze the muscle while slowly rolling your shoulder backward and forward.

    • Repeat on the opposite side.

      Lower Back:

    • Place a tennis ball between your lower back and a wall.

    • Lean into the ball, applying gentle pressure.

    • Move your body slowly to massage the area.

      Feet:

    • While seated, place a tennis ball under your foot.

    • Roll the ball under your foot, applying pressure to tender spots.

    • Switch to the other foot and repeat.

    Check this video to learn simple and effective self-massage techniques.


  3. Incorporate Aromatherapy


    DIY oil burner
    DIY oil burner

    Using essential oils can enhance mood and promote relaxation. Diffusing oils like lavender or citrus can uplift spirits and reduce stress.

    Smell directly from the opened bottle several times a day, taking deep breathes or use a diffuser to release the aroma in the room.

    Instead of purchasing a new oil burner, consider upcycling materials you already have at home. For instance, you can transform a tin can into a functional and stylish essential oils burner. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your relaxation space. Check our oil burner DIY here.


  4. Spend time with nature



    Embracing nature, whether through outdoor activities or indoor projects, individuals can foster a deeper connection with the environment and promote overall well-being.

    Incorporating natural elements into daily life, such as caring for your indoor plants or creating a DIY jar terrarium, can further enhance these benefits. This simple activity not only brings a touch of greenery into your home but also serves as a mindful practice that encourages relaxation and creativity.


    DIY Jar Terrarium: Step-by-Step Guide

    Materials Needed:

    • A clear glass jar with a lid (e.g., mason jar)

    • Small pebbles or gravel

    • Activated charcoal (optional)

    • Potting soil

    • Assorted small plants (e.g., moss, ferns, succulents)

    • Decorative elements (e.g., small stones, figurines)

    • Spray bottle with water

    Instructions:

    Prepare the Jar: Clean and dry the glass jar thoroughly.

    Add Drainage Layer: Place a 1-2 cm layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom to facilitate drainage.

    Add Charcoal (Optional): Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent odors and mold growth.

    Add Soil: Pour a 3-5 cm layer of potting soil over the charcoal.

    Plant Selection: Choose plants that thrive in humid environments such as mosses, spider plants, ivy, ferns- ask your friends or neighbours for cuttings.

    Planting: Create small holes in the soil, place the plants, and gently firm the soil around them.

    Decorate: Add decorative elements like small stones.

    Watering: Lightly mist the plants with water.

    Seal and Place: Close the jar with its lid and place it in a location with indirect sunlight. Check on it now and then and add a bit of water if needed.



  5. Go to bed happy!

    From journalling to reading a book, drinking a soothing herbal tea or giving yourself a massage, fostering a kinder bedtime routine can have a massive effect on your sleep quality and your overall energy level, positively impacting your well-being.


By integrating these sustainable self-care practices into your routine, you can enhance your well-being while being mindful of the environment. Remember, small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements in both personal health and environmental sustainability.


How are you showing yourself love?



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Mark Wood
Mark Wood
3 days ago

bkjbh

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