Sustainable Self-Care - 3 Cheap and Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself and the Planet

Looking after ourselves has always been an important part of life, but sustainable self-care is becoming increasingly necessary.

Fast-paced living, technology, and the need to constantly improve and push ourselves to succeed all take a toll on society. And, while this is happening across generations, ‘millennial burnout’ is becoming a serious problem for, well, millennials. I know I’ve been guilty of pushing myself to the point of illness more than once, purely because I felt that, if I didn’t, I’d be seen as lazy or worthless - super unhealthy!

Sustainable self-care isn't selfish.

In fact, it is a necessary part of life that benefits us in so many ways, like making that four-page long to-do list that much easier to tick off! Luckily, self-care is becoming more popular, with Instagram users, magazines, and blogs sharing great tips and tricks on various topics, like how to stop burnout. This is fantastic, however, not many discuss how self-care presents a great opportunity for taking care of the planet at the same time. If you can do things that don’t harm the environment – or even better, benefit it – not only are you contributing to your wellbeing, but the planet's too, which will ultimately make you feel even better!

I know sometimes it can be difficult to find things that contribute to self-care, let alone to the care of the planet. So, I’ve compiled a small, but hopefully helpful, list of three cheap and easy ways to look after yourself and the Earth. These are my favourite things to do when I’m feeling overly stressed or anxious, and I try to do at least one of them once a week if not more. Of course, some are more doable than others, depending on your mental and physical health. But they’re all easily adaptable for even those really bad days. Since doing these things, I’ve found myself able to handle stressful situations better, I’m sleeping better, and I feel great because I know I’m contributing to the planet's protection.

1. Ground yourself

This is probably my favourite thing to do to release all the stress and tension caused by daily life, and it’s so simple. Being in nature is one of the best things for clearing your mind, and the Earth has many health benefits. Most of you probably remember running barefoot as a child in a field or on a sandy beach, and the joyous, freeing feeling that came with it. However, as adults, opportunities to walk barefoot on the earth are few and far between. Still, it’s so important to take time out to ground yourself; our bodies are full of electricity-making atoms, and modern technology can unbalance that electrical energy. But connecting with the earth can return you to a stable, neutral state. (I’m no scientist, so if you want to read more about the science behind it, this journal article explains it really well!)

I’m lucky to have the Secret Garden in Wolverton on my doorstep, but most people should have a pocket of nature where they live, no matter how small. Do a little bit of research whenever you next have a spare moment and create a list of the places you’d like to explore, then, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just want a bit of quiet time, you know where to go to immerse yourself in nature and ground yourself. You can go for a walk – barefoot if possible, because it really is a lovely feeling - take a book or even a sketchbook if you’re feeling arty, smell some flowers, pick some berries (the safe ones!), and one of my absolute favourite things to do – hug a tree! No, I’m not joking; you’ll probably feel really silly the first time you do it (I did), but I can’t begin to explain how great it makes you feel - trust me! You can even pick up some litter along the way; you will feel amazing being in nature, breathing in the oxygen, and smelling the trees, and you'll know you’ve done your bit to help out too.

2. Go tech-free

Yeah, yeah, I know, I also had a ton of excuses before I tried it. But, putting down the phone and laptop for as little as an hour is so beneficial to yourself and the environment. I’m a self-proclaimed Instagram addict, and I must admit there was a long time when I would spend every spare second I had scrolling, checking out other people’s feeds, and constantly refreshing to see if I had any new likes or followers. Teaching myself to put the phone down and stay away for even a short period has meant my obsession has almost disappeared. Yes, I’m still on Instagram more than I probably should be, but it’s no longer unhealthy; I feel better in myself, my worth is no longer linked to online attention, and I now get much more done with my time.

Instead of checking your social media, playing games, or taking pictures of what you’re doing instead of actually doing it, you could spend some quality time with yourself or a loved one, read a book, meditate, do some puzzles, or simply focus on what you are doing through your own eyes, rather than through a phone camera. You’ll find that you will get much more done and become more connected with real life, as opposed to the one you live online.

Going tech-free for a portion of the day will benefit the environment, too. Research has stated that, by 2040, smartphones will have the biggest carbon footprint in the tech industry. By reducing the use of your phone, you can reduce the negative impact you are having on the environment – it’s a win-win! Not only that, but your phone will end up lasting longer, meaning you can go even longer between upgrades and your technological waste will decrease.

So, even if you don’t fancy it, try taking some time out to put your phone, laptop, iPad, or whatever else you use down. Even just 15 minutes a day will help you and the planet, and you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of this sustainable self-care.

3. Pick up a book

Now, I know this one isn’t for everyone, but it can be adaptable to mean different things. I love to read, so taking time out with a book in a calm, peaceful environment is one of my favourite sustainable self-care activities, leaving me feeling relaxed, rested, and ready to take on the rest of the day.

If you are like me and you love to read too, then why not head to a charity shop or independent bookstore and pick up a couple of books you like the look of, second-hand? You help the planet by reusing books and help other people by not buying from a big chain, meaning your money will either go to a good cause or support a family. Not to mention, second-hand books are usually cheaper, so you’re benefiting your pocket too! Once you’ve read them, you can take them back to a charity shop instead of letting them clutter up your bookshelf or prematurely throwing them away.

For those who aren't bookworms, picking up a book can mean any form of literature, from magazines to puzzles, or even children’s books if you just want to admire the beautiful illustrations. Whatever you fancy, as long as it’s something you can do to take your mind off your worries for a little while, it’s sustainable self-care! And these are all things you can also find second-hand, so you can still contribute to protecting the planet.

By the way, notebooks and sketchbooks also count, if writing or drawing is more your thing. Writing your thoughts down in a notebook or journal is a great way to clear your head, and drawing or sketching are both fantastic methods for getting those creative juices flowing – they might even encourage you to find more artistic ways to deal with whatever stresses life throws your way.

Whatever way suits you best, taking the time to read, draw, write, do puzzles, or anything else you can think of will help you clear your mind of worries and de-stress.

We should all embrace sustainable self-care, and a little really does go a long way. By making the conscious choice to take care of yourself sustainably, you can be happy knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of both yourself and the Earth.