When we talk about traditional self-care, it often refers to conventional and consumeristic practices. People are told that purchasing commercial products can make us feel and look better. But if you’re someone who wants to start an intentional and low waste lifestyle, incorporating sustainability into your self-care is worth considering.

Sustainable self-care focuses on caring for your environment. This means your body, your living space, or even your neighborhood. Others may call it environmental self-care or zero waste self-care. Whatever you want to call it, the important thing is to engage in sustainable tactics that hit the major areas of your life. These include physical, emotional, psychological, social, spiritual, financial, environmental, and professional. In this guide, we’ll give you the easy sustainable self-care practices to get you started in creating a new and healthier routine.

Enjoy your hot drink

For many busy working individuals, grabbing a hot drink seems too easy with tons of cafés or coffee shops out there. But if you’re aiming for a more therapeutic time, you need to slow down and enjoy your hot drink, may it be tea or coffee. This simple habit gives your body and mind the space and time they need to work again. For a more sustainable ritual, you can take advantage of organic tea infusions available in the market today. You can also get reusable tea bags, and bamboo weaved spoons, infusers, and tongs for a zero-waste practice. They might be more expensive than disposable tea sets but can save you more in the long run.

Use eco-friendly products

There are millions of beauty and self-care products these days that contain ingredients harmful to our health and the environment. Buying organic self-care products is not necessarily a new trend, but many are still ignoring its importance. For instance, some body lotions contain paraben, which are chemicals that are bad for human health and can cause ecological harm. Instead, opt for body lotions that use environmentally-friendly ingredients and are paraben-free.

Checking the products’ labels is a good habit to ensure you’re spending money on certified safe and sustainable products. Apart from that, there are also facial masks and other beauty products made of biodegradable products and ship with sustainable packaging. Many of the packing options are recyclable and reusable, helping reduce waste and protect the planet. Or, at least try to avoid buying products in multi-packs.

Light a candle

If you’re not yet using natural candles for your meditation or relaxation times, this is the time to switch. Lighting up natural candles is better in many ways. For one, they tend to burn longer as most natural waxes have lower melting points. In short, you’ll be getting more for your money. Besides that, you are not risking yourself to harmful chemicals that traditional paraffin wax has. These include carcinogens, toxins, and other air pollutants.

With natural candles, their wicks are made from better and safer options such as wood, hemp, and cotton. They are also made of organic waxes such as beeswax and soy wax. With that, they burn cleaner and won’t produce black soot. Most of them even come with reusable candle containers.

Go Forest Bathing

Another self-care practice you can try is forest bathing. This Japanese practice is proven to help minimize the production of stress production, accelerate a person’s ability to recover from illness and lower blood pressure and heart rate. In terms of mental wellness, forest bathing can lead to freer creativity, better focus, and improved mood. These positive effects can motivate a person to stay happy and overcome negative emotions. The best part is, this self-care practice doesn’t require you to consume anything. Instead, all you need to do is enjoy your walking routine, breathe in fresh air, and appreciate the nature around you.

Make art using scrap

Meaningful activities like making art are cannot just improve your skills or talent. It’s also a healthful self-care practice that can improve your mood, concentration, and creativity. But instead of buying new art materials, why not recycle and reuse what you already have? If you’re into painting, writing, or scrapbooking, using recycled pads or paper scraps is best. Many sustainable businesses sell such products, or better yet, you can create your own. If you love crafting sculptures, figures, or furniture pieces, using scrap metal can make your projects more unique. Visit a local junkyard and check if they have scrap metals that you can use.

By following these sustainable self-care practices, you can focus on body-positive fitness and mindset in a healthier and more eco-friendly way. No guilt over using products or practices that could harm the environment. Plus, you get to acquire a handful of health benefits to reduce stress and improve self-worth.