SELF CARE IDEAS THAT DON’T HARM THE PLANET

The self care ideas marketing to us often include single-use face masks, lighting countless candles that include harsh chemicals or doing a 40-step skincare routine. Tiktok will have you believe to participate in self-care you must go out and purchase the whole of the bath bomb aisle. But true self-care doesn’t need to be about overconsumption. 

Sometimes self care is as simple as saying “no” when you are overwhelmed, taking that difficult trip to the doctor, or cuddling your kids for an extra five minutes in the morning.

At the core of it, it’s about staying mindful of what our minds, bodies and souls are craving.

Environmentally Friendly Self Care 

Have you ever wondered how you can take care of yourself while taking care of the planet? Environmentally friendly self-care is possible, and we have all the inspiration you need right here! 

Sustainable Self-Care Ideas for Mental Health 

Mental/Emotional

• Book a “Mental Health Day” off work where you spend the day exclusively doing things that bring you joy

• Organise a staycation in the UK

• Hug a pet, partner or family member

• Turn down an invitation to something you don’t want to attend

• Try light therapy for SAD 

• Book a therapy appointment 

• Try “stream of consciousness” journaling where you write down everything that comes into your head for ten minutes

• Check-in on a friend and tell them you appreciate them

• Blast your favourite feel-good songs and have a dance 

• Unplug from technology for a whole day (or at least a few hours!)

• Listen to a motivational podcast

• Try a hobby you loved as a child but haven’t revisited in a while

• Read our blog on coping with climate anxiety 

• Make your own DIY essential oil diffuser 

• Read a novel for escapism

Physical:

• Take a walk in nature

• Sleep in for an extra half an hour on the weekend

• Make the doctor's appointment you have been avoiding

• Try some gentle yoga or Pilates

• Get your blood pumping with a run or high-intensity workout  

• Deep clean your whole space with non-toxic refillable cleaning products 

• Take a warm bath with a few drops of your favourite essential oils 

• Swap one of your daily coffees for water or a low-waste smoothie (your gut health will thank you later)⁠

• Set a reminder on your phone to take your vitamins and medication at the same time each day  

• Donate clothes that don’t fit you to charity

• Make an antioxidant low-waste face mask by mixing together turmeric and honey 

• Get gardening

Spiritual: 

• Meditate

• Pray, if you are religious 

• Connect with your community by joining a local group, such as a book club, painting class or running group

• Listen to a spiritual podcast - our favourite is Saturn Returns by Caggie Dunlop 

• Write a gratitude list, with the top 5 things you are grateful for in your life 

Will you try Zero Waste Self Care? 

Well, there you have it! Our list zero-waste self-care ideas for mental health.  I hope you manage to find some time in your busy day to try one of these out. Make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter for more earth-friendly tips and uplifting content. Here’s to taking care of ourselves and the planet!