The Power of Sustainable Self-Care
I’ll never forget the morning when I first wrote my own self-care list. It was during one of the darkest periods of my life – my marriage had ended, my health was failing, and I was spiraling into a pit of despair and anxiety. As I lay on the floor, scared about the future, a line from Mary Oliver’s poem “The Uses of Sorrow” popped into my mind: “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”
In that moment, I realized that this “box of darkness” I was facing could actually be a blessing in disguise. It was my reckoning to choose – to either give in to the darkness or to find the light within it. I knew that change was one of the only certainties in life, and I was determined to use this challenge as an opportunity to get better, not bitter.
So, I started writing. I poured my heart onto the page, outlining all the things I knew I needed to do to take care of myself – from daily habits like exercise and meditation, to bigger commitments like setting boundaries and finding a supportive community. It wasn’t easy, and I definitely didn’t get it right the first time. But through trial and error, I eventually developed a sustainable self-care rhythm that has not only helped me survive, but thrive.
Defining Self-Care
Self-care is often misunderstood as something indulgent or selfish. But at its core, it’s about actively taking responsibility for our own mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. It’s about increasing our resilience, improving our self-esteem, and building the stamina to show up fully for ourselves and others.
The reality is, authentic self-care is hard work. It’s not about pampering ourselves with luxuries or quick fixes. It’s about making tough choices, setting boundaries, and developing healthy habits that may not always feel good in the moment, but pay dividends in the long run.
As I discovered, self-care is also not a solo endeavor. It requires the support of a community – friends, family, and even strangers who can hold us accountable and help us remove the obstacles in our path. It’s about weaving a safety net of care that ensures we can all obtain what we need, ask for help without guilt, and lift each other up.
Sustainable Self-Care Practices
When it comes to self-care, the options are truly endless. But to make it sustainable, I’ve found it’s best to focus on small, incremental changes that can be easily integrated into your daily life. Here are some of my favorite sustainable self-care practices:
1. Start Your Day with a Mindful Ritual
Nothing puts me in a better headspace to tackle the day than a warm cup of tea or coffee, enjoyed in mindful silence. I use this time to check in with myself, set my intentions, and prepare for whatever lies ahead.
As I mentioned, loose-leaf tea is a great sustainable option, as it avoids the plastic waste of tea bags. And if you’re a coffee drinker, there are plenty of ways to make your morning brew more eco-friendly.
2. Engage in Mindful Movement
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a good old-fashioned dance party, getting your body moving is a fantastic way to boost your mood and energy levels. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or a gym membership to do it.
I’m a big fan of the Downdog app for quick, customizable yoga and HIIT workouts. But you can also find tons of free workout videos on YouTube or even just put on your favorite tunes and let your body groove.
3. Unplug and Unwind
In our constantly connected world, it’s so important to create intentional moments of digital detox. For me, that might look like putting my phone in another room while I read a book, taking a tech-free walk, or even just setting a timer to limit my social media scrolling.
When it’s time to really decompress, a relaxing bath with homemade bath salts is one of my go-to sustainable self-care rituals. It’s a great way to unwind both physically and mentally.
4. Connect with Nature
There’s just something about being in nature that instantly calms my mind and nourishes my soul. Whether it’s a stroll through the park, a hike in the woods, or even just tending to my little indoor garden, these moments of connection with the natural world are essential for my wellbeing.
And don’t forget, your furry friends can be great motivators to get outside – Nala, my pup, is always eager to join me on my outdoor adventures!
5. Foster Community and Connection
As I mentioned earlier, self-care isn’t something we can (or should) do alone. Building a supportive network of friends, family, and like-minded individuals has been crucial for my own journey.
Whether it’s scheduling regular video calls with loved ones, joining a local group or club, or simply reaching out to a friend in need, these moments of connection and mutual care are what truly nourish us on a deep level.
Sustainability and Self-Care: A Symbiotic Relationship
As I dove deeper into my self-care practice, I realized that it wasn’t just about taking care of myself – it was also about taking care of the planet. After all, how can I truly be at my best if the world around me is in crisis?
That’s why I’ve made sustainability a central pillar of my self-care routine. From choosing eco-friendly building materials for my home renovation projects to supporting local, sustainable businesses, every choice I make is guided by a desire to tread more lightly on the Earth.
And it’s not just about the big things, either. The small, daily habits I’ve incorporated – like using reusable bags, reducing food waste, and avoiding single-use plastics – all contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. They’re simple actions that make me feel good, both physically and emotionally.
But it’s not just about what I’m doing as an individual. I’ve also made it a priority to support and amplify the voices of organizations and movements working towards a more sustainable future. Organizations like the Global Self-Care Federation, which has launched an Environmental Sustainability Charter, are paving the way for real, systemic change.
The Ripple Effect of Sustainable Self-Care
When I look back on my journey, I realize that consistently showing up for myself has been the foundation for everything else. By making self-care a priority, I’ve not only improved my own wellbeing, but I’ve also been able to show up more fully for my community, my family, and the planet as a whole.
It’s a ripple effect that I’ve witnessed firsthand. When I was struggling, it was my community of care that stepped in to support me – helping me remove obstacles, holding me accountable, and reminding me that I was not alone. And now, I’m able to pay that forward, supporting others in their own self-care journeys.
Sustainable self-care is, quite simply, one of the most powerful tools we have to create positive change in the world. By taking care of ourselves, we become more resilient, more compassionate, and more equipped to tackle the challenges we face as individuals and as a society.
So, I encourage you to embrace sustainable self-care, not just for your own wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of our collective home – this beautiful, fragile planet we all share. It’s a journey, to be sure, but one that is well worth the effort.
