Does the idea of practicing self-care instantly make you feel guilty? Like you’re being selfish or self-indulgent? Well, it’s time to rethink things! Self-care is important for your physical and mental well-being. So much so that there’s an entire day dedicated to it: International Self Care Day on July 24.
Self-care can help you be a better, healthier person for those you care for. It’s also a lot harder to do your job, to cope with daily stressors like technology, family, and loneliness, and to accomplish your personal goals if you’re not giving yourself some attention.
If it makes you feel better, self-care doesn’t have to be extreme. It’s not necessarily a full spa day (although, who doesn’t love a spa day?!). It can be simply taking a little time to sit quietly with a cup of tea, go for a walk, journal, or do anything else that feels nourishing and helps you stay physically and mentally healthy. And it doesn’t have to be a drastic change from your norm. Start by incorporating one act of self-care into your daily or weekly routine and see how it goes. Note the benefits and make tweaks, then add another act of self-care.
To get you started, here are 10 simple non toxic swaps that count as self care:
- Swap out a toxic product in your home for a non toxic one. We have SO many suggestions, from household cleaners to daily hygiene, skin care, and baby care products, and more! Any switch to non toxic is a positive one. Once a non toxic product becomes part of your routine, try another.
- Eliminate processed foods from your diet and opt for whole foods. Pledge to choose one healthy snack (nuts, fruits, vegetables, etc.) each day over something like chips or ice cream. It makes a difference.
- Instead of staying up till all hours of the night, stick to a regular sleep schedule. If needed, set an alarm to remind yourself when to begin your bedtime routine. Try diffusing calming essential oils or massaging sleepy body oil into your skin to help you relax.
- Turn off the television and pick up a book, start journaling, or try some other new hobby.
- Ditch your tired exercise routine and try something new. Not exercising? Start! Take it slow by incorporating a daily stroll around the neighborhood and choosing a parking spot at the far end of the lot so you can get your steps in. Grab some comfort oil to help ease any achy muscles that result from your new routine.
- Wash off the day every day, not just when you feel like it. Even when you go makeup free or wear only non toxic makeup, your skin picks up environmental pollutants throughout the day that should be washed away with a non toxic cleanser before bedtime to help you achieve a fresh, clear, radiant complexion.
- Trade your traditional deodorant for a non toxic one. This is SUCH an important act of self-care! So many deodorants contain toxins, like aluminum and fragrance, that are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Just this one non toxic swap can make a significant difference in your long-term health.
- Turn off the air conditioner and open your windows. Although effective for cooling down your home, air conditioners can be hazardous to your health and the environment, as they emit harmful chemicals into the air and use a lot of energy. Whenever possible, opt for open windows for a breath of fresh air.
- Say goodbye guilt, hello spa day! Treat yourself to an at-home spa day complete with non toxic foot therapy soak and cream, sugar body scrub and body butter, purifying charcoal mask, supergreens scalp treatment, and therapeutic massage (might need some help with this last one).
- Skip the stress and give in to easy routines. Running late or just can’t manage washing your hair one day? Use dry shampoo to clean hair and absorb excess oil and odors. Is your home getting stinky when a friend says they’re going to stop by in a few? Spritz some master blaster around your home to deodorize and freshen up a stale living area.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Ask your Pure Haven Consultant how they practice self-care and for non toxic suggestions that you can incorporate into your personal routines.