Sustainable, Zero Waste Self Care Routine

We’re all so busy these days…

After enjoying the slower pace of life in 2020 and 2021, we promised to take what we learned into the future.

But here we are, rushing about, double booking, burning the candle at both ends. Before you know it your diary is full to bursting and you can’t remember the last time you just took a moment…a moment for you.

This is me.

I work a full time job in part time hours, two little ones, a dog to walk, trying to get fit, remember to drink water, keeping in touch with friends, not to mention finding time to watch the new season of Ozark…

Sometimes I just need to slow down.

Take a breath. 

I love a self care routine, and over the years I’ve been perfecting it.

Before plastic was basically a swear word I’d have done something like a packet face mask, or drowned in a bottle of bubble bath.

But now I want to slow down, sustainably. 

Here’s my five sustainable step, zero waste self care routine

1. Meditate

Meditation is an important part of my zero waste self-care routine. I prefer movement meditation. It is a great way to get some fresh air, stretch, and have some space – mostly outside in my case. 

You could of course sit back and enjoy guided meditation, or pop your shoes on and take a slow walk to nowhere, thinking about each step you take. 

2. Practice Gratitude 

Writing down everything you have been grateful for that day is a great way make you feel positive. Sometimes you might have the smallest things in your diary, like a really great cup of coffee, or a conversation with a friend. Other times it might be the big stuff but each positive action counts.

3. Have a Shower

Baths might be more your thing, but I much prefer a shower. If you do prefer a bath know that you can use the water afterwards for your plants!

In the shower, I’ll be using my shower gel bar, soap bar, and compostable loofa. 

How do you have showers, hot or cold? I’m team hot, all the way!

4. Make a Tea

I feel like tea is the solution to everything. Shock, sadness, celebration, relaxation.

Part of my sustainable zero waste self care routine always involves a cup of tea. It might be a classic English Breakfast, or a tasty herbal option like Oh My Flo if it is the evening. 

5. Read 

I always put my phone and any technology away when I am practising self-care. It is too easy to be taken away from the peace and caught back up in work, Whatsapp groups, checking Instagram or any form of social media.

Here are a few books that I recommend:

• The Comfort Book by Matt Haig – This is one you can dip in and out of
• Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
• It ends with us by Collen Hoover

Depending on the time, I might go to bed, or get started with the rest of my day. 

Having taken the time to look after myself always makes me feel better. I also believe it makes me a better friend, wife, and mum. Having a routine like this has really helped my mental health, and has given me some time just to reflect, also to just enjoy my own company.

Never feel guilty for having some time to yourself.

You can’t fill from an empty cup! So give some of these a try, let us know how you feel after!