8 Free Eco Friendly Self Care Ideas You Need to Add to Your Wellness Toolkit

To be honest, none of these tips are going to fix your life. 

They also won’t fix the planet. 

But they may chip off a bit of stress that you have built up while suffering from eco-anxiety or other challenging struggles. 

My main suggestion is that you create a “wellness toolkit” that you can keep stocked with ways to find equilibrium when life gets intense. They are small things you can do to feel better or distract yourself from the current stressor. My little imaginary toolkit has been SO helpful in my wellness journey and I hope it is for yours too.  

I tried to choose tips for this list that don’t negatively impact the earth (like retail therapy). And instead, choose tips that are kind to you and the earth. 

Take what seems helpful and leave the rest. Your wellness toolkit should be unique to you and your life. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. 

Let’s dive in! 

1. Immerse yourself in nature 

Go on a hike. Swim in the ocean. Float down a river. Wade through a puddle. Whatever works. Find a way to reset your nervous system by being in nature. 

This next statement is not based on scientific evidence (that I know of ha) but I do feel like nature carries a frequency that humans are meant to be tuned into. Our busy lives, over caffeinated systems and screen obsessed selves are on a whole other frequency. 

In order to reset to the natural frequency we innately have  we can  immerse ourselves in the outdoors and pick up the natural frequency. 

I hope I didn’t lose you on that hippy rant, basically, go outside, it will feel good. I promise. 

2. Curate your social media and check out new pages to inspire you 

We all know the dark depths of social media. BUT there is another side to it. Finding it starts with YOU!

Check in with how you feel following certain pages and simply unfollow them if you feel called to. I have noticed when I am following too many news accounts I can start to feel overwhelmed. I like following accounts that are positive, educational, and beautiful.

This is not to say be oblivious to what is going on in the world but be mindful of what you choose to consume on the daily. We get some control over what we are exposed to on a daily basis, especially in regards to social media, so why follow stuff that causes you harm? 

Shameless plug but if you haven’t followed the Sustain Life Journal page on Instagram you can find it at @sustainlifejournal or here 

3. Make a cup of tea and sit outside 

There really is something so soothing about a warm cup of tea and some fresh air.

It is hard to drink a hot cup of tea quickly. This practice forces you to take a break and carry on with the rest of your day at a slower pace and more mindfully. 

4. Picnic with friends or solo picnic outside 

Good food and the outdoors are the perfect combo.

If you are looking for some plant-based recipes check out the nourish tab! I am sure you will find something picnic worthy to bring along with you or share with friends. 

5. Window shop to get inspired 

Recently I stopped by a couple of local boutiques and I forgot how nice it is to look at a curated set of beautiful items! I went to a plant store, a flower shop and a vintage camera shop. I sipped on some hibiscus tea made in house and got inspired for an upcoming creative project (will share on the blog soon!).

Anyways, focusing on inspiration and creativity can minimize stress because you are able to control what you make! You get to design it, pour your heart into it and take action on your creation. 

6. Volunteer with an outdoor environmental group 

Beach clean ups. Community gardening.  Dog walking at a pet shelter.  Whatever interests you.

It feels good to help others because, well that is part of what we are here on earth to do.

Another benefit to volunteering is that you can meet new people that are interested in sustainability too! Although there are a lot of actions we can take as individuals to make the world a better place, we can do more with community support.

It can be a comforting reminder to serve with others that are concerned about the world just like you are. 

7. Outdoor meditation

If you struggle with meditation this tip could be for you!

Go to your favorite outdoor space and look around. That’s it. Don’t talk, tweet or scroll.

Stay focused on the waves crashing, trees rustling or clouds passing. When your attention starts to drift to ‘to do’ lists, refocus on whatever you are looking at. As many times as it takes, keep gently encouraging your mind to stay present with whatever natural scenery you are gazing at.

This practice has been around for THOUSANDS of years. I am not claiming anything new here. Just a friendly reminder to go outside and zone out for a bit.   

8. Watch a positive sustainability documentary

There is a time and place for educational and heart wrenching environmental documentaries but not when you’re looking for a pick me up.

There are so many great documentaries that show the natural beauty of the world. These documentaries showcase stories of people doing incredible things for the planet, animals, and other humans. Of course, there is A LOT of work to do in terms of the sustainability movement but this world truly is a beautiful place and it feels good to take a pause and admire it even if it is from the comfort of your own home. 

Hopefully, you got a little inspiration from this list! 

Now that you’ve made it to the end of the post, put away your computer or phone and do something nice for yourself! 

What is your favorite simple and free self care of choice? I would love for you to comment below to give myself and other readers some new ideas! 

Also, if you would like more posts like this be sure to sign up for the newsletter so posts are sent directly to your inbox and you don’t miss them! 

Stay well, 

Maggie