As Australians, we love the great outdoors. So being told to stay indoors except to go shopping or to the doctors or if you are an essential worker, to work, seems so strange. Our lifestyles have changed so much, making it very uncertain times for us all. Being indoors is causing many of us stress but there are ways to combat this and amazingly you will improve your eco-friendly stance.
Keep up your morning routine. Have a shower, brush your teeth (with your bamboo toothbrush and organic toothpaste, of course), put on clothes and make your bed. This will give you a feeling of normality.
Avoid looking at social media or the news first thing in the morning. Seeing the latest news can often be depressing and for many people, social media can cause anxiety as you compare yourself with all those perfect images of others and their perfect, pulled together lives in these strange times. It is best to limit the time you spend on these platforms.
Cook up a storm. A great way to reduce stress. Not only does it keep you busy, but you end up with something great to look forward to once you are finished. Not only is it healthy for you and your family, but you will make better choices with the ingredients you use. You can choose fresh, local ingredients, in season and even consider using a more plant-based diet.
Avoid food waste. Believe it not this can reduce stress. You are now cooking more at home you will be able to avoid food waste by planning your meals and only using what you need. It means less shopping trips and less stress and trying to figure out what to cook each day.
Look at creating an eco-friendly wardrobe. Why will this help you to reduce stress? Well, by minimising the number of clothes you use means your decision making is reduced, causing you less tension in the morning. Also, you will know you are doing good for the planet. Decide what clothes you will continue to use on a regular basis – good quality, long-lasting items, while with everything else you will have to find a good home for them? If not, then give them to an opt shop. And no more online shopping!
Get a hobby or project. Time to get Crafty. Having a pastime is very therapeutic, as you become absorbed in learning something new without being forced. You will naturally enjoy doing getting involved in a hobby. You can even learn about new ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
Grow an edible garden. Whether you have a big backyard or just an apartment balcony, it is possible to grow a garden. From pots to a veggie patch to large plots, vegetables and fruit can be grown. Supplying you with something to do and supplying you with food. Don’t you can just grow plants for their beauty (flowers) and interest (cacti).
Do something for your mental health, like breathing exercise or mediation. This is a great way to slow down and relax, particular if you are feeling very anxious. There is no excuse of not knowing what to do when there are so many apps and websites out there dedicated to all manner of meditation. Another way to stay sane is to catch up with friends and family over zoom or skype. All this social distancing is making some people feel very lonely. So why not get a Virtual Party going.
Don’t forget to exercise, although I think many of you are doing this already, judging from all the new people I am seeing on my daily walks with our golden retriever. Take a walk, a run or cycle or exercise at home. I love my daily pilates, watching Casey Ho of Blogilates fame on Youtube.
We hope this makes your isolation or quarantine a little bit easier to bear. We all have to keep in mind it is for the health and wellbeing of everyone and it will not last forever, but we can make the most of it while we are in it.
Look after yourselves,
Attracta & the earthly passion team