4 simple habits for a natural lifestyle

4 simple habits for a natural lifestyle

There are lots of good reasons to embrace a natural lifestyle. For one, you damage the earth less and benefit your body more. Reduced stress and better health are a few other “pure life” perks you can also look forward to! But what does it mean to live a healthy, natural lifestyle? Do you have to sew your own clothes and eat only foods that grow in the dirt? Only if you want to! Living a natural lifestyle looks different for everyone, and it’s okay not to be perfect.

HOW TO LIVE A NATURAL LIFESTYLE

Natural living can be all-encompassing, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When it comes to developing sustainable habits, small steps over a long time make a big difference. Here are some of our favourite tips for going natural.

FORGET ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES

Synthetic scents don’t hold a candle to pure essential oils. When you see “fragrance” on a cosmetics label, it can include thousands of unidentified chemicals—not exactly something you want to put on your face! Icky, irritating ingredients like wax, propane, and isopropyl alcohol are also commonly found in commercial air fresheners and candles. So why settle for artificial ingredients when you can have the real deal? Essential oils are natural fragrance, and they’re potent too. All it takes is a few drops to transport yourself to a lush forest, fairytale land, or exotic new city.

DITCH AND SWITCH

Swapping candles and air fresheners for the fresh scents of nature is only the beginning. There’s a natural substitute for virtually everything you use around the house, from cleaning products to personal care products to makeup. You can even find natural deodorant and plant-based shampoo for your furry friend. YL tip: Watch out for greenwashing. Companies will add “green” or “natural” to their labels, but there is little regulation around using those marketing buzzwords. Always check the label before you buy.

DO IT YOURSELF

Looking for more ways to give harmful chemicals the boot? Why not dabble in DIY? You could make natural versions of the products you use on a regular basis. Then you’ll know exactly what’s in them and have the freedom to customise the scent as much as you like. You might even have a little fun while you’re at it! Another bonus? Making things yourself helps you control the amount of waste you create. Less garbage is always the green way to go. Here are some DIYs to get you started:

• DIY slime for aromatherapy with little ones

• DIY bath tea for a new way to up the ante on bathtime

• DIY leave-in conditioner to moisturise parched strands • DIY linen spray to infuse every couch, cushion, and curtain with divine smells

• DIY clarifying clay mask to bring out your glow

DON’T WORRY, BE HEALTHY

Living a healthy lifestyle is about more than the products you use. It means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. You can get rid of harsh chemicals in your cleaners and lotions, but eating right, exercising, and nourishing your soul complete the picture.

Feed your appetite: There’s nothing wrong with loving food—in fact, a healthy appetite is a gift! Fuel your body with real, healthy foods as much as you can to feel your best now and later. Think clean eating is bland and boring? Try these tips for spicing up your cooking with essential oils!

Quench your thirst: Proper hydration helps everything from your brain to your muscles function better. However, not all drinks hydrate equally. Plain water is the best pick, but coconut water, unsweetened fruit juice, and milk (regular or dairy free) are great options too. Struggle to get your 8–10 glasses? These ideas might help!

• Make hydration simple with the tips and mouthwatering recipes in this post.

• Mix up some summer mocktails and holiday mocktails for alcohol-free alternatives any time of year.

• Make a splash with some pretty ice cubes that dress up any drink.

Move your body: Take your fave pair of leggings or running shoes out for a whirl. Any exercise is good exercise, even if it’s a walk around the block. Want to get more out of your workout? Use essential oils in all your routines, from an at-home sweat sesh to the perfect yoga practice.

Nourish your mind and soul: What does self-care look like for you? Find what works for you and do it often. Some of our favourite ways to care for mind and spirit include:

• Meditation and mindfulness to train your brain to keep things in perspective

• DIY massage bar to treat yourself to a little comfort

• Nature retreat to unplug and recenter

• Trip to a new locale or favourite destination to mix things up (if travel is an option)