Earth-care is an Essential Part of Your Self-care

When you take care of the earth, you’re actually taking care of yourself, too. We already know that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on your mental and physical health. Being in nature has been linked with decreased stress levels, improved mental clarity, increased creativity, and even boosted immunity. But, that’s only part of the equation. When you take care of the planet by choosing to reduce your plastic consumption, eat more natural food sources, use less paper or pick up litter on your water ways, or local hiking trails, you’re also doing something good for your own health. Let’s explore further how to involve earth-care as part of our self-care routines.

Following through on decisions to reduce greenhouse gasses and assist earth in whatever ways we can, to recover from decades of human disregard and exploitation is now on our minds, but how can we make it an easier part of our self-care routines, and keep up with all the other things we need to attend to?

One way to do this is, as your time permits, learning about and choosing eco-friendly products for your home, like natural cleaners or energy-efficient lightbulbs, or clothing that is more biodegradable, like cotton, wool and hemp. You can also make a point to support businesses that are environmentally responsible. When you buy from companies that are eco-conscious, you’re voting with your dollars to help make a positive change. Companies listen by their profits.

And when you’re out enjoying the outdoors, remember to leave no trace! This means packing out any trash you bring with you and being careful not to damage any plant or animal life. Not to mention, by reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve our planet, you'll be doing your part to ensure that future generations will also be able to enjoy all the benefits that come from living on a healthy planet.

Additionally, what we eat also becomes impactful in how we can help earth and ourselves. Eating more organic foods is one way you can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Each one of us, even with small actions as we can manage them, can make a difference!

I seek to spend as much time in nature as I can because it clears me, raises my energy and gives me so much peace. When I think of our earth, I think of earth as a magnificent intelligent entity.

As I write this blog, I can see how we are all becoming more aware of how animals communicate, how all living entities on our planet are cellularly intelligent – how trees, plants and other living life forms are continuously communicating with each other in various ways, within their own habitats, living in harmony, above and below ground, and within the depths of our oceans. We, as human beings, are part of an amazing, interrelated, interacting, multi-species earth realm – yet to be fully understood.

Putting it succinctly, caring for the planet isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for every one of us. By incorporating earth-care into your self-care routines, by being conscious that our planet is truly an intelligent life form that is responsive to our help, you can boost your mental and physical health while also doing something lovingly beneficial for our planet.

In closing, I want to acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of this planet, in their continuous spiritual connection and honouring of the earth over centuries. How beneficial it would be to have their voices heard in co-stewardship with other global leaders, to help optimally guide humanity to replenish and restore our planet to full recovery.

Earth-care is truly an essential part of your self-care!