If you’re a regular reader here, chances are you’re very devoted to living a more eco-friendly life. Sometimes, that means giving things up or doing them the hard way, and that can get extremely overwhelming. I think it’s so important that we not only spend time and energy to help the planet but tuck away some of that for ourselves as well.
As someone who spends most of my day talking about, writing about, and thinking about our environmental impacts, I know that it can start to wear on you. Sure, we swapped out the lightbulbs in our house for CFLs, but it turns out LEDs are greener. Yes, we recycle and compost, but now that the weather’s getting colder and we’re running the heat, I’m feeling a little bit guilty about that. It’s easy to beat yourself up, and that’s just not a sustainable mindset.
So, why is caring for yourself good for the planet?
We all suffer from “green fatigue” sometimes. Striving to live a more eco-friendly life, like any conscious lifestyle change, takes a lot of energy. It’s important to take care of yourself, because you don’t want to burn yourself out. That means taking some time from thinking about what you should be doing and rewarding yourself for what you are doing.
Self care doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or have a huge environmental footprint. It can be as simple as whipping up a special meal to enjoy with your family, taking time for a walk in the woods, or going on a bike ride with friends. It’s less about stuff and more about unplugging and taking the time to recharge and reconnect with your friends, family, and community.
This is something that’s been on my mind a lot, especially lately, and I’d love to hear from you guys! Do you take time out for self care? Do you ever feel green fatigue setting in? How do you cope? Let’s share tips and support in the comments!
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Amanda M Hatfield