For many of us, the festive season is a time of excess. From larger, celebratory meals, to an increase in alcohol consumption, to an abandonment of exercise regimes and healthy habits… December is usually followed by a string of New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to undo some of the indulgent December behaviour.
The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they don’t last. Most of us start the year with good intentions, but quickly break our own rules. Sometimes achieving a goal requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work, and that’s when many of us give up.
Instead of attempting significant lifestyle changes – with strict rules on how to get there – you may find it much easier to start implementing smaller, daily healthy habits that compound over time. Making time to rest, using more eco-conscious products in your daily life and taking care of your body are just a few small things that are easy to achieve and have long-term health and wellness benefits.
Building a sustainable, healthier lifestyle goes beyond food and exercise. Making holistic wellness choices helps build better habits and a healthier body. And yes – it’s possible to maintain these healthy habits in the long run by starting small:
Making greener cleaning choices at home
It’s become increasingly apparent in recent years that the cleaning products we use in our homes have a direct impact on our health and well-being. Many commercial cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that may be harmful to inhale, and there is a risk that pets and children may come into contact with them. If switching over to an eco-friendly cleaning cupboard seems daunting, why not start with one product at a time? The next time your dishwashing liquid runs out, try a natural one like Earthsap Dishwashing Liquid, a safe, biodegradable product that’s kind to the planet but tough on dirt. Earthsap has a comprehensive range of affordable, green cleaning products from All Purpose Cleaners, to Floor Cleaner and Fabric Softener, and everything in between.
Fragrance your home naturally – and reap the wellness benefits
Did you know that paraffin-based candles are now classified as carcinogenic? Think twice when scenting your home – you don’t want to breathe in potentially harmful ingredients, so it’s best to stick to natural home scents made from ingredients like soy, shea butter, beeswax and essential oils. SoyLites manufactures high-quality soy candles that are safe for your health (and the environment) and beautifully fragranced with natural essential oils. Their Classic Soy Votive Candles are perfect for creating ambience in any room of the home. If you have a ceramic burner, then the Soylites Soy Wax Melts are a great choice. Drop one into the hollow of your burner, place a tea light candle in the burner, light, and enjoy a beautifully fragranced space.
Make time for self-care
Self-care is not a cliché; in fact, it’s necessary to combat the various stressors we encounter in our day-to-day lives. Making the time to pamper your body in the bath or shower, maintain a daily skincare routine and care for your hair is not only physically good for your body, but it’s also good for your soul. It doesn’t have to be a long or complicated regime – just a few minutes makes all the difference.
Weekly exfoliation is the key to a smoother skin texture, increased radiance and fewer clogged pores and ingrown hairs. SKNLOGIC Exfoliate Enzymatic is an excellent option for all skin types. It combines natural and chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and refine the skin’s texture. Follow with SKNLOGIC Derma Repair Balm, packed with powerful natural ingredients such as prickly pear, jojoba, and shea butter, to deeply nourish and repair. Treat your skin to a pick-me-up throughout the day with one of SOiL Organic Skincare’s Facial Mists. Choose between Lavender, Rose Blossom, Rosemary and Rose Geranium. These organic mists refresh and hydrate the skin while uplifting the mind with the beautiful aromatherapy scents.
And while facial skincare is essential, don’t forget about your body. Take a few minutes each day to massage a nourishing lotion into your arms and legs. Not only does this treat dry skin, but it also helps soothe tired muscles. For a burst of hydration, try the new The Bodylab Science Urea Complex Hydrating Body Cream, with a deeply moisturising formula and a delicate cocoa butter scent. Powered by urea and glycerin, it restores hydration, softens dryness, and smooths rough areas for healthier-looking skin.
If you prefer an oil consistency, then SOiL Body Oil Blends are great – a qualified aromatherapist formulated the Toning Blended Oil to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by detoxifying, toning, and stimulating the skin. It also contains Juniper Berry, which helps clear lymphatic congestion.
Treat your feet
Our feet carry us all day, yet they are one of the most neglected parts of the body. Regularly exfoliating and moisturising your feet, as well as taking care of your nails, not only keeps them looking good in sandals, but it also helps increase circulation, keeping them healthy. Take some time every week to scrub your feet with Citrusway Exfoliating Sugar Foot Scrub. Formulated to help exfoliate, hydrate, soften, and smooth skin, it creates a relaxing experience by relieving tension and increasing blood circulation. After exfoliating, gently massage some Citrusway Foot Restoration Cream into your feet. It has antibacterial properties, making it a moisture-rich solution that helps soften dry, cracked heels and feet while rejuvenating the skin.
The plastic problem
From its detrimental effects on our health to its negative impact on our oceans and the environment, plastic is becoming a bigger concern by the day. Eliminating all plastic from your home is neither straightforward nor realistic. Still, you can start small by replacing plastic water bottles with glass or aluminium bottles, using a bamboo toothbrush, and switching to clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and linen. But what about baby? Many baby products are made from traditional plastics that end up in landfills, leaving parents few options for a more sustainable choice.
Vital Baby recently launched a ground-breaking new range of baby products, called EarthSmart. They use revolutionary technology that allows plastic to biodegrade in landfills – something unheard of until now. Currently available from Woolworths, the range comprises the NURTURE Easy Latch Starter Set, HYDRATE Sippy Straw Cup and Free Flow Cup, as well as a range of cutlery and bowls for weaning and toddler feeding. What’s more, these new products have been extensively tested and confirmed to be safe for babies, so not only are they better for the planet, but they also don’t pose any risks to babies’ health!
When it comes to building better habits and leading a healthier lifestyle, it always pays to start with small, intentional choices. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by making one positive change at a time and enjoying the long-term benefits of a more balanced lifestyle.
