As much as I love the occasional adventure, I also find real joy in keeping things local and making the most of what’s around me. There's no doubt that this slower, more mindful way of living leaves a lighter footprint – on the planet and on my wellbeing. Paying attention to what’s right here helps me use resources more consciously and feel connected to the present moment. It’s a gentle approach to sustainable living that works for me.
Here are a few ways I embrace what’s on hand and freely available. Wherever you find yourself this season, I hope you’ll find something here to inspire or adapt to your own low-waste lifestyle rhythm.
Barefoot grounding – a daily reset
I’m no expert in grounding (or “earthing”), but I know it feels great to walk barefoot on the sand or grass, and I try to do it most days – even in winter. I’ve shared the idea with the kids, who of course take to it naturally, and they’re great at reminding me when I’m tempted to leave my sneakers on in the cold or wet. Even 20 minutes running around on damp sand seems to shift our energy – and the dog’s – in the best way. It’s a simple part of our natural wellness routine that helps us reset.
Morning rituals – tea, space, reflection
Whenever I can, I carve out some quiet time early in the day – for walking, journaling, or simply checking in with myself. It doesn’t happen every morning, but I notice the difference when I find even ten minutes to sit quietly with a cup of tea or step outside under the dawn sky. Lately, I’ve been loving Misty Day Plant Potions Dandy as my gentle morning companion – grounding, nourishing, and caffeine-free. It’s become a small but steady part of my mindful morning routine.
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Evening wind-down – books and magnesium
One positive about the shorter winter days is the excuse to head to bed earlier and read more. Friends are keeping me well-stocked with good books (I’ve just finished Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo – highly recommend), and when things are muddy outside, it’s a treat to get lost in another world for a while.
The new BioBalance Magnesium Glycinate has become a staple in my evening routine – I take one half an hour before bed and, after a few pages, I’m out like a light. I’ve even started giving it to my daughter, who’s still adjusting to high school and finding it hard to wind down. It’s been a game-changer for her too – part of a calming bedtime wellness routine that works for the both of us.
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Lifelong learning – in small doses
Through the winter, I like to bring a little intentional learning into the mix to keep things fresh. I’ve been chipping away at Duolingo (¡hola, Spanish!) and slowly making progress. There are so many great online courses out there – I usually have one or two on the go, just at my own pace. No pressure, just inspiration. Finding time for even a small dose of learning has an uplifting effect that goes well beyond the content, nurturing parts of myself that support the rest of life, too.
Lifting the indoor atmosphere
With so much more time spent indoors in winter, I like to give a little extra love to the spaces we’re in. The winter sweet has just started blooming, so I’ve been bringing bunches of it inside, and I open the windows whenever the sun comes out to keep the air moving.
I’m a big fan of homemade room sprays and have a collection of glass bottles and Absolute Essential oil blends to mix and match depending on our moods or needs. We’ve also been loving the Koala Eco Pink Grapefruit & Peppermint Room Spray – it’s fresh, uplifting, and perfect for keeping the kids’ rooms clear and calm through the night. It’s an easy way to support a low-tox lifestyle while indoors.
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