Lucy’s ethical self-care essentials for the season ahead
|
|
Time to read 3 min
As the seasons shift, so do we. Changes in temperature, light, routine, and pace can quietly affect everything from mood and energy to skin, sleep, and immune resilience. (Our whole household has already been hit with the classic ‘change of season’ head cold!) Seasonal transitions are a natural invitation to recalibrate our approach. Rather than pushing through, this can be a time to return to basics and bring in more of what feels both nourishing and aligned with our values.
Before adding anything new to the routine, it can help to home in on the ‘why’. Less of a shopping list, more of an enquiry: what do I need more of this season? Nourishment, grounding, vitality, rest? Then find some essentials that really speak to these needs, ensuring that whatever we do bring into our homes and habits really earns its place.
Here are a few ways that I’m supporting myself and my whānau for the coming season:
Immune wellbeing
Cooler weather, indoor gatherings, and back-to-school germs can put extra pressure on the immune system.
BioBalance’s Quercetin Immune is a household staple for us. We don’t reach for it as much over summer, but with the sudden temperature drop here in Mohua — plus the return of school-bug exposure — I’ve been grateful to have this on hand to support respiratory health and immune response for us all in the past few weeks.
Nutrient-dense nourishment & sustained energy
March often feels like a sudden upshift in gear, and the time for relaxed food prep just isn’t as available, so I find myself in need of easy ways to support sustained energy.
NMN has been the talk of the office lately, particularly among other busy mums my age, so I finally decided to give it a go. Despite battling a head cold, I’ve noticed a genuine lift in energy. My supplement shelf is already full, so any new addition has to earn its keep: so far Good Health NMN500 is shaping up as a strong contender for supporting vitality and healthy aging.
I’ve also been reaching for Lifestream’s Vegan Protein+ as an easy, sustaining option. Smoothies are convenient when racing between activities, but they don’t always sit well when digestion is under pressure. This simple pea-and-quinoa blend is clean-tasting, versatile (great in bliss balls too), easy to digest, and keeps me full for ages without feeling heavy.
Rest and wind-down rituals
The surge of activity with this seasonal transition is energising — but it can also be overstimulating. I’ve found myself refining my evening wind-down ritual to help bring a bit more calm and sounder sleep as we move into autumn.
Jeuneora’s Beauty Sleep Powder is a new favourite for evening rest and replenishment. The chocolate flavour is genuinely delicious, and the blend of pistachio extract and functional mushrooms — especially reishi — supports relaxation and sleep. It feels less like a supplement and more like a small self-care treat at the end of a full day.
Skin support for cooler weather
As temperatures drop, skin often becomes drier, tighter, and more sensitive. Switching to richer, more protective formulas can help maintain comfort and resilience.
I’ve recently discovered MooGoo’s Ultra-Hydrating Face Cream, and the timing couldn’t be better. It absorbs easily but feels deeply nourishing, and the fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin. It’s the kind of product that quietly does its job without overwhelming the senses — and it’s made me curious to explore more of the range.
For intensive dry-skin support, classics like Weleda Skin Food also come into their own at this time of year, offering rich, plant-based nourishment for hands, face, and anywhere that needs extra care.
Staying hydrated
As the weather cools, I’ve been making a conscious effort to up the exercise levels and avoid getting into a winter slump, so these new hydration salts by Two Islands have been a very timely addition. I also need a bit more encouragement to drain my water bottle at this time of year, and these tasty salts help with both the motivation and hydration factors. The blend of four essential electrolytes supports cellular fluid balance, energy, performance and recovery throughout the day.
A simple decision framework can help make sure each new addition aligns with your values. For example:
- Is it sustainably made? Local? B Corp?
Can the packaging be refilled, reused, or recycled? - Do I genuinely need it this season
- Will I use it consistently?
- Is there something else on the shelf I could use up first?
This kind of mini framework helps to side-step the self-care impulse buy!
Seasonal self-care isn’t necessarily about having more — it’s about working out what truly supports you right now, knowing that these needs change over time. By buying thoughtfully, using what we already have, and choosing brands committed to people and planet, we can meaningfully care for ourselves and others while contributing to a healthier world.
