When we hear the term ‘sustainable living’ it’s usually associated with environmental issues such as minimising waste and recycling, however what is often overlooked is that truely living sustainably also involves taking care of others and making time to show kindness to ourselves.
The following article was originally published on the Kind Face website and includes simple ways to care for yourself, others, and our planet. Have a read through to find some inspirational ideas that resonate with you.
100 Ways To Be Kind: A Comprehensive List To Sustainable Living In New Zealand
We all get caught up in the daily grind of life. It’s not always easy to remember to be kind. To be kind to others, our natural environment, ourselves… the list goes on.
There’s so much we could and should be doing each and every day to live a kinder life. We thought: “How could we remind Kiwis to live more sustainable lives? And how could we remind ourselves to be kind every day?” So, here is our answer. A comprehensive list of 100 ways to be kind. To New Zealand, our natural environment, its inhabitants and each other. This list should serve as a daily reminder. Bookmark this page and scan through the list whenever you are in need of some Kind inspiration. Although there are 100 points below, there are many that have not been added (yet!) We encourage you to join in on the conversation and add to this ongoing list of ways to be kinder in New Zealand. Let’s grow the list together. Leave your ideas in the comments on the Kind Face blog and they’ll add your suggestions so that the list can keep growing. They’re aiming for 200 by the end of 2023.
SELF-CARE (BE KIND TO YOURSELF)
Read.
Reading is good for you. Get lost in a book for an hour or two and switch off from work, your phone, and even your partner.You can also think of reading as a brain workout. It helps us expand our knowledge and become more useful in the world, so we can ultimately help and serve others better.Join a library instead of buying excess books. You will save a lot of paper and ink!
Write (journaling).
Writing is one of the best exercises for your mind. Journaling, for instance, is a great way to capture your thoughts. It is often our fleeting thoughts that are profound, but we do not have time to really ponder them. Think about writing these thoughts down later in the day, or early the next morning when you’re relaxed. Then you can explore the thought in more detail and capture its profoundness.
Spend time outdoors – we are blessed with wonderful nature in NZ.
The time we spend in nature connects us to something deeper than our daily routine. Spending time outdoors on a weekly basis is essential. Green and blue spaces can give a real boost to our mental health and well-being.
Soak up some sun.
Sunlight converts cholesterol into vitamin D, which regulates calcium and phosphate in the body and keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! This deserves a separate point…
Use sunscreen and wear a hat when outdoors.
It’s obvious, but too often forgotten. A nasty disease that starts with a C can be caused by not protecting your skin from direct sun exposure. The SunButter range of sun screen is reef safe, cruelty free, Vegan, certified palm oil free and spf50.
Choose to use kinder language.
A beautiful book by Marshall Rosenberg explains how to choose Kinder words when communicating. Especially in the work environment, which can be stressful and challenging at times. It’s called Nonviolent Communication. Quite a strange title, but don’t judge a book by its cover! Rosenberg talks about the language we use daily and the emotional baggage our words carry. If we become more strategic with the words we use, we can better communicate the positivity and love that we desire to spread.
Drink more water.
It’s obvious, isn’t it? You should be drinking around two litres of water per day. The average person drinks too little water. Get yourself a 2-litre (glass) water bottle and make it a habit to take sips throughout the day.
Smile.
It’s infectious and undeniably good for everyone you come into contact with. You might just smile at someone who really needed it!
Smiling has many benefits, not the least of which is that smiling can actually help us live longer. People who smile more often are generally happier and, since smiling decreases blood pressure and releases endorphins, it’s a great way to boost health and protect your golden years.
Crack a joke.
Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and it’s true! Good humour can often diffuse tense situations. The most fun-loving and enjoyable people are those who know how to make their friends laugh!
Share a good joke whenever you have a chance. This is both a good mental exercise and a lot of fun. In addition, it’s a good way to begin a conversation.
Exercise.
Exercise is a tricky one. Despite the fact that it’s an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s so easy to neglect. Committing to sports, or some form of exercise two or three days a week is a good idea. This way you can turn exercise into an integral part of your life. You will be better for it.
Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, brisk walking can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier. You do not have to walk for hours. If you can’t manage 30 minutes a day, remember ‘even a little is good, but more is better’.
Meditate.
Our minds are beautiful instruments, but they can drain our energy if we don’t know how to switch them off. Take time to practise mindfulness and be present in the moment. Meditation is one of many ways to get there.
Practise gratitude.
There is so much to be thankful for, and we don’t always realise it. Life can be busy, so we sometimes forget to stop and reflect on all the beautiful people around us.
Furthermore, we have access to better tools and technologies than ever before, designed to make our lives easier. Take a moment to imagine living 300 years ago. If a loved one left the country, you wouldn’t hear from them for months. Did you ever think how wonderful it is to be able to hear a loved one’s voice in an instant on your mobile device? Our era is one of comfort, and we should be thankful for it.
When was the last time you thanked your spleen or thyroid gland for doing their jobs? Our daily lives are filled with so many things we take for granted. Sitting and thinking about what we are thankful for can be very powerful. Even if only for 5 or 10 minutes each morning.
Rest.
Be sure to rest well. Our well-being depends on good sleep and relaxation.
To read the rest of this article by Jake Day click here.
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