From a coffee smoothie for chocolate lovers to organic cotton face masks, here are five ways to take care of yourself, each other and the planet.
1. Incorporate a self-care planner into your routine
One of the best things I did for myself lately is start using this planner: the 3-month Simple Self Self-Care Planner. (I got it in my spring Causebox delivery.) It’s a shortened, special edition of Simple Self’s regular daily 6-month Self-Care Planner.
The first section of the planner is all about assessing your current self-care habits and where there’s room for improvement. I have a clear memory of sitting by the ocean in early April, watching Tom surf from the nearly empty beach (so peaceful) and getting such joy from the exercises, like writing what my ideal daily routine would be and how I envision balance in my life. The idea is then to breakdown your bigger goals into monthly, weekly and daily goals and compare how you’ve grown over six months.
I love that there are sections for each day that encourage me to keep track of what I eat, how I exercise, how much water I drink… if you geek out over wellness and getting more organized like I do, you’ll love this planner. (I just bought this one since I finished the Simple Self x Causebox version.)
2. Head out with an organic cotton face mask
My sister, Anna, bought these organic cotton face masks from kids’ clothing brand Alex & Nova (they sell kids and adult sizes) and they’re my go-to now. ’Cause if it’s up against our skin when we’re grocery shopping or going for a walk, shouldn’t it be free of chemicals (and kinder to the planet)? Here are a few other brands creating organic cotton masks: Back Beat Co., Graf Lantz, Avocado Mattress and Mate. (Here are a few reasons to choose organic cotton over conventional cotton.)
3. Make yourself this chocolatey coffee smoothie 🤤
My mouth starts watering just thinking about this Creamy Cold Brew Coffee Smoothie from Minimalist Baker—it’s the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, with simple, natural ingredients (I leave out the maple syrup since it’s sweet enough for me as is). Just prep the coconut milk ice cubes the night before and it’s easy to make the next day.
4. Support these amazing Black artists
I’m incorporating Black voices and perspectives into as many facets of my life as I can—from the books I read to the IG accounts I follow to the art I have in my apartment. I love this print from Danielle Coke. Here are a few other artists to follow (and support): Melissa Koby, Christian Robinson and Liana Farmer.
5. Send a friend one of these beautiful cards from artist Emily McDowell & writer extraordinaire Elizabeth Gilbert
I’ve found mailing cards to friends these past few months to be especially meaningful. It helped me to feel more connected to them, even if we couldn’t see each other. Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my favorite writers (and humans) and I love Emily McDowell’s work, so when I saw they collaborated on a line of cards, I bought a bunch of them. To me, sending a card—for a birthday, special occasion or just because—is a simple and lovely way to show someone you’re thinking of them, and that you’re there for them!
Wishing you all a peaceful rest of the week and weekend! xoxo, Heather