A huge part of being a creative is resting. Not just physically but resting the mind. It is constantly brimming with ideas but to make sure, we don’t burn out, we have to take the time to do things other than create content or art. For me, I have to do things that recharge my soul, like read Bagginshield and Obitine fanfics or talk to my friends and family.
And if you are trying to live a sustainable or ethical and eco-friendly life? You need rest too.
A huge part of committing to a lifestyle that isn’t easily feasible in our current systems or advocating for the planet is advocating for yourself. And that includes taking the time to rest.
Now while I stand by the idea that resting should be tailored to your needs, wants, and values over the idea of being sustainable- which means it is okay to tear open a plastic packet on days you are too tired to cook- I believe some of us would want realistically eco-friendly ways to rest and rejuvenate.
Here are some things I have seen myself and people around me do when in need of a break, so here goes nothing.
Shall we?
Take a Walk and Spend Time in Green Spaces
Are we even surprised that this is the first thing suggested? Me? I am like a plant. Sun and water please.
And walking, which allows me to move and relax my back after hours of sitting, provides some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D. It is unmatched. Of course, walking in the sun means using SPF, and in winters it means being bundled up.
We need to protect our skins, after all.
The best part of talking a walk though? It is reconnecting with nature!
From watering the plants on my roof to and breathing in the scent of grass, it’s all nature bestie. And walking or running in a park is top-tier because then I can talk to people and widen my horizons. Though my introverted self rarely does that. Honestly, sometimes I just walk down to sit and read in the sun. Who knows, someone might meet a friend who’s in the same fandom.
Talk to Your People
Speaking of fandoms, we need our communities. Whether they be sustainable communities which help us with our compost or our gang, we need to reconnect with people. Sit and talk about ideas with your friends, go volunteer if you have the bandwidth to do so, have a date with your partner, or talk to your parents. There are several ways to connect with other humans and get healthy human touch and vibes.
But what if you aren’t in a place or mind to connect with others? On days when I am exhausted, like my periods, texting is a chore, let alone talking. On those days, I snuggle in my blankie, and just…
Read or Watch Something…or Sleep
Now I know. Reading and especially watching something on television ca have a high impact. The paper industry, when it does not use leftover wood or sustainably sourced or tree-free paper like my company Muses_Saga does, contributes to deforestation, monoculture, and more. Television requires electricity of course, and all major industries have an impact whether they be Hollywood or Bollywood. Not to mention the impact of making television sets.
But, let’s not forget that the longer you use something, the more sustainable it gets. So, if you have that TV set for almost half a decade like I did, watching something on it, especially if your building or home is powered by renewable energy is a good option. Stories are important for human beings. They help us learn empathy and reading in particular improves brain health and helps us sleep better.
When it comes to books, you have a lot of sustainable reading options from second-hand books and borrowing to the library. The last one also supports the author.
For voracious readers, e-book can be a green option, especially if read on second-hand or recycled e-readers or other devices with a good blue light filter and proper care for the eye. Don’t forget to make sure you aren’t looking at screen right before bed either- sleep is important for rest and we do not want to mess up our cardiac rhythms.
For paperbacks and hardcovers, ensure you buy books you will read over and again, and if possible, go for FSC certified books like I do or tree-free paper. If your country, like India, has agroforestry and you aren’t a biocentrist like me, you can also look at regular paperbacks but I can’t vouch if they are green. Agroforestry is though.
But is consumption of media the only way to relax? Of course not. For you can always…
Create and Cook
Now, while I am no hustle culture girlie, nothing feels as good to me as being productive. The high of creating something is unmatched. And while I am no fan of cooking, the ritual of it can be calming. Though, in all honesty, on days when I too tired, it’s tear open a packet of Instant Oats time. Is it healthy? Not a 100%. Nor is it very sustainable- even if the packet can be recycled- but is part of what allows me to rest. Not having to think about the next meal.
But, if you too want to turn your habits around and see if they can be made greener, then you are in the right place. The easiest way to ensure the food you eat is green? Grow it yourself…gardening can be a fun and relaxing activity too.
Now personally, due to tiring at the drop of a hat and lack of my own space, I haven’t been able to start a garden, so instead it’s buying local and seasonal items for my food for me. I also eat majorly plant-based, which I am told has a lower impact. Now, it’s mainly for the animals in my case. Cuz my understanding tells me that while going vegan has a positive impact, regenerative and ethical farming is where we should be headed. But I am no expert on this, so don’t take my word for it. Personally, I could never stomach meat but we digress.
Another way to ensure you have something quick to eat on low bandwidth days is to keep healthy homemade pre-mixes ready. My mom says they aren’t the best for regular eating but also sends me a lot of them, so take your pick. Pickles and spreads are a lifesaver, as Megha Ahuja or Climatewali recommends. And finally, if you love cooking, then well, local, seasonal, and ethical food making can be both eco-friendly and relaxing.
But what if you must get take-out? Well, as Vidhi of TrasySisters shows, we need to remember compost what we can, recycle what we can, reuse what’s healthy to reuse, and don’t worry about the rest. Innovation is besties with relaxation, girl. Or at least for me it is.
Onto creation. While for me creation is work and that is why I love my work, when I am sick and burnt-out writing blogs can still help. Yet, sometimes, it is better I sit with my guitar or write fanfiction, instead of filming or writing blogs or original fiction. As relaxing as those activities are, my creativity needs some time to rejuvenate too. Sometimes, I can’t even write fanfiction! On those days, I read or watch reels to ideate. Get that dopamine rush of creation without harming myself, eh?
But on other days, I sleep.
Because rest sometimes means literally resting.
And on other days, it’s time for some tough love. Did you know experts say that living in a cluttered dirty room can make you more anxious? Now, I know, when sick it’s terrible to have to clean. 100% encourage asking friends and family to lend a hand, if possible. But on days when you just have yourself to rely on?
You might want to clean your room and take a bath. Or you can dance to some music or do yoga on a cork mat.
Personally, I love to sit down with my thoughts, and plan for the future. Planning makes me feel more in control. While the author of this blog doesn’t journal, she know people who do to relax. One way to do that is using upcycled paper or recycled paper diaries. If you must use electronics, it is recommended that you use ones made of recycled materials but we know that’s difficult and many of us have trouble trusting second-hand electronics. So, let me know solutions in the comments?
A Parting Note
Remember, relaxation does not have to be a 100% sustainable. It is for your benefit first and foremost. As long as it is done in a healthy manner, you are good. I mean, sometimes I shop or look at items in online stores to relax, even if I only buy what truly adds value to my life. Other times, I read or write blogs. Sometimes, I talk to people and machines- the last is done knowing they can’t truly reply back, don’t you worry.
But the point that I am trying to make is simply this- you can rest and rejuvenate in the way that works for you. From makeup to lying down in your sweats, it is your choice. And if you wish to make your relaxation, green and ethical, well, drop me the name of your favourite habits in the comments and maybe we as a community can come up with ways that don’t take away from the joy or comfort of the activity while increasing its positive impact?
Have a fun day ahead!
Editor- Anuraag Chatterjee
Also Read: Sustainable Self-Care Tips
Author’s Note: The past few weeks my posting has been erratic because I have been resting. Winter is here and all. So, thanks for sticking around and reading. Hopefully this blog added value to your life. If you wish to support, you can comment, share, or pay what you will.
Shoutout to- Dave Kendrick
