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Have you ever looked at your pantry or wardrobe and thought, ‘Do I really need all this stuff?’

It’s something many of us feel, especially when we have more than necessary.

While being able to buy things is a privilege, overbuying can harm our planet and show the unfairness between those who have a lot and those who have little.

It’s one thing to know you shouldn’t shop so much, but stopping can be hard.

If you’re ready to live more eco-friendly and control your shopping habits, here are five actionable tips to help you make better choices. Let’s get started!

Knowing Things Won’t Make You Happy

We often shop for things we want and need, but understanding the difference can help us buy less.

person holding black android smartphone — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Needs are the basics you must have to live, like food and water.

A want is something you’d like but can live without, such as an extra pair of sunglasses or a fourth handbag when you already have three.

Buying things we want can feel exciting at first. You look forward to using them, but that happiness fades quickly. Instead of lasting joy, we often end up wanting more.

We might also start spending money to impress others, even if it means overstretching our credit cards and going into debt. This habit can lead to stress and financial trouble.

Instead, focus on what truly matters and brings you joy without financial strain. Remember, true happiness isn’t in things—it’s in the connections and moments we create.

Declutter with The KonMari Method

Once you recognise that buying isn’t the path to happiness, the next step is to address what you already own.

Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing consultant, offers valuable insights through her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Her method has transformed countless lives, including my own.

Who is Marie Kondo?

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing expert who gained international fame for her unique approach to tidying. Her philosophy centres on surrounding yourself with items that ‘spark joy’.

woman holding vial glass — Photo by Huy ProShoot on Pexels.com

What is her method about?

The KonMari Method focuses on decluttering by category, not location.

You start with less sentimental items, such as clothes, and then move through books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally, sentimental items.

The key is to keep only what truly brings you joy.

How you can apply the method

Visualize your ideal lifestyle: Imagine how you want your space to feel. You can get inspiration from home magazines or declutter influencers on Instagram and Pinterest.
Declutter by category: Tackle one category at a time, following the order.
Ask if it sparks joy: Hold each item and see if it brings you happiness. If not, thank it and let it go.
Organize thoughtfully: Arrange your belongings so they’re easy to see and access.

What tools do you need for decluttering?

From personal experience, here are some tips and tools to make your decluttering process smoother:

Set aside plenty of time: Decluttering can be time-consuming. Allow yourself ample time, spreading the process over 4 to 6 weeks, to tackle each category without rushing.
Get support: If you find the process overwhelming, involve family or friends. Having someone to support you can make the task less daunting and keep you motivated.
Share your goals: Let others know about your decluttering goals. This will help you stay accountable and focused on your objective.
Use labels: After decluttering, use labels to organise your items. This helps you maintain order and find things easily, preventing clutter from piling up again.
Consider hiring professionals: If you’re struggling despite your best efforts, you might want to hire a decluttering expert. These services have become more popular thanks to Marie Kondo’s influence and can provide valuable guidance.

Remember, decluttering is a journey towards a more organised and peaceful life. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to the process.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Statistics show that people often accumulate unnecessary items in their kitchen cupboards and wardrobes. I’ve definitely been guilty of this myself.

These days, when I need to buy something new, like a blender, I prioritize quality over price. I also consider whether the item serves multiple purposes.

For example, my blender functions as a food processor and a plant milk maker, and it comes with an 8-year warranty.

a blendtec and soy beans in the blendtec jar — My multi-purpose blender

An item like this not only saves space in my kitchen but also proves to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Additionally, the extended warranty means I won’t need to replace it within a couple of years, saving me both money and hassle.

This principle applies to clothing and accessories as well. While fast fashion might be tempting due to its low prices, it’s not a sustainable choice.

Fast fashion often means lower quality and shorter lifespans for items, leading to more frequent replacements and increased waste, such as more items ending up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm.

Invest in well-made, timeless pieces that will last longer and serve you better. While quality items may cost more initially, they offer greater value over time and support a sustainable lifestyle.

Choosing quality over quantity reduces clutter, saves money in the long run, and promotes an eco-friendly way of living.

If you always choose quality, consider a ‘one in, one out’ approach: donate an item from your wardrobe to charity or give it to friends before buying something new.

Go for Borrowing, Sharing, or Secondhand Before Spending

Before rushing to buy something new, consider borrowing, sharing, or purchasing secondhand.

These options not only save money but also reduce waste and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Borrowing

Reading is one of my hobbies, but I rarely buy books.

Instead, I borrow them from local libraries or listen to audiobooks on platforms like BorrowBox or Audible. I’m often surprised by how quickly I can access newly published books through my library.

Once I’ve finished reading or listening, I seldom revisit them, so borrowing is perfect for my needs.

Start by borrowing items you only need temporarily.

Whether it’s a book for a weekend/holiday read or a tool for a home project, borrowing from libraries, friends, or family can meet your needs without adding clutter to your home.

Sharing

Participate in community-sharing initiatives. Many neighbourhoods have tool libraries, book swaps, or clothing exchanges.

These resources allow you to access what you need while fostering a sense of community and reducing demand for new products.

Secondhand Shopping

When buying is necessary, consider secondhand options first. Charity shops and online marketplaces offer a wide range of quality items at lower prices.

For example, I recently bought a secondhand Yamaha keyboard from a local Facebook marketplace because I wanted to learn piano. I was pleased with both the price and the quality.

Yamaha Portable Grand DGX-220 Keyboard — My secondhand Yamaha keyboard

Although I could afford a new one, using a secondhand keyboard extends its life, especially since the original owner mentioned it was just gathering dust in his loft.

Choosing secondhand helps extend the life of products and keeps them out of landfills.

By embracing borrowing, sharing, and secondhand shopping, you contribute to a circular economy where resources are reused and repurposed. This approach not only benefits the planet but also enriches your life with unique finds and new connections.

Living and Consuming Mindfully

How often do you tell yourself, ‘I work so hard, I deserve to treat myself’?

This mindset can lead to shopping sprees where items, initially thought to bring happiness, end up barely used or forgotten — some still with tags attached.

The best way to truly care for ourselves is to prioritize genuine happiness. Loving the Earth means loving ourselves, as we are part of nature.

You Deserve Happiness!

Overconsumption depletes natural resources and creates pollution, which harms the planet and eventually affects us too.

By living and consuming mindfully, we focus on experiences and connections rather than material possessions. This shift not only enriches our lives but also contributes to a healthier planet.

Here are some reflective questions to guide mindful consumption:

Do I really need this item, or is it just a fleeting desire?
How will this purchase contribute to my overall well-being or happiness?
Can I borrow, rent, or buy secondhand instead of purchasing new?
How will this item impact the environment? What are its lifecycle implications?
Will I use this item frequently, or is it something I might only use once or twice?
How does this purchase fit within my budget and financial goals?
Am I buying this to impress others or to satisfy a genuine need?
Can I make do with what I already have or find a creative alternative?
Will this item add meaningful value to my life, or will it contribute to clutter?

Practice gratitude for what you have, and make conscious choices about what you bring into your life. Embrace simplicity and find joy in sustainable living.

In summary, these actionable tips—distinguishing between needs and wants, prioritizing quality, and opting for borrowing, sharing, or secondhand items—can help you curb unnecessary purchases.

By focusing on what truly adds value and joy to your life, you reduce clutter, minimize environmental impact, and embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

These practices also reflect our care for the planet and future generations, as we are all part of nature. Start today to experience the benefits of a simpler, eco-friendly way of living!

[Book Review] Climate Fight: 80/20 Rule for Big Impact (Inspired by ‘Not the End of the World’)

By Rachel

On May 4, 2024

In Eco-friendly lifestyle

The fight against climate change can feel overwhelming.

But what if we could make a big impact by focusing on just a few key areas?

That’s the promise of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle: roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

Hannah Ritchie‘s book, Not the End of the World, emphasizes that by focusing on a few key areas, we can make a significant difference, just like the 80/20 rule.

Inspired by this message, I’d like to break down some of the biggest environmental problems and share a powerful principle for climate action.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Air Pollution: 2 Clear Solutions

Did you know air pollution is linked to an estimated 9 million deaths annually?

Exposure to air pollution can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

Respiratory illnesses: Air pollution can irritate the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Heart disease: Air pollution can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Lung cancer: Air pollution is a major cause of lung cancer.

The culprit? Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

The good news is the solution is clear: we need to transition to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

While big companies and governments have a big role to play here, we can still make a difference.

Here are two main ways individuals can help reduce air pollution:

Ditch your car whenever possible and opt for a bike or public transport

Not only will you be getting some exercise, but you’ll also be helping the planet.

A study found that cycling just 10 km a week can offset the carbon emissions produced by an average car.

Turn away from solid fuels

Solid fuels like fireplaces and wood-burning stoves might seem eco-friendly, but data from the book suggests otherwise.

Burning these fuels can release large amounts of pollutants inside your home and contribute to outdoor air pollution. In fact, they can be significantly worse than gas or electric heating systems.

5 Ways For Cleaner Air

With these key steps, we will start to enjoy cleaner air and contribute to a healthier planet.

Climate Change: 6 Powerful Actions

Climate change can feel like a colossal, overwhelming issue. Reducing emissions is key to fighting climate change.

But how?

First of all, we’ve got to understand the primary sources of emissions so we can target our efforts more efficiently.

The two main sources are:

Electricity and heat: This sector is responsible for roughly 25% of global emissions.
Transportation: Cars, planes, and trains are another major source, which accounts for roughly 28% of the emissions.

Next, how do we reduce emissions from those two main sectors?

We should:

Support clean energy initiatives

Cleaner energy sources are becoming increasingly affordable. Solar and wind energy have seen dramatic price drops, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy sources

Let your voice be heard! Contact your local representatives and express your support for renewable energy policies.

You can also find and join online petitions or social media campaigns advocating for clean energy solutions.

Reduce your reliance on cars

Consider walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transport whenever possible.

Food production also has a significant impact on the environment and climate change. Here’s what we can do:

Shift to a more plant-based diet

Meat production, especially beef, has a large carbon footprint. Reducing your meat consumption can significantly lower your environmental impact.

Tackle food waste

Food waste is a global problem. Planning your meals, buying what you need, and storing food properly can make a big difference.

Reduce overconsumption

Buy and consume only what you truly need. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthy eating habits.

Remember, we can turn the tide on climate change and build a sustainable future through the above impactful actions.

Easiest Climate Change Explanation Ever!

Deforestation: 3 Ways To Stop It

Forests, particularly tropical rainforests, are often seen as the ‘lungs of the Earth’, playing a vital role in our planet’s health.

However, deforestation, the large-scale removal of trees, is a major threat to this critical system.

Why deforestation matters?

Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Deforestation releases this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.

Deforestation’s devastating impact extends beyond climate change.

Forests are teeming with unique life, from towering trees to hidden insects. When forests are cleared, these irreplaceable habitats vanish, pushing countless species towards extinction.

What’s driving this destruction?

Appetite for beef: Believe it or not, the biggest culprit behind deforestation is beef production. Raising cattle requires vast areas of land, often leading to deforestation for grazing or growing animal feed.
Hidden in our shopping: Palm oil is another major culprit of deforestation in many everyday products. It’s found in processed foods, cosmetics, and even cleaning supplies. While sustainable palm oil exists, a significant portion of deforestation is linked to unsustainable production practices.

There are three main ways we can help stop deforestation:

Reduce meat consumption

Cutting back on red meat, like beef, is especially important. This reduces the demand for land used for cattle grazing and feed production.

Be a label-conscious consumer

When shopping for processed foods, check for products that use sustainable palm oil (RSPO certified).

Think beyond biodiesel

While biodiesel might sound eco-friendly, palm oil-based biodiesel can actually release more emissions than traditional fuels. Opt for other biodiesel options.

By making informed choices about what you eat and buy, you can help protect our vital forests and the incredible biodiversity they hold.

Food Carbon Footprint: 7 Key Actions

Food production plays a surprisingly large role in climate change, responsible for about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

brown cattle behind barb wire — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

According to the book, raising animals for food is a major contributor to emissions, land use, and water pollution.

The more meat we eat, the more land is needed for grazing and feed production. This can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Also, did you know raising animals for food isn’t the most efficient way to get calories on your plate?

Livestock require a lot of feed to grow, but only a small portion is converted into edible meat. For instance, a cow might need 100 calories of feed to produce just 3 calories of beef!

So, how do we shift our diet to a more sustainable future? Here are some tips for eating more sustainably:

Reduce meat consumption

Especially focusing on cutting back on beef and lamb. Consider a hierarchy of meat choices: plant-based foods have the lowest impact, followed by chicken, pork, dairy, and then beef and lamb.

Embrace meat substitutes

Explore plant-based alternatives like veggie burgers and sausages. These options offer lower environmental impact.

Go plant-based with dairy

Plant-based milk, yoghurts, and cheeses offer delicious and sustainable alternatives.

Three Easy Homemade Plant-Based Milks

Embrace ugly fruits and vegetables:

They’re perfectly edible but often left behind.

Best-before dates aren’t discard dates

Trust your senses when it comes to these labels. By consuming items even after their ‘best before‘ dates, we can significantly reduce food waste.

Reduce food waste

Around one-third of the world’s food goes to waste! This squanders all the resources invested in its production.

So, plan your meals, buy what you need, and avoid impulse purchases.

Focus on what’s on your plate, not the packaging

The environmental impact of food packaging is minimal compared to the food itself. Focus on what you eat, not what it’s wrapped in.

In a nutshell, by choosing plant-based options more often, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices, we can help ensure a healthy planet and a delicious future for all.

Our Oceans: 5 Ways to Make a Difference

The ocean, once teeming with life, faces several threats: plastic pollution, overfishing and bleaching of coral reefs.

21 Plastic Pollution Quotes Leading To The Right Actions

Plastic production has exploded over the past few decades.

From a mere 2 million tonnes in 1950, it has ballooned to a staggering 460 million tonnes in 2019. Unfortunately, most plastic ends up in landfills or, worse, our oceans.

While recycling helps, it’s not a permanent solution.

Most plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times before ending up in landfills or the environment.

As for overfishing, one-third of the world’s fish stocks are already overexploited, pushing them towards collapse.

While fish farming might seem like a solution, it often relies on wild fish for feed, creating an unsustainable cycle.

Moreover, coral reefs, vibrant underwater cities that support a quarter of the world’s marine life, are facing a devastating threat: bleaching.

Warming ocean temperatures and pollution cause coral to expel the algae it relies on for survival, leading to starvation and death.

These vital ecosystems face a double whammy – overfishing disrupts the delicate balance, and climate change heats up their waters.

So, what can we do to protect our oceans?

Reduce reliance on plastic

Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and containers whenever possible.

Participate in beach cleanups

It offers a way to directly combat plastic pollution and prevent it from entering the ocean.

Support sustainable seafood

Look for certifications, e.g., Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), indicating fish are caught using practices that minimize environmental impact.

Reduce fish consumption

Explore delicious plant-based alternatives to seafood.

Advocate for change

Support policies that promote sustainable fishing practices and protect our oceans.

The Future We Choose: Empowered by Action

The book ‘Not the End of the World’ paints a clear picture: climate change challenges are real, but solutions exist.

This breakdown offered practical steps we can take, from reducing our carbon footprint to protecting our oceans.

These actions, far more effective than traditional ‘eco-friendly’ steps, such as recycling or growing your own food, can create a ripple effect.

Imagine a future with clean air, thriving ecosystems, and a sustainable way of life. It’s within reach. Let’s make these actions the norm, not the exception.

Together, empowered by action, we can build a better future for generations to come.

[Book Review] Happy Mind, Happy Life: 10 Simple Ways to Lasting Joy (with Inspirational Quotes and Podcasts)

By Rachel

On March 4, 2024

In Caring for Planet, Mind & Body

What brings you happiness? Is it your job, the money you make, or the joy of a fulfilling relationship?

It often feels like we’re on a quest for happiness, but it can be a bit like balancing on a three-legged stool—imagine that!

The legs of this imaginary happiness stool are ‘contentment‘, ‘alignment‘, and ‘control‘. Knock out one leg, and your happy feelings might just topple.

That’s the intriguing concept from the book ‘Happy Mind, Happy Life – 10 Simple Ways to Feel Great Every Day’ by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, published in 2022 with a total of 263 pages.

In this post, I’ll break down the 10 principles from the book that resonated most with me.

I hope that by sharing these 10 simple ways, I can save you time from reading the whole book while laying the foundation for you to have a happier, more fulfilling life.

I genuinely believe that when we’re happier, we find the energy and time to do more for society and the planet. Let’s dive in and explore these simple ways to boost our well-being!

Say No to Your ‘Want’ Brain

We all have a part of our brain that wants more – more money, more vacations, a better job, or a better relationship. It believes these things will make us happier.

But, the truth is, chasing after these desires often leads to short-lived joy. Soon enough, we find ourselves searching for the next quick happiness fix, like spending money we don’t have or staying in the wrong relationship.

Our necessities are few, but our wants are endless.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950), Irish playwright

Real happiness, experts say, comes from simple things like being healthy, getting good sleep, taking walks in nature, and forming genuine connections.

You can discover what truly makes you happy through activities like writing a journal or practising meditation regularly.

The key is not to follow the urges of your ‘want‘ brain but to build a positive inner conversation with yourself. This way, you can find lasting happiness in your unique way.

Too Many Choices, Less Happiness

How often do you find yourself standing in front of your closet, contemplating what to wear, or endlessly scrolling through streaming services, unable to decide what to watch?

The paradox of choice affects us all!

Surprisingly, having too many choices can decrease our overall happiness because each decision, no matter how small, demands cognitive effort.

Knowing what is enough is wealth.
Tao Te Ching, thE main book of Taoism

If you constantly feel indecisive, start by questioning the meaningfulness of your choices. Focus on decisions that truly matter, like choosing a life partner, as these can significantly impact your overall quality of life.

However, many choices in our daily lives are, in essence, false choices. The first step is to limit these false choices.

Avoid buying more clothes than you truly need, keep your pantry simple with just a few essential items, and don’t hesitate to seek help when deciding what to order from a menu.

By reducing choices from, say, 10 options to 3, you free yourself from the anxiety of decision overload and conserve energy for what truly matters to you and your loved ones.

An added benefit of cutting down on physical items is the positive impact on the environment!

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle promotes sustainable living and reduces unnecessary waste that often ends up in landfills.

So, simplifying our choices is good for our well-being and the planet.

Be Kind to Yourself

Do you smile at yourself in the mirror each morning as you would a dear friend?

For many, the idea of smiling at ourselves can feel uneasy because we struggle with self-love and feeling like we’re not good enough.

Often, we become our harshest critics, undermining our own efforts in a self-sabotaging cycle. That can harm our overall health, mentally and physically.

How to Silence Your Inner Critic (and Why You Should) with Dr Kristin Neff

True and lasting happiness becomes challenging if we don’t like ourselves.

The solution?

Practicing being kind to yourself. It makes you feel better emotionally and boosts your physical health, including strengthening your immune system and slowing the ageing process.

Growing up in a culture that emphasized self-criticism, I used to think self-love was selfish.

However, discovering the concept of self-compassion in recent years has been transformative. It’s never too late to cultivate self-compassion.

woman doing hand heart sign — Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR on Pexels.com

A simple starting point is to speak to yourself with the same encouragement you’d offer a friend facing challenges.

The more we treat ourselves with respect and kindness, the more our brains understand that we are good just as we are.

And that feeling of contentment is what truly makes us happy.

Reclaim Your Time for Happiness

Ever caught yourself muttering, ‘I’m so stressed because I don’t have time for this and that’? It’s a familiar refrain for many of us.

The constant hustle might create an illusion of importance, but deep down, it doesn’t equate to happiness.

Startlingly, about 80% of both men and women in the workforce feel time-poor, a sentiment shared by many stay-at-home parents, too.

Feeling ‘time-poor’ takes a toll on both happiness and health.

In the middle of all this busyness, the things that should make us happy, like using social media without thinking or watching too much on YouTube or Netflix, sometimes make us feel bad.

Time, arguably our most precious resource, deserves intentional use. The first step?

How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed with Oliver Burkeman

Ask yourself: ‘How valuable is my time?’ Redefine your moments by cherishing activities that bring joy, be it quality time with loved ones, leisurely reading, or even allowing yourself a bit of daydreaming.

As you liberate yourself from time poverty, you’ll notice a shift — less reactivity to challenges and more patience and support for others and yourself.

When you’re no longer stressed by time, life feels more in control, and happiness becomes more than a fleeting emotion.

Navigate Challenges with a Positive Mindset

Dealing with life’s problems calmly is something we all know is good, but not everyone can do it easily.

When something goes wrong, many of us get stressed and worried. This happens because we tend to imagine the worst outcomes.

woman on a railway station platform — Photo by Mizuno K on Pexels.com

For example, let’s say you’re waiting for a train to an important job interview, and you find out the train is running late.

It’s easy to start thinking very bad things, like missing the interview will ruin your whole career, and maybe you’ll end up with nowhere to live.

In the train situation, a calm response would be to contact the company, explain what happened, and see if they can wait for you or reschedule the interview for another day.

If they don’t accept your explanation and cancel your interview, you could be glad this isn’t the right company for you.

When a challenge occurs, take a deep breath and calm yourself first. Ask yourself what a productive way to deal with it is.

The prison is in your mind. The key is in your pocket.
Dr Edith Eger, American psychologist & a Holocaust survivor

You can also call someone you can trust and ask for advice if you can’t figure out a solution you feel comfortable with.

Handling challenges with a calm mind gives you a much better chance to solve the problem and strengthens you.

Happiness comes along when you have a more positive outlook.

Cultivate Joy Through Simple Connections with Strangers

In a world where positive social connections play a crucial role, intentionally engaging with others, especially strangers, can bring unexpected joy.

Simple gestures, such as saying hi to neighbours or chatting with cashiers or baristas, can create meaningful interactions that contribute to our overall well-being.

As social animals, humans naturally connect with others because it feels good.

The Healing Power of Human Connection in Sometimes Lonely World with Dr Vivek Murthy

Imagine these social interactions as a self-prescribed dose of vitamin S, which is as essential as vitamins C and D for our well-being.

Regular doses of vitamin S provide a continuous sense of reassurance, affirming our place in society and our connection to something bigger and more meaningful.

Be Less Judgmental

Do you ever find people at work, in your neighbourhood, or even among your family members whom you don’t really like?

It’s normal not to connect with everyone. But it’s crucial to understand that each person has their own life experiences that shape them.

When you encounter someone who doesn’t fit your idea of normal, try not to judge them.

Consider their background, childhood, and life experiences. Understand that, given their circumstances, they are likely behaving in a way that makes sense to them.

When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself
Earl Nightingale, American Radio speaker and author

Embracing compassion can be tough, especially in regular interactions. However, cultivating empathy is essential.

Practice maintaining a positive attitude or telling yourself positive things about them.

The more you work on being less judgmental, the easier it becomes. This change helps you feel more in control and brings contentment to your interactions with others.

Build A Health Relationship with Your Phone

Our phones are essential tools, but oftentimes, they hinder our happiness.

Many wish to spend less time on their phones and more time with friends and family in person. We often reach for our phones on autopilot.

This struggle isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an invisible battle for our attention waged by some of the world’s smartest minds.

We dive into online worlds without realizing how much they impact our minds, leaving many feeling worse after just 10 minutes of scrolling through social media.

How Our Screens Make Us Less Happy with Professor Adam Alter

Social media acts as a stage where people showcase the best parts of their lives. Comparing ourselves to these curated online personas triggers our ‘want‘ brain, convincing us that more holidays, more money, or a bigger house will make us happier.

To enhance your well-being, it’s crucial to establish a healthy relationship with your phone.

Creating intentional phone-free periods, such as placing it in a different room, introduces a slight inconvenience that significantly reduces usage and contributes to a healthier relationship.

Consider deleting apps that consume significant amounts of your time. If this seems overwhelming, organize these apps into a folder, moving it away from your home screen. This simple action minimizes distractions, preventing mindless usage.

Being intentional about phone use, not reaching for it out of boredom, leads to a happier and more fulfilled life.

Increased awareness of our phone habits allows us to reclaim our time and sense of worth, fostering a more intentional and joyful existence.

Create Your Daily Holiday

Would you like to be on holiday every day? What if I told you it doesn’t require packing bags and travelling?

Instead, it involves creating small, protected spaces to find mental stillness, gain perspective, and engage in self-reflection. Daily solitude is a fantastic way to achieve this.

Reflections act as a mirror, allowing us to see who we are and where we stand on our journey to becoming the person we aspire to be, tapping into our innate wisdom.

How to Reduce Overwhelm and Be More Present with Dr Deepak Chopra

Ask ourselves those four questions below regularly (source: Dr Deepak Chopra):

Who am I?
What do I want?
What is my purpose?
What am I grateful for?

Allow a few minutes to reflect on each question. The beauty is that you don’t even need to worry about the answers!

By posing these questions, your body and mind enter a healthier mode, your breath slows down, your mood calmer, and you become more aware of your surroundings, fostering mindfulness and acknowledging your true existence. Then you’d come to realize that you’re enough!

For a more active type of reflection, like walking meditation, especially in nature, which can lift your spirits and improve mental well-being. Any form of movement you enjoy can bring the calmness you seek.

Other daily solitude moments, such as meditation, journaling, or breathwork, help maintain a sense of calmness, stillness, and reflection. These moments turn your thoughts inward, gaining solitude and perspective.

With this daily holiday, you’ll likely find yourself less reactive and stressed, feeling calmer, more present, and gaining a clearer perspective on your life, which certainly brings happiness.

Give Yourself Away

It’s no coincidence that many religions encourage the idea of giving. Sharing and helping others can make a big difference in how we feel.

Giving yourself away, like being kind or forgiving, being a volunteer or donating to charities, isn’t just a good moral practice – it’s also a proven way to boost your mood and reduce feelings of sadness.

a man donating a good — Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Research even suggests that such acts, giving your kindness, time or money away, might be more important for our health and happiness than eating well or exercising.

Our kind acts, whether big or small, don’t just help the person receiving them—they also make the givers, us, feel good.

We’re not meant to go through life alone; we all need connections with others.

By giving to others, we not only make our communities better but also find a deep sense of happiness within ourselves.

Final Thoughts

Life is like a puzzle, and our happiness is made up of many small pieces.

If we add a little happiness every day, our life becomes a little brighter.

You don’t need to do everything at once; just start with one of the ideas shared above, the one that feels right for you. It’s like taking the first step on a new path.

It’s time to embark on this adventure toward a brighter and more joyful life—one small step at a time.

When more people find happiness, it contributes to positive changes for the planet, creating a healthier Earth for us all and future generations.

It’s time to start!

Save the Planet & Live Sustainably