Healthy & Happy, People & Planet
As we welcome in a new year, whatever your plans for self improvement, making sure they're sustainable to you is number one. Small, simple and achievable changes to your daily routine, that have the potential to make you feel good all year round, are going to have much more of an impact.
It is one of our core beliefs that when we feel better in ourselves, we can do better. When we're filling ourselves up, we have more energy, more clarity and we can make better choices. We engage more in conversation, we're more aware, alert and motivated. If we, collectively, want to start having a lasting positive impact on the wellbeing of our planet, living more sustainably and understanding what that truly means and why it matters, we need to feel good in ourselves first.
It's a beautiful catch 22 really - healthy, happy people equals healthy, happy planet, and a healthy, happy planet, equals healthy, happy people.
This ethos encompasses everything we do, and it also relates to everything we sell. The products and brands you'll find in the shop are all on this same mission - great products, made from the best ingredients, that do good and make us feel good. You'll find better products from better brands, helping us all to make better choices for a better planet.
A few of our favourite tips on how we can feel our best...
1. How we nourish ourselves matters - what are we eating and drinking, what ingredients are we using, and are we taking the time to really prioritise getting plenty of the good stuff.
2. Where we put our energy - are we giving too much of it to things (or people) that don't make us feel good, take a step back, gain perspective and be selective of where you put your time, effort and energy.
3. Rest - there are seven different types of rest: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, and creative. Each type of rest has its own characteristics. This isn't just about a good nights sleep, although this is key too!
4. Movement - when life gets busy, our active lifestyles can take a backseat. But in times of need, even when time is against us, any type of movement is good. Get outside, take a walk, STRETCH, dance - maybe you're used to a nice long run, but even a quick 15 minutes and you're body (and mind) will thank you for it.
5. Connection - post-pandemic, plus being right in the middle of hibernation season, on mass we're lacking in a little human connection. For many, recent and current events have left us with a little social anxiety but human connection is so important for our mental health and wellbeing. It's one of the reasons why we love being in the shop so much - we meet so many people, and unlike a trip to the supermarket, chances are you're going to engage in more meaningful and feel good conversations. This is one of the huge perks in choosing to support and shop with small, independent businesses.
6. Social Media - digital detox in whatever way you can, take a 48 break over the weekend, be more selective with who you're choosing to follow, follow accounts that fill you up and make you feel good, stay informed, but remember, it's okay to take a step back - we're no use to any cause if we're overwhelmed.
7. Read, Watch and Listen - podcast, books, blogs, newsletters, books, documentaries - ask for recommendations (watch this space 👀) and get stuck in. Stop scrolling, learn, get inspired, laugh and get lost in something entertaining. A long dog walk + a podcast is our ultimate reset.
8. Try something new - a little change and variation to your daily routine can have a hugely positive impact on your wellbeing and overall happiness. It can even be as simple as changing up your morning cup of tea or coffee - try a loose leaf tea one morning instead of your coffee perhaps, take an extra 10 minutes in the shower to breathe, stretch before leaving the house, check in with a friend you've not heard from in a while or even attend a local event and meet some new people.
Whatever you're doing to feel good, it starts with a little awareness - even taking 2 minutes to bring your awareness back to the present moment, you'll be surprised how even this can contribute to an overall sense of positive wellbeing.