Part of creating a regenerative practice that benefits our environment, animals and people, is the ability to develop what we call a ‘regenerative mindset’.
This is where we live and breathe restorative principles, not only when growing wool and farming, but in all areas of their life. Check out some practical ways you can bring regenerative and restorative practices into your week:
1. Bring nature inside
We all benefit from being in and around nature. Today, the natural look has taken the interior design world by storm. Choosing natural fibres like wool over synthetic has many benefits on our wellbeing and they are better on the environment too. Additionally letting in more sunlight and incorporating some of your favourite plants into your interior space can have a positive impact on your mood, as well as cleansing and purifying the air inside your home.
2. Slash your plastic use Plastic is now known to have a detrimental effect on our ecosystem and health. It’s become one of our biggest environmental problems. We can all help by participating in clean-ups and encouraging policies that shrink the plastics market. Ultimately, reducing our individual reliance on this material can have a big impact. Opt for reusable or biodegradable containers, utensils and personal care products instead.
3. Enjoy the outdoors. Making time to enjoy the outdoors is essential for you and your family. Being in nature helps reduce stress levels by reducing your heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension.
If possible, create space in the daily schedule so you can spend time outside each day. Whether that’s enjoying a cuppa in the sun, tending to your garden or even better… your vege garden or simply going for a nice walk. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
4. Move your body. However you like to move, make time for movement and play, whether that be a sport, attending a yoga class, dancing in the lounge or going for a walk. Whatever you love, do it! When you exercise it not only helps your body shift and change energy but it helps improve your mood, boost your energy, and reduce overall stress in your body and mind. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
5. Relax and calm the mind. Taking 5 minutes, 20 minutes or more to consciously connect with your breath helps allow space for processing and creating a vision for your future. Practicing mindfulness regularly is proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, sleep and many other health benefits that have a positive flow-on affect in all areas of your life. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/
6. Connect with others. Perhaps the most important thing to do for your wellbeing is to make time to connect with friends, communities and loved ones. Social isolation and loneliness is now proven to be one of the biggest causes of dis-ease. Community and connection plays a vital role in restorative living and wellbeing. https://www.mindwise.org/blog/uncategorized/the-importance-of-social-connection/
7. The joy of sleep. Developing a healthy routine around sleep helps tell your mind it’s time to begin winding down. This can be a challenge and we are all busy, but you have to make time to disconnect from technology and the world so you can go in and connect to yourself. Sleep is the most important time for our bodies and minds to restore. https://www.woolhq.com/post/natural-ways-to-a-better-night-s-sleep
And let us not forget how good it feels to wear quality! Discover the team of ZQ brand partners below and indulge yourself a little.
