To care for the planet, you must first care for yourself. During PGC, we’ve asked you to think about the big picture: your impact on the world through an intersectional lens of justice, ecological footprints, waste, food, fashion and more. But the actions you take to care for yourself are just as important as the actions you take to care for the Earth and others. We need a healthy, balanced, sustained YOU now and for the long haul — with the robust energy and stamina to be an effective, enduring changemaker. In moments of high personal, academic or societal stress, wellness may feel like a low priority. But with a toolbox of techniques and commitment to prioritizing health, you can actually accomplish a lot more, while also feeling your best!

Today, we invite you to sustain yourself! Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and celebrate your extraordinary accomplishments in Project Green Challenge (and life!) thus far. With that, let’s get started on your daily dose of wellness.

From spending time outdoors in backyards or national parks, preparing a FLOSN meal, or sharing an afternoon with friends, there are countless ways that you can practice self-care and connect with yourself, while also connecting with the planet. 

Here are ten simple ways you can choose health and well-being in daily life! 

1. Eat well. You are what you eat, and eating healthy, FLOSN (fresh, local, organic, seasonal, nutritious) foods provides the proper fuel to stay energized throughout the day. Use the Seasonal Food Guide to find what foods are in season where you live! Keep them in mind the next time you buy produce. 
2. Exercise. It’s important to schedule time to move your body, especially after sitting for extended periods of time in class or on Zoom. Find a way to stay active that you enjoy. Exercise has many physiological and mental benefits, including reduced risk of chronic disease, increased productivity, and boosted mood. Even a walk around the neighborhood or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator have health benefits. If those don’t work for your body, try to find something small that you can do to feel strong!
3. Disconnect from electronics. You’ve most likely been spending more time on electronics than usual, so let your eyes and mind rest from digital stimulation. To reduce strain, try turning on the blue-filter on your devices, and find leisure activities like reading books (yes, actual books!) that don’t involve a screen. Being off screens for just 3o minutes before bedtime can help you sleep better, so…
4. Get your zzzs. It is important to prioritize quality sleep, even when an all-nighter seems like the only option to accomplish everything on your agenda. Sleep helps you retain information and perform better, maintain a healthy metabolism, and strengthen your immune system. For optimal sleep, have a consistent sleep schedule and calming nighttime routine. 
5. Study smart. Eliminate distractions when studying. Turning off your phone when hitting the books means you’ll be more productive, leaving extra free time to spend however you’d like. Try the Pomodoro method as a productivity tool or the Forest app, where you can plant trees while staying away from your phone! 
6. Follow your bliss. Have fun! Carve out time to do something that brings you joy and helps you relax. Whether that means going for a walk, talking with a friend or family member, painting (or doodling!), or reading a good book, make conscious time to do what feeds your soul.
7. Practice mindfulness. Being fully present and aware of the world around you has proven to help manage stress, increase memory and attention, and even boost immune systems! Try a simple meditation practice here or here, and read this article to see how you can incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities.
8. Practice gratitude. Be thankful and show appreciation for your life and those around you. Similar to mindfulness, gratitude has been shown to increase happiness, lower blood pressure, improve sleep patterns, and even prolong life. Check out this 2-minute video on the science of gratitude and how to integrate it into your life.
9. Explore holistic alternatives. Holistic medicine helps people regain balance in life by considering the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Consider natural remedies and preventive self-care.
10. Reconnect with Mother Earth. Immerse yourself in nature! Find a natural space — whether your backyard, a nearby trail or community green space — where you can sit and engage all senses. Spending just 2 hours weekly in nature has proven positive results physically, mentally and emotionally!

Our partners for today’s challenge are united by missions of looking after wellness through responsible practices. Natracare provides organic, sustainable, plastic-free products that champion health for people with periods and ecosystems worldwide. Women’s Voices for the Earth works to eliminate toxins from women’s bodies and the environment. MADE SAFE is the first third-party certified non-toxic seal for daily use products. Here’s to coming together to prioritize wellness!

Each Greener Winner will receive:

• A kit of organic cotton tampons, pads, liners and wipes for those who menstruate from our partner, Natracare, the world’s first brand of organic & natural period and maternity products since 1989. Their entire supply chain, from raw materials and processing, shares in their commitment to manage and monitor resources respectfully and ethically. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet.
• A copy of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier by Leah Segedie provided by Natracare.
• A Wooden Wide Tooth Comb from Tek, a B Corp company based in Italy that produces 100% FSC® certified wooden brushes, combs and other products that are a must-have item for every hairdresser. 
• Sleep Balm from Badger Balm, a B Corp that cultivates goodness through business practices that are trustworthy, ecologically responsible, and respectful of all people inside and outside their walls.
• A travel size Davids premium natural toothpaste. It is in a recyclable metal tube and is made using the highest quality naturally sourced and naturally derived and USA Origin ingredients to safely & effectively whiten teeth, fight plaque, and freshen breath.
• A cotton bag from U-Konserve, a B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet, using business for good. The initial mission to protect the planet has grown into a lifestyle of reusing more, wasting less, and raising awareness about the exciting and growing movement to reduce single-use plastic.
• An organic cotton face mask from Prairie Underground, a women’s apparel company committed to ensuring their garments are ecologically and ethically sustainable. 

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

• A kit of organic cotton tampons, pads, liners and wipes for those who menstruate from our partner, Natracare, the world’s first brand of organic & natural period and maternity products since 1989. Their entire supply chain, from raw materials and processing, shares in their commitment to manage and monitor resources respectfully and ethically. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet.
• A copy of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier by Leah Segedie provided by Natracare.
•  For winners who don’t menstruate: a $40 gift code for Boodywear.com, eco-friendly clothing essentials from loungewear to athleisure, breathable, soft and created with your comfort in mind.
• An organic cotton, herbal dyed and ethically hand loomed yoga rug from OKO Living, which was voted #1 Most Sustainable and Top 7 Yoga Mat of 2021 by Yoga Journal. These mats are dyed using an ancient Ayurvedic method that preserves the bioactive medicinal qualities of the plants.