Living An Organic Lifestyle
Living An Organic Lifestyle for Optimal Wellness
There are a lot of conflicting opinions about taking on an organic lifestyle. Some people think there is no other way to live, while others feel that organic living is expensive and difficult. While both sides undoubtedly have their own reasons, it is important to remember that organic living can be a positive change in your life. It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive production, but rather can be a healthy and cost effective change you make for your overall health and wellness. The truth is that an organic lifestyle can work wonders on your health, making the changes that come with it worth your while.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to live organically but weren’t sure where to start. Fortunately, there are a few lifestyle changes and resolutions you can make to start your organic lifestyle and jump-start optimal health and wellness.
Living An Organic Lifestyle
When you take on an organic lifestyle, you’re living in such a way that is both good for you and the environment. This lifestyle is one that encourages you to live thoughtfully and responsibly about your body as well as the world around you. Changing to an organic lifestyle includes choices that are sure to have a positive impact on you and mother earth. To get started, begin with these easy changes:
• Switch to Organic, Whole Foods
This first change is the easiest to make because there are many resources out there to help you find organically grown food. Organic food is defined as food grown without the use of chemicals, hormones, or other unnatural substances. Not only are these chemicals harmful to your body, but they are also harmful to the earth as they are soaked into the soil and find their way into ground water and, eventually, lakes, streams, and even the ocean. When you opt to shop for organic food or even grow your own, you’re helping to fight against the use of chemicals and harmful toxins. The best way to make the switch is to start shopping at organic food stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joes, grow your own fruits and veggies, and look for whole foods, or foods that have not undergone any processing (think apples instead of apple juice, fresh veggies over frozen, fresh meat instead of packaged, etc.).
While this switch can get a little pricey, there are ways to eat organically without breaking the bank. Do your research to find out how.
• Choose Organic Personal Hygiene Products
Many brand name personal hygiene products contain chemicals and toxins that can be harmful to your health. These chemicals are often not studied or tested for long-term exposure, meaning that those who make, stock, and sell these items really have no idea what problems they could cause for your health in the future. Body washes, soaps, creams, lotions, makeup, shampoos, and more are all manufactured using chemicals and additives that are absorbed in to your skin. It seems practical that, if you don’t know what something is, you shouldn’t allow it access into your body. Instead, consider purchasing personal hygiene products made with essential oils and natural oils such as olive, coconut, lavender, and jojoba. Another alternative is to create your own organic personal hygiene products. You can make everything from perfume and makeup, to lotions and hair care products just by searching online for tutorials and recipes.
• Purchase Organic Cleaning Products
Some of the biggest culprits of harsh chemicals and toxins are household cleaning products. That’s right; your toilet and tub cleaners are usually teaming with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health in a number of ways. You may have noticed that some cleaning products make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, or confused, especially if you’ve used them in a non-ventilated area. The truth is that the chemicals present in these products to help deliver a thorough clean can wreak havoc on your body if you aren’t careful. Instead of subjecting yourself, your family, and your pets to these worrisome products, use natural cleaning products instead. Again, you can purchase these or make your own, and their just as effective as brand-name cleaning products. When it doubt, however, the best natural cleaners are salt, vinegar, baking soda, and borax. These four cleaning products can be used on just about every inch of your home from the bathroom to the kitchen and on every stain in-between.
• DIY: One of the best ways to go organic is to DIY—do it yourself!
When you make your own food, cleaning and personal hygiene products, and even clothing, you gain the advantage of always knowing exactly what’s in your goods. You’ll never have to worry about your homegrown fruits and veggies being full of pesticides, you won’t have to fear parabens and other toxins in your soaps and lotions, and you’ll know exactly where your goods are coming from at all times. Though this could be time consuming, DIY living is a fast, easy, and trustworthy way to be organic.