Living sustainably, as mentioned in my previous article, means living thoughtfully; it’s about trying to become more thoughtful in how we make decisions. When we manage to achieve harmony in life, we can live in a more thoughtful way.

The good news is that you’re already living more thoughtfully by considering the planet, reading this blog and researching alternatives to what you usually purchase. We need to become more considerate so that we create meaning and value in life. When we follow a few simple steps, thoughtful living becomes second nature:

Acknowledge other people

This might sound like an odd place to start, but acknowledging that there are people around you and offering a smile or nod can help you connect with one another more. We exist in the same space, even if it’s briefly passing by on a train; and the more positive we act in the world, the more positive we’ll feel. This is a simple act that can lead us towards becoming more thoughtful of ourselves and others. It becomes even more important when we are a carer or someone is caring for us. Take time to acknowledge what people do for you, even small things, today. Say you appreciate their time, effort and attention – you and they will feel better.

Make minor changes

Begin with small changes to as many different things as you’d like. Whether it’s a sleeping habit, eating, food, clothes, writing style, anything. When we decide to be more thoughtful and think about others, many of us can feel overwhelmed by what we ‘should’ be doing. So make it a small change, that’ll become a new habit and then you can move onto the next small change.

Give time to nature

Go for a walk, look up at trees, breathe in the warm or cold or wet air. Nature is truly a gift for us, whether we live in a small town, a major city or the middle of nowhere, nature can bring with it healing. Nature benefits our mental health and wellbeing, no matter where in the world we are. And when we care about nature, wildlife and the world around us, we in turn care for ourselves.

Give yourself and your passions validation

It is so important to make time for yourself and the things you enjoy without any extra guilt or burden to yourself. For example, if you like to paint because it helps you relax but you’re worried about toxic paint. Don’t worry too much about the toxic paint, try to find alternatives, use a tablet instead, etc. And remember, there are pros and cons to everything – you can’t help save the world unless you also help yourself!

Ask questions and reflect

Whether the weather is getting warmer and we reach for fans or a new phone comes out and we want to replace ours; we’re faced with a lot of decisions in life that impact us. Remember to ask yourself if this is the best solution? Can this new purchase wait? Do I really need to? Asking yourself these questions and reflecting to avoid impulsivity is one of the most effective ways to become more sustainable in the long run. If we can justify a purchase because it’s necessary, there’s not alternatives and the pros outweigh the cons, then go for it.

Let go of guilt

Our choices are limited by where we live, how much we earn, what we need and most importantly, what’s available to us. There’s no need to feel guilt for making a non-sustainable purchase, it can’t be helped at times. As long as we’re doing what we can in other areas, that’s important. For example, it’s not going to be possible to avoid single use plastic, especially if you live in a city with limited access to real farms or farmer’s markets for fresh produce. That’s okay. It’s not sustainable, if it’s causing financial problems – remember, sustainability is about balance.

A lot of the time when we hear about sustainability, ethical lifestyles or eco friendly living we assume this is a very expensive and difficult lifestyle that involves living off the radar and on a raw diet without everyday comforts. Let’s refocus on living thoughtfully so we can move towards living a more sustainable life without feeling guilty or extreme. (Though, I must admit, the idea of living off the radar sounds wonderful).

The most useful thing I do, almost every day, is ask myself:
what can I do to slow down and live at a more human pace of life?

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