TEN EASY WAYS TO SWITCH TO A MORE NATURAL LIFE

Train Track - Switch to Natural Living

Switching to a more natural way of life does not have to be hard. It is a daily decision to take one more step away from past choices, and one more day towards making new ones that, over time, become life changing. Here are the ways I have “converted” my life, and the ways I am planning to change for a more natural existence.

1. LESS IS MORE. I choose to think twice before purchases, being less material-focused. Will I still buy the newest, latest, gadget? Yes, possibly, if I believe I will use it every day and it will help me on my way to being a better version of myself. Not if I think I will use it for three months and then be “over” the novelty. This also applies to my food, I am buying in bulk the items we regularly use, and skipping the ones that sit in the pantry for months on end. The benefit of living with less is that the house is staying a lot neater, and it is full of the things I love. Less materialistic, more minimalist.
2. CULL NEGATIVITY. I am choosing to speak positively. Think positively. Be positive. Surrounding myself with positivity! I am asking myself, "What makes you laugh? What makes you happy? What are you passionate about, that only you can bring to the world?" I am putting up positive quotes around my house, quotes that build me up and encourage my family.
3.  OPT OUT. I am “opting out” of the things in society that “bring me down,” or make me hurried, and therefore stressed. I don’t watch much TV, I avoid the news. I have stopped attending “everything, everywhere” and have chosen a more quiet existence. “Just say No” became my motto for a while. Now I can say “Yes” to the things I WANT in my life.
4.  EMBRACE THE MORNING. My next step to natural is to embrace the morning light. This was something I’ve done in the past, but I happen to live with a night owl. Trying to keep up with someone else’s time clock has sent me spinning. I have felt like I’m starting every day on the back foot. So I will begin with the morning light, and return to what works best for my body, with a boost of serotonin to boot! If you just can't face the morning, the afternoon setting sunlight is also good.
5. SWITCH THE FOOD. I love coffee, chocolate, and cake. These are my treats, and I keep them as such. Everything else has been up for discussion, negotiation, and replacement. We have switched our salt to a more natural pink salt full of minerals. I incorporate more natural ingredients into everything. Turmeric is my friend, and herbs and spices go into every meal. I boost cereals and smoothies with seeds- flaxseeds, chia seeds and healthy oils. Switching to healthier choices doesn’t have to be hard. 
6. WATCH THE WATER. After doing some research on what is in water from our taps, we bought a strong filter! Now we are trying to drink more than eight glasses of water, per person, per day. My next step will be a shower filter.
7.  NATURAL CLEANING. We have switched our chemical cleaning products for natural, plant-based ingredients. I feel happier knowing my family (pet included) are safe from chemical-based harsh cleaners. Bonus for me, they smell divine, so cleaning becomes happy, and my home smells sweet too.
8.  ESSENTIAL OILS. I use essential oils, natural supplements, and oil-based products a lot. They add support to my natural first aid kit. This is helping my family stay calm and relaxed. Natural supplements keep us in tip-top condition. Changing to whole food supplements that are bio-available is important for getting nutrients in your body.
9. NATURAL COOKWARE. I am ready to switch out my saucepans and chose a healthier alternative to "tradtional" non-stick pans. After doing some research, I'm convinced there are healthier alternatives, especially as I'm notorious at scratching the pan!
10. ESCAPE TO NATURE. When I get really overwhelmed, there's only one thing for it. Going barefoot on the grass, getting in the sun, walking amongst the trees, or swimming at the beach. Pack the bag and go! Get alone and explore.

Writing this, I realise there are plenty more ways we are switching to a healthier, more natural kind of life, but I guess that will have to wait for another post! Making the switch to a healthier life didn't happen overnight, but my motto of  "JUST ONE THING" has made it an easy transition. I chose to change just one thing about my life I didn't like, one step at a time, one day at a time, or one week at a time. Be kind to yourself, and then, one day, you will wake up and find your life has become something different, something magical.

What natural goals have you set for yourself? How are you choosing a more natural life?