By: Heather Bien
We’re living in unprecedented times. A worldwide pandemic has many of us struggling with elevated stress levels and the anxiety that can come with living in a state of uncertainty. We don’t know what’s next, but, we do know that the only thing we can control is ourselves and our reaction to the circumstances.
That’s why we’re doing what we can to safeguard our own mental health and create moments of calm throughout this COVID-19 crisis. We may have to stay socially distant, but we’re all in this together and we’re here to support you with what’s working for us.
How to Safeguard Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis
Stay healthy. To set yourself up for a healthy mind, it’s important to start with a healthy body. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep each night. We know it can be difficult to fall asleep when your mind is racing due to stress but, on the bright side, you may be able to sleep in a bit later if you’re working from home. Use these tips to set yourself up for the best night’s sleep you can get. And, while eating fresh may be a little more difficult when you’re making fewer trips to the grocery store, do what you can to squeeze in fruits, veggies, and proteins. Toss in frozen veggies with your pasta or make a green smoothie –– there are lots of ways to maintain a healthy diet with pantry meals!
Move your body. This is the time to discover an in-home yoga practice or pick back up your love of running outside. Most gyms and fitness studios are closed, but it’s important to move your body to maintain your mental health. Get those endorphins going with a streaming class and allow yourself to forget about it all for a few minutes.
Try to create a (new) routine. A routine during times of crisis is twofold. On one hand, it can help you create a tie to your old life if you incorporate elements from your normal lifestyle. And, on the other, it creates a sense of normalcy and certainty in an uncertain climate. Figure out what is still working for you and what will help you move forward. Then, define your routine to hold yourself accountable.
Get connected. Even though you’re apart, it doesn’t mean you’re facing this alone. Keep your sense of connection by calling loved ones and setting up virtual happy hours with friends. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel after chatting with your nearest and dearest. Plus, this is a wonderful excuse to reach out to those people who you may not have spoken with in a while.
Practice mindfulness. This may look like meditation, journaling, prayer, or a solo walk through the woods. Find a way to connect with your inner calm –– it looks different for everyone and that’s okay. What’s important is quieting your mind and connecting to a sense of peace.
Remember to be grateful. It can be hard to stay upbeat and optimistic, but take a few moments each day to recognize what you do have. Perhaps it’s a good meal, a show you’re enjoying, or a friend you were happy to catch up with on social media. Maybe it’s your garden or a cozy home. Perhaps it’s your health. There’s always at least one thing that can remind you things are okay.
Seek out virtual therapy. Many therapists are taking their services online and do not hesitate to seek one out if you feel like you need guidance in navigating this stressful time.
Allow yourself to be upset. Lastly, it’s 100% acceptable to be upset, angry, and anxious. Let yourself feel those feelings –– and let them pass. Each day, give yourself at least one thing you want to do so that you won’t get stuck in a cycle of wallowing, but, also, don’t get mad at yourself when it happens. We’re all there with you.
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What is Organic Cotton?
By: Heather Bien We’re all trying to be better stewards of Mother Earth. From recycling to upcycling and eating conscientiously to dressing mindfully, our choices affect the planet. So choosing organic cotton clothing seems like an easy decision, right? Not so fast! As with all sustainable choices, it’s important to take a moment to learn a bit more about why organic cotton might win over conventional cotton—and what makes these two materials different in the first place. Read on if you’re interested in learning about organic cotton and whether it’s the best choice for you and the environment. Conventional cotton Before we get into debating modern cotton farming techniques, let’s get familiar with the plant we’re talking about: cotton. It’s soft, durable, and probably on your body right now. But what else do you really know about cotton? Here are the basics: Cotton comes from the cotton plant – The cotton plant is a warm-season woody perennial shrub from the genus Gossypium and the family Malvaceae. Cotton fabric is made from the plant’s fibrous seed-hair (which is also called a cotton boll). Cotton is one of the top agricultural crops – Traditional cotton is the most widespread and profitable non-food crop in the world. Although the plant is capable of growing in any warm-weather climate, India and China are now the top producers of cotton globally. Cotton is thirsty – A normal cotton plant requires 10 gallons of water to reach peak potential. That doesn’t sound so bad, but multiplying it outward, that means it takes about 5,000 gallons of water to produce just 2.2 pounds of cotton fabric. Pests think it’s delicious – Not only is cotton thirsty, but it’s prone to pest infestations from bollworms, weevils, aphids, stink bugs, thrips, and spider mites. In order to combat these common pests, conventional cotton is routinely sprayed with a veritable salad-dressing of pesticides, many of which can remain in the soil and water supply for years afterward. Cotton harvesting requires defoliation – In order to quickly and efficiently harvest cotton, many commercial growers use chemical defoliants to strip the leaves from the cotton plant prior to harvesting the bolls. Like pesticides, these chemicals remain in the environment and on the cotton itself. Is organic cotton better? All of those cotton factoids point pretty compellingly to buying and wearing organic cotton fabric. But first, it’s important to understand what sets this organic alternative apart. Why exactly is “organic” cotton anyway? You might associate the word organic with your healthy fruits and veggies, but it’s not always clear what this term means when it comes to cotton. For many years, there was not a standard definition, but today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) require that any cotton product labeled “organic” meet the following criteria: Made with fibers from USDA-certified organic crops Third-party certified (ie., through the Global Organic Textile Standard) under the National Organic Program standards Has a specific percentage of organic material (depending on the crop) But this definition is a little circular, so we need also to define USDA-certified organic crops. According to the USDA, organic crop standards are defined as follows: Land must have had no prohibited substances applied to it for at least three years before the harvest of an organic crop. Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through tillage and cultivation practices, crop rotations, and cover crops. These can be supplemented with animal and crop waste materials and allowed synthetic materials. Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices, including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used. Operations must use organic seeds and other planting stock when available. The use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge is prohibited. What is organic cotton? In short, it’s cotton that is farmed according to these practices and certified organic by the USDA. Why should you choose organic cotton? With fewer pesticides, fewer synthetic chemicals, and more thoughtful cultivation practices, organic cotton can certainly offer a more environmentally friendly choice when compared to regular cotton. Is organic cotton sustainable? Here are a few other reasons why organic cotton can be a better alternative for you and the earth: It’s better for our water resources – According to an analysis by the Textile Exchange, producing an organic cotton T-shirt requires 1,982 fewer gallons of water compared to a regular cotton T-shirt. Because organic cotton uses less chemicals, its production also releases fewer toxins into our aquatic ecosystems. It’s good for the soil (and our carbon footprint) – According to the Soil Association, the more natural cultivation practices and fewer pesticides used by organic cotton farmers can support healthier soil. That soil, in turn, can absorb more carbon from our atmosphere and help keep the planet healthy. It encourages biodiversity – Multiple studies have shown that organic farming practices can encourage more diversity among the animal species of our planet. Sustainability is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. But when it comes to plant-derived textiles, the ones which help us create a healthier world are always a better alternative. Explore the benefits of bamboo with Boody Whether you choose to purchase conventional or organic cotton clothing, the fact that you are shopping mindfully for yourself is a win for the environment. At Boody, we believe in bringing you quality, comfy, sustainable clothing basics that keep you feeling good about yourself and your personal impact on Mother Earth. From our sleepwear to our loungewear, women’s bamboo shirts to our underwear, sustainable and ethical are our touchstones. Our clothing is made of bamboo viscose, requiring less water than cotton while putting precious oxygen back into the environment. That just feels good, doesn’t it? Explore the bamboo benefits today, with Boody. Sources: Britannica. Cotton. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant Cotton. The Story of Cotton - Where Cotton Grows. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/where.cfm World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton Textile Exchange. Quick Guide to Organic Cotton. https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton Soil Association. What is organic cotton? https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/fashion-textiles/organic-cotton/ USDA. Conservation and Biological Diversity in Organic Production. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/02/29/conservation-and-biological-diversity-organic-production About the Author: Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.
