Nature–Themed Self-Care for Spring in South Africa

Spring, Heritage Month, Arbor Month… There’s so much that makes September exciting. Many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors and appreciating the natural beauty our country offers. In this spirit, our September offering celebrates all things floral and puts getting outside on the self-care for spring agenda.

TASTE: Montagu Fruit Cubes

Montagu’s Fruit Cubes in Mango, Carrot and Ginger is a tasty pick-me-up which is also healthy. They’re free from preservatives and added sugars; instead, they contain fruit pulp and apple concentrate sweetener. Unlike many other fruity “sweets”, they’re also not too sticky on your fingers.

• R18,99 at Clicks
• Locally-produced

BODY: O’live Honeybush and Rose Geranium Soap

There’s nothing like the scent of fynbos. Thanks to extract of honeybush, that sweet smell is perfectly captured in this O’live soap bar. Geranium oil, meanwhile, is one of the best essential oils to use when treating a depressive mood. This soap is a fantastic addition to your self-care for spring routine since its fresh scent signals to your body the end of winter. Also, how pretty is the bar itself?

• R63,99 at Faithful to Nature
• Black-owned, woman-owned business
• Locally-made

COMMUNITY: South African National Parks Week

Every year, SAN Parks opens its gates for free to the public for one week in September. For this year, the event takes place 12-16 September.

South African National Parks Week aims to increase the number of South Africans visiting local parks. The national parks at Table Mountain, Kruger, Golden Gate and West Coast are just some of the spectacular places that will be waiving the usual entry fee.

Participating in recreational activities in nature has proven mental health benefits, helping to improve general well-being and resilience, for example. Depending on which park you visit, you can enjoy hiking, game drives, meals and other fun activities.

• Free entry
• Natural heritage

SPACE: Flower Art Print

Bring the spring flowers into your space with a floral print like this one. This little piece of art is a great focal point for a small workspace and contributes to a calm, uplifting mood. It’s the work of Cape Town artist, Urban Khoi Soldier.

• R30 via Amava Oluntu
• Black-owned business

PSYCHE: Vision Board

It’s never too late in the year to achieve your goals. Spring, the season of renewal and rebirth, is the ideal opportunity to revisit your 2022 goals and set out how to realise them.

There are many ways to make a vision board; some follow a formula, while others don’t. If you want to follow a specific method, here’s one way to do it:

Alternatively, you can attend an online goal-setting workshop that I’ve co-created for Sage Therapy and join a group making vision boards there.

Personally, I prefer using a pinboard because it’s easier to move things around. I also find it helpful to have checklists and other progress trackers (like star stickers!) on the board.

• R189 on Takealot for a notice board
• Sage Therapy goal-setting workshop: free

Make Time for Self-Care for Spring

The fairer weather brought on by September is a useful reminder of the numerous benefits we can get from the natural world. With items from a picture of a flower to a walk in a national park, this nature-themed box is one way to start your self-care for spring.