This is a strange and challenging time. Who would have ever predicted we would be navigating through a worldwide pandemic? So many things have changed and while everyone is experiencing the effects of the virus in different ways, many are in the position I am in: staying at home all day, every day. With some self care tips, we can make sure to take care of ourselves.
I am now into week 11 of staying at home and I have been through various stages of the “quarantine fatigue”. All my days are blurring together and although I am still keeping my usual daily routines (which makes a huge difference!), I have days where I definitely feel a lack of motivation and inspiration.
So today I wanted to share with you some useful things you can do at home to help ease stress, keep you active and maybe provide some new inspiration and motivation. Now is the perfect time to form some new self care habits!
For your mind
1.Try a guided meditation from apps like Calm or Headspace.
2.You can also find free guided meditation videos on YouTube, such as this one. If you don’t need technology to assist you, mindfulness is as simple as 5 minutes of quiet. Close your eyes, take 10 slow, deep breaths and when you have a thought, acknowledge it and then let it go.
3.Take a break from the news and/or social media for 24 hours.
4.Write one thing you are grateful for each day. Keep it in a gratitude journal or on a list on the fridge to keep the good things in mind!
5.Take Yale’s free The Science of Well-Being Course.
For your body
6.Go for a walk in your community.
7.Do a 5-minute daily stretch, like this one or try a 20 minute bodyweight workout.
8.Practice this Movement Medicine Calming Practice from Yoga with Adriene.
9.Try making something healthy and nutritious from scratch like this Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Broth from Scraps or these Easy Vegan Pancakes.
10.Make time for a nice, long bath. If you don’t have a bath available, try a hot shower. For extra benefit, try a contrast shower with alternating 30 seconds of hot and cold water! If you have essential oils, placing a drop or two of eucalyptus at the far end of the tub when taking a shower will release a refreshing scent into the air.
Start small
Try to pick just one or two exercises from above and make it a daily routine. It may be something you can do with the people you are staying-at-home with or make it a time just for yourself.
Remember to eat well, drink plenty of water and make sure you are getting enough good quality sleep!
We will make it through and when we do, you will have also formed some new habits and skills that will serve you for a long time into the future!
How are you looking after yourself during this time? What self-care tips would you add to this list?
