Welcome to days of isolation and social distancing. It’s been only four months, but being stuck inside the house makes it feel like it has been four years. You probably haven’t hugged your mom or seen your office desk since the pandemic started. What’s more, you probably haven’t been this stressed since you were 16 and trying to get pit tickets to a One Direction concert (ah, concerts—another relic of The Time Before).
With stress levels at an all-time high and most avenues for entertainment closed, you have nowhere to turn to but your house and the wonderful Internet for a reprieve. Below, we give you a few ideas on how you can practice self-care in isolation.
Set a routine
Probably one of the biggest things that changed when the coronavirus pandemic hit is your routine. Gone are the days of waking up to your alarm, blindly stumbling to your De’Longhi, enjoying a cup of coffee, dressing up, and then commuting to work. But having a routine is essential in keeping your physical and mental health intact.
Start by sticking to awake time and bedtime. Then, occupy those bookends with other activities such as meditation and those you do during your mealtimes, work hours, and personal time.
Clean your space
The world outside already feels disorganized enough, and cluttered living space will only add to your stress. Take back control by tidying up your home. Put your favorite playlist on shuffle, bring out your broom, and start cleaning. Take this time to organize your stuff, too, such as your wardrobe, your kitchen cupboard, and your fridge.
Throw out anything that doesn’t have value anymore so that you can make space for new items or simply make your place feel lighter and airier. Science suggests that cleaning has meditative effects, so you can emerge with a cleaner home and a clearer head.
Treat yourself
If you’ve been stressed, one way to feel better is to treat yourself. Fortunately, there’s not just one but many ways to do this. Treat yourself by pampering! Order the body scrub with whitening ingredients you’ve been eyeing, together with a bath bomb and some scented candles. Schedule an at-home spa day. Then, you can use Netflix’s Watch Party feature to enjoy a weekend of binge-watching movies and TV shows with your friends or family even when you’re apart. Pair it with a bottle of wine and your comfiest robe, and no other weekend will be more relaxing.
Prioritize sleep
Sleeping is one of the most important activities you can do for your well-being. It boosts your immune system and supports your mental health. But if you’re always home, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting enough. Sometimes, it’s even harder to fall asleep because of all the stress plaguing you.
If you find yourself having a hard time sleeping, follow the tips on getting better sleep from the Sleep Foundation. When you’re getting decent rest, your mind and body get to recharge, helping you feel refreshed and ready to start a new day.
Even though the outside world is chaotic and there’s so much upheaval happening in people’s lives, it doesn’t mean you forget about taking care of yourself. Follow the self-care tips above so that you can feel better even in isolation.