Do you want to know how to create self care routines that are doable at home with minimal to no cost?
Currently, right now at this moment, the world is in the midst of an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). This virus was first found in China back in December but has since found itself in countries across the entire world, including Canada and the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared this a global pandemic, and government officials are warning:
- everyone to avoid any public gatherings.
- Washing your hands, for 20 seconds minimum
- avoiding contact with others if you can help it.
- Social distancing has become the new norm and the key to avoiding the virus and/or, if you might have it, spreading it to other people.
Should you have COVID-19 we wish you a speedy recovery.
During these difficult times, people are losing their jobs and non-essential businesses are being forced to shut their doors while people are being encouraged to stay at home. Others, if afforded the option, are working remotely from home. Children are no longer going to school or extracurricular activities. This has changed the dynamics and regular flow of many people’s lives and their families. Everyone has been impacted and self-quarantining until it’s safe to come out again.
These changing times and income uncertainty can trigger anxiety, stress, mental health issues & cause emotional duress. However, it may also be a time for some self-care, reflection and to regroup, taking the time to Relax, Refresh, Recharge (RRR).
Self-care looks different for everyone, so a space inspired by self care should be personalized. Anything you do to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional health can be labeled as self-care.
If you are not in a space allowing you to “Relax, Refresh & Recharge” then we want to share some tips for self-care that can be done at home on a budget during this COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
- Do deep breathing exercises
- Unplug from your smartphone
- Watch your favorite TV or movie
- Apply a Moisturizing Hair Mask
- Create a luxurious bath experience
#1 Do Deep Breathing Exercises:
Did you know the way you breathe can affect your whole body? Breathing exercises are definitely a great way to help one relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress. They will calm anxiety and get you into a relaxed state.
Try it yourself:
- Breathe from your abdomen. This is also known as Diaphragmatic breathing
- inhaling through your nose and breathing out through your mouth.
- Breathe in and hold your breath as long as you can
- then slowly release (5x)
- Breathe Focused - breath in very slow and deep and exhale very slow and deep
#2 Unplug From Your Smart Phone:
The addiction is real! Relying on technology is a hard habit to break even pre-COVID-19 much less now. But once you start focusing less on your devices and more on yourself, you’ll be glad you made the effort!
#3 Watch your favorite TV, movie show or read a book:
Take this time to pamper yourself and watch your favorite tv show or movie on Netflix or Free streaming alternatives. and read and listen to your favorite books. You can even catch up on ones you’ve been thinking about doing for a long time.
#5 Apply A Moisturizing Hair Mask
Use a hair mask when your hair needs TLC but also use it when you need some TLC also. Use this self-isolation time for self care and treat your hair too while you treat yourself to a luxurious bath, exfoliating, moisturizing your skin, and catching up on reading or listening to your favorite music.
#4 Create A Luxurious Bath Experience
When it comes to pampering and unwinding in the bathroom, it’s important to create a space that supports your favorite self-care acts.
- Set the mood with candles and relaxing music
- Add a few drops of Essential Oil in the shower or bath. Aromatherapy can be powerful and the scented steam will instantly transform your bathroom into your own luxury spa.
- After a good soak use your soap with a soft cloth to lather and exfoliate your skin.
So during this Covid-19 Self Isolation Quarantine use some of these suggestions to help you to cope with the pressure, anxiety and stresses it may bring.
We have provided some resources about this Coronavirus Pandemic & Mental Health below:
Resources:
CDC:
https://www.coronavirus.gov/
Resources For Mental health:
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
NIH:
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
WHO:
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19
