Hey Team! I hope by now everyone has developed their own routine for whatever quarantine situation you have found yourself in. For many of us this has meant much more time spent at home. While this situation is normal for some people, for most of us this increased time at home may have started to take its toll. This compound with the inability to go out and partake in your normal method of destressing - whether that’s the gym, getting together with friends, even getting out to do some hiking - makes it that much tougher. I know its easier said than done but trying to find the positive in situations like this really does make all the difference in our outlook on things. And speaking of outlook here are a few easy things you can do right now for a little feel good self care.
Connect - I know I’m not the first one to say it but I wish I’d bought Zoom stock 3 months ago! This is the time to take advantage of all the tools we have to stay connected to each other in the absence of in person get togethers. Use social platforms to check in with friends, share exciting news or partake in a workout. Our gym is doing virtual workouts right now which is a great way to connect with your gym BFFs when we can't be together. If your gym isn't offering this there are plenty of free classes online right now that you can take advantage of.
Disconnect - All that being said the constant flow of news and information can be overwhelming. Take time out of your day to unplug from social media outlets. Try getting outside for a walk, put on your feel good tunes and let your mind wander. Use this time to foster positive emotions, thoughts and plans to get excited about once things get back to normal.
Be of Service to Others - It feels good to give back and now more than ever there are people out there in need. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture but something as simple as offering to pick up groceries for your elderly neighbor or buying a gift card from your favorite local restaurant will have you feeling the good vibes!
Educate yourself - There is so much free education available online now days and studying something is less stressful and far more satisfying than reading the same negative news articles day after day. Not only that but you’ll feel an extreme sense of accomplishment if you can look back over this quarantine time and see that you made tangible progress in some aspect of your life.
Rest - We all know it: sleep is important. But until now getting adequate sleep was easier said than done for most of us. With the notable exception of our heroic healthcare, food and other essential services workers most of us have more time to sleep now than we normally do. We aren’t having to commute to work, which could mean a bit more sleep in the morning. There is also less opportunity to go out for dinner and drinks with friends. Use this time to establish a good nighttime routine and get to bed a little bit earlier; this could be a well deserved reset for your body. Adequate sleep supports your immune system, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Positive vibes are so important right now! Out walking my dog I notice so many more people making eye contact and engaging in a quick wave and hello than ever before. For all the bad that COVID-19 has brought its important to take a moment and appreciate the good things that have come from it too. My hope is that a few of these ideas resonated with you and may give you some ideas to bring a little self care into your day. And when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a bubble bath and face mask! What have been some of your favorite ways to get a little self care into your day lately?
Stay Healthy, Reily