We are living in an unprecedented time. It’s really easy to get caught up in thinking of the way things should be. But the truth is that not one person on this planet has gone through what we are going through before. Sure, people may have experienced some similar things. But no one has ever experienced coronavirus in 2020.
So while I’m here to share some ways to practice self care during isolation, I want you to note that these are just the things that help me. There is no right or wrong way to be experiencing what is happening at this moment. The best way to practice self care is to remember that you are having your own individual experience and everything you are feeling is valid.
Hopefully some of these tips help you to take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Xx, Kelsey
Tips for Self Care During Isolation
Pamper Yourself – This is one of the easiest and most obvious ways to practice self care during isolation. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective. We can’t go get our hair or nails done right now, but we can pamper ourselves at home. Try a new skincare routine. Sleep with a ton of deep conditioner in your hair. Take a bath every day (which I’m totally jealous of since we don’t have a tub). Get dressed up. Whatever makes you feel pampered and special.
Find moments of stillness – Whether it takes the form of meditation or a quiet cup of coffee to start the day. In our old lives, we often didn’t have the time to appreciate being still. With so much going on and the pressure to be productive, try and find a few minutes of stillness in your day to reset and acknowledge what you’re feeling.
Cry it out – As I mentioned above, all your feelings are valid during this time. While everyone is trying to show how much they’re keeping it together, the truth is that things are hard for everyone. Don’t try and hold your emotions in. Sometimes a good cry is just what you need to reset your feelings. Personally, I’ve found more than one day since isolation where a good cry helped me recognize what I’m really feeling.
Buy yourself something – If you’re in the position to do so, don’t feel bad about buying yourself something. Purchase a cute straw bag or pretty dress. While you might not be able to wear it much now, purchasing something to wear later can help to give you hope for what’s to come.
Find a meditative hobby – It’s so easy right now to get caught up in a million episodes on Netflix. But a great way to practice self care during isolation is to find a meditative hobby that takes your mind off things. For me, I just bought an adult coloring book and box of markers. Something as simple as coloring for a few minutes at the end of the day helps me get out of my funk. Just remember this doesn’t have to be some new skill that you’ve mastered by being productive. Just something simple and easy that makes you feel calm.
Get active – A quick burst of physical activity can do wonders for your mind. Our world has gotten so much smaller during this time, which means we’re naturally moving less. Take some time to do something physical. But don’t feel pressured to become your fittest self. A quick 30-min yoga flow or a socially distanced stroll around the block (go in the AM to avoid people) can change the way you feel.
Limit your news intake – I’ve fallen into this trap numerous times. I go down a rabbit hole of news articles about coronavirus that leave me feeling depleted and stressed. Try to limit how much you’re taking in, as we can only process so much info at once. Stick to reputable sources like the CDC in the US or RIVM in the NL, and avoid too many articles share on social media.
Call or text a friend – Humans are built as pack animals, meaning we need human interaction to survive. Find small means of human connectedness like a quick phone call or text to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. I promise it’ll make you feel better.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Even if you’re practicing self care, there might be times when things feel overwhelming. Remember that you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend, family member, or someone impartial to express what you’re feeling. Of course, I’m always here if you need an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. We are all in this together.
My favorite products during isolation:
