From watching the news a little too much to scrolling through the bottomless pits of Facebook updates, it’s easy to get stuck in the gravitational pull currently keeping time frozen in orbit. Just know you’re not alone. We all have to make sure we maintain our mental health through all of this with self-care. It’s crucial during this time, and it’s critical in maintaining your physical health as well. These five acts of self-care will help you take care of your mind, body, and spirit while you are in self isolation.
Find Your Happy Place
Take a break from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and unplug from social media. Install a website blocker and temporarily force yourself off websites like Facebook, limiting your exposure to that toxic soup. Instead, take the time you would spend worrying and rediscover your joy. Embrace the gratitude you have for health and wellness. Self-reflection gives our lives a different point of view, helping us to learn, grow, and appreciate life with the understanding that everything is going to be alright.
- Recall a time when you were at your happiest.
- Think of the places that make you smile.
- Corral a place in your backyard, porch, or remove your patio covers to create a space where you can find peace.
- Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Count to ten.
- Open your eyes with a new and fresh outlook on the world around you.
- Explore an app like Headspace or Calm that features guided meditations and tips for relaxation
Find Time to Unwind
Being in social isolation feels like it has two speeds: Wound tighter than a top or stuck on the couch in a fit of malaise. It’s critical to find something to take the edge off. Before you reach for the nearest Quarantini cocktail, why not pick up a new hobby? Occupying your free time with low stress hobbies is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of working from home. Make time for whatever you enjoy, doing the things that make you happy. Spend time reading, writing, knitting, upcycling, painting, or meditating. You might even rediscover joy in old hobbies made new again with all this time you have on your hands.
Get Outside
The importance of fresh air can never be overstated. Working from home has turned the comfort and familiarity of our safe spaces into offices equipped for whatever productivity throws our way. In adapting to these changes, we must now find new ways to enjoy our homes without the looming thought of work interrupting our play. Getting outside and exercising has been proven to improve mood and boost the immune system. Spending time in the sun nourishes the body in natural light, providing essential doses of Vitamin D. A yoga session or some cardio exercises done in the backyard gets you out of the house and into shape – even when your gym is closed.
Compliments to the Chef
Exercising doesn’t have to be your only outdoor activity. Instead of being an added source of stress in the time of self isolation, cooking can actually be an act of self-care. Grilling out is a great way to unwind and spend quality time with your family, and gets you out of the house and into fresh air. Take off your outdoor kitchen cover and serve up five star home cuisine all while getting your daily dose of Vitamin D. And if you’re already an accomplished chef, get back to basics and make pasta or bake bread from scratch. The possibilities for keeping busy in the kitchen are endless when you discover the power and passion in easy gourmet cooking.
We’re All in this Together
Making a difference in someone’s life is one of the best ways to find purpose in this era of keeping social distance. Humans need a fulfilling community to be happy and healthy. Reach out to friends and family. It’s never been easier to connect with the people we hold nearest and dearest, whether that be through a phone call or a video chat. If you’re able, you may even consider venturing out of self quarantine to help those in need. Runs to the grocery store or pharmacy make all the difference in the world to neighbors, friends, or family unable to do so for themselves. No matter the contribution, you can take pride knowing that you’ve done something good for your community and made a difference in the lives of others.
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