There is one message that continues to be passed around in this time stuck at home: if you don’t come out of this time of isolation with some new skill or accomplishment, then you are a failure. I’d like to debunk this idea and tell you that however you choose to deal with this unprecedented time is perfectly okay. While at home, focus on self care first, accomplishments second (if at all). Read on for the ideas I’m using for my own self care routine at home.
“If you do not come out of this self-quarantine with some new skill or accomplishment, you are a failure. ” “perfectly okay.”
First and foremost, this is a stressful time. Whether you have lost income, or are feeling bored and in need of social contact, or whether you are suddenly home-schooling your kids, we have all been forced into a rapid change that we were really not prepared for. The first thing you should offer to yourself is some kindness.
We cannot accomplish anything if our mental state is in shambles, so a good self care routine at home is, in my opinion, necessary at this time.
7 Self Care Routine Ideas For Home
1. Start with a Relaxing Aromatherapy Bath.
Whether you are still out in the workforce, or stuck indoors, I can almost guarantee that you have knots in your neck and shoulders from stress and sudden change. Our internal thoughts really do affect our physical bodies.
For this, and especially since massage is off-the-table for the moment, I highly recommend a relaxing aromatherapy bath soak. My favorite Lavender bath foam and epsom salt combo can be found here. Turn the lights off, turn the water on, and prep for an amazing and relaxing bath.
Surround yourself in a calming environment, whether that means candles, flowers, or bubbles. Do this late in the evening so that you can go straight to bed afterwards.
2. Daily Journaling.
Journaling is particularly useful if you are finding yourself stuck in a negative thought pattern. It’s a great way to release your emotions onto paper, and then move on with your day., hopefully with a clear brain Feel free to write out all of your fears, worries, and frustrations.
I suggest you to end each entry with one to three things that you are grateful for today. It can be anything, nomatter how small, from a delicious breakfast to the springtime blossoms.
Make sure to purchase a nice hardcover book like this one rather than a plain spiral notebook. I find that things feel more inspiring and official in a “real” journal. And if you use the link above, you have a million different cover designs to choose from at a great price.
3. Using Sheet Masks.
Years ago, I visited South Korea for the first time. I found the country to be beautiful and vibrant, full of art. On this visit, I was introduced to the “K-Beauty” world, including the at-home sheet masks that are now so popular in the USA. My absolute favorite brand is the one I first tried in Korea, Nature Republic, which I repurchase here each time I run low. My skin always feels so moisturized and clear afterwards. Some other brands I’ve tried have irritated my skin, so now this is the only brand I will use. Gentle, and effective.
4. Essential Oils Soaps.
We have all probably tried one of the many homemade soap companies by now, and usually I’m fairly pleased with the quality and the scents. However, a friend introduced me to the absolute best natural soaps in the world, with the most delicious scents I’ve ever smelled. My favorites are Frankincense & Myrrh and Rosemary Mint. I typically keep a couple of spare bars in my cabinet and use them as a “treat” when things are stressful or I need a pick me up. ……Yep, I’ve used up almost my whole stockpile in the last two months! I highly recommend.
5. Take Naps.
I have to be honest, I am not personally a nap person. I’ve never been able to take them, ever! Even now. But I know many people who are taking advantage of the extra downtime by taking naps here and there, either when their small children are sleeping OR just to wind down and give their brain a rest. Sometimes I wish I could nap! By all means, if you can, then do.
6. Use an Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
I’ve been using these for years, ever since my first time in Thailand, where I couldn’t escape the delicious citrus, ginger and lemongrass scents (nor did I want to!). I love essential oil diffusers and have two in my current apartment.
All you have to do is put a few drops of a relaxing scent into the water, turn on, and breathe in. Instant relaxation. I’ve tried three brands and had great luck with this diffuser. The best feature is the timer button; on your way out the door you can set it to run for an hour (or more) so that when you come back, it smells like heaven. Different scents to try range from eucalyptus to peppermint to rosemary, as well as my current favorite, lavender oil.
7. Meditation or Calming Music.
What I love about the Insight Timer app is that it offers both guided meditations as well as calm and relaxing music, and each track is categorized for specific times of day. There are prompts for the morning to get you energized and started with your day, and there are relaxing tracks of music and guided meditation for sleep, as well. And, even if you think meditation is not for you, the musical tracks are wonderful. Download it to your phone today and give it a try! It’s free, so why not?
With the exception of napping, I’ve been doing all of these self care routine ideas at certain points during quarantine, and they work wonderfully. You don’t need to do ALL of them each day; you can do as many or as few in one day as you need. One thing I like to do is combine two at once, like soaking in the bath while your meditation music is playing quietly. Beautiful.
And most importantly, cut yourself some slack if you are not meeting lofty goals each day.
Don’t even listen to the pressure of leaving quarantine with 6 new languages learned, the cleanest house on earth, or a completely finished manuscript written. You are human and you are dealing with many external and internal stressors right now. Take care of yourself first. Then, and only once you feel calm, IF you feel like tackling a new challenge, do so with a clear mind.
And if you’re not up for anything new right now, it’s okay. You are doing okay. You’ve got this.
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What are your self care routine ideas and suggestions? Is there anything I’m missing? Leave a comment below if you do any of these already, or have something to add.
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