These days, it is more difficult to set up self-care as you feel that you have unlimited time at home. Self-care is such a vital tool in keeping our bodies and minds strong. But what does it mean to self-care, especially now while a global pandemic is in place? Though as the days go on and we are still encouraged to stay home, you are still able to make your days special in ways we only imagine before. Here are 5 simple ways to promote self-care during quarantine.
1. Get outside!
Go on a quick walk around the neighborhood. Meditate at the park during your lunch break. Ride your bike to do small tasks like going to the store around the corner for quick essentials. Getting outside will make you feel better. Dedicate a time of your day to involve yourself in simple ways to give your immune system a boost. Taking in airborne chemicals from oxygen helps the human body fight off other harmful chemicals.
Plants are nature’s medicine. So embracing nature and outdoor activity as much as possible is going to have a positive effects on you both short-term and long-term. Try going outdoors daily. Hydrate, apply and re-apply sunscreen, or bug repellent spray when necessary, and you will be supporting your self-care in no time in a very easy way.
2. Prepare your meals.
Whether we want to or not, we have to eat. Eating healthy is a huge part of self-care and it boosts your immune system. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and plenty of water are all quite important. Take in those carbohydrates in the morning before any type of movement or exercise to fully wake your mind and body. As the day goes on try to eat more protein, vegetables and fruits, which will maintain your energy longer.
We can still meal prep even if we do not leave our homes. By doing so, it allows you to control your portions, control your time cooking and maintain your schedule. Once you grocery shop, keep an inventory of food that takes longer to cook versus the food that can be prepared quickly. As you prepare lunch or dinner, make more food than anticipated that will automatically provide some extra meals. Although you are not organizing Tupperware for days, you are technically meal prepping and that counts for something! Take care of your hunger needs and future meals to have more time for other things that support self-care.
3. Sign up for an Online Dance Class
If dance is an interest of yours then this is a must! Taking online dance classes is actually easier than attending the studio and registering for classes that still have capacity. This is a simple way to engage with the community and be social without putting anyone at risk.
The first step is creating online accounts for certain platforms like, YouTube and Instagram. You subscribe to workout accounts on YouTube and find the content that works for you, and follow accounts on Instagram where you have instant content and updates on class schedules and daily challenge videos. You can also take a look at your local gym or studio to see if they provide ballet or barre classes. Once you have chosen a class, all you need to do is get some dance practice outfits and prepare your body to be active. The possibilities right now of learning a new skill from the comfort of your own home seem to be endless with Internet access. With the right equipment and person to follow, anyone stuck at home can still be active. This can be your time to shine! You never know where new opportunities will take you or what will happen until you take that leap of faith.
Some unique Instagram influencers to follow are: @theballetspot, @tdw_thedancersworkout, @dance.alone.together and @mindbody. YouTube accounts that provide variety on workouts are: Madfit, Blogilates and POPSUGAR Fitness.
4. Start a DIY Project
Is there a project you have always wanted to try but didn’t have the time for? Perhaps you want to paint, or build something. It does not have to be a big project, just something that you can work on over time perhaps weekly or on the weekends. It is time to check out those tagged items or saved content on your Pinterest / Instagram to get inspiration and figure out what project would be satisfactory once completed. This is a simple way to be crafty while saving money.
5. Create Your Own Schedule
Sticking to a schedule is important for our weekly routines. Differentiating what we tend to do on the weekends versus the weekdays can be useful when you work from home. With that being said, self-care can be compromised if we do not allow some time for ourselves. Scheduling some time with your loved ones and maintaining your work schedule intact are key when it comes to routine.
While taking time for yourself might look like reading a book, or meal prepping, there are plenty of other things you can do for yourself. Learn a new language, paint and draw, or learn how to bake your favorite dessert.
Setting goals and daily reminders are helpful when keeping a schedule. Create your schedule and keep yourself accountable by putting it on your phone calendar.
According to Active Minds, self-care is important to maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. This means doing things to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that promote well being and reduce stress. Find your inner passion, learn a new skill, and schedule a date night with yourself. All of these simple actions can be a part of your self-care regimen.