30 Ways to Practice Self-Care While Social Distancing
This has been a weird few weeks for everyone. With everything going on right now it's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, scared, lonely, and even bored. A lot of change has been thrust on us at once. We're all social distancing. During times like these it's so important to dedicate time each day to practicing self-care while social distancing and finding moments of joy where you can.
So I put together a list of ways you can practice self-care while social distancing.
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Read a book
Now's the time to starting working on your 2020 Goodreads goal. Crack open a new crime thriller (highly recommend The Final Girls by Riley Sager and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides).
Pro tip: Reading is more fun when you do it together. Grab some friends and start a virtual book club!
Start on that project or hobby you've been talking about
I'm always saying things like "I'd love to do more of ______ if only I had more time" Well, whether or not the circumstances are ideal, now is certainly the time!
Learn something new
The internet is a beautiful thing! Whether you've always wanted to learn to crochet, or code, or FINALLY learn the dance to Lady Gaga's song Bad Romance (anyone???) there's almost nothing you can't learn on the internet.
Take a long bath
Relax those muscles! Put on some music, light some candles, throw in a bath bomb, pour a glass of wine, pull out a book, there are so many ways to have an epic bath night. This has been one of my favorite ways to practice self-care while social distancing because it's something I don't normally have time for so it feels like a special way to take care of my mental health during this stressful time.
Go to bed early or stay in late
Craving some extra sleep? You deserve it!
Or wake up early
Since I'm working from home right now, it's tempting to sleep until 8:55, pull my laptop into bed and get right to work (and, trust me, I've had a few of those days so far). But I've also been making sure to wake up early some days. I used to spend 2 hours a day commuting. So I've been making sure to spend the time I used to spend commuting doing something that feels good. Whether that's opening up the blinds and watering the plants, sitting down with a cup of tea, practicing yoga, or getting a few extra minutes of writing in.
Get dressed up for no reason
Because why not? Dig into your closet and pull out the fanciest outfit you own and wear it around the house. Bonus: Have an at-home photo shoot after.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Feeling lonely? You're not alone. Make sure to call or video chat with friends and family during this time. I find it easiest when we schedule phone calls or zoom chats ahead of time.
Be present
Stuck in your apartment with a friend, roommate, or partner? Practice being present with each other. Put down all distractions and just talk!
Exercise daily
I don't think I could survive this without my daily walks. Just make sure to keep your 6 foot distance and avoid congested areas. If you prefer to stay inside, there are plenty of trainers and websites offering free work outs right now.
Paint Your Nails
Or invest in some press ons or gel strips for a more foolproof option. I find doing my nails so relaxing and I love how pretty they look after!
Meditate
Meditation apps like Headspace and Simple Habit are offering some free meditation sessions right now so that you can take care of your mental health while we're all social distancing.
Make a list of things you're grateful for
This is actually my favorite thing to do when I'm having trouble sleeping! I'll spend time making a mental list of everything and everyone I'm grateful for until I start feeling sleepy.
Make Marie Kondo proud and get a head start on spring cleaning
Organize your closet, your pantry, your vanity, or the pile of clothes that's been sitting on the floor (oops).
Have a Netflix party
Pick a movie, grab some friends (virtually, of course) and head to Netflixparty.com. It's a free Chrome Browser extension that allows you and your friends to watch a movie and chat throughout the movie. The best part? It syncs you up to the second so that you don't have to worry about anyone being a few seconds ahead or behind and giving away any spoilers.
Bake a cake
It's fun and yummy!
Play a board game
If you're quarantining with friends or family or a partner, there are plenty of games to keep you occupied. My current favorites are Monopoly Deal, Ticket to Ride, and Fluxx.
In search of some virtual games to play? Download a Jackbox party pack, start a zoom party and share your screen with the other contestants. Everyone uses their smartphone as a controller, so you can easily play from a distance!
Watch all 15 season's of Grey's Anatomy
Because you finally have the time.
Spend a few extra minutes on your skincare routine
There's nothing I find more relaxing than spend a few extra minutes double cleansing or masking.
Listen to a new podcast
I'm personally a fan of true crime podcasts (currently loving Someone Knows Something and Generation Why), but there are podcasts out there for everyone!
Redecorate
Now's the perfect time to move around your furniture and create the perfect work-from-home space or transform your bedroom into a tranquil getaway.
Light a candle
We can all use some aromatherapy right now! Candles can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Plus, they're pretty and they make your home smell nice. Win-win! Lately I've been loving my candles from NEST and Otherland Co.
Start journaling
Times are stressful. Write it out.
Wash your makeup brushes
Your skin will thank you for it.
Clean up your camera roll
You know all those random screenshots or the thousands of photos of your dog saved on your phone? Clean them up! delete the ones you don't need, or upload them to google drive for later.
Have a virtual happy hour
Make a cocktail and grab some friends or cowrkers on facetime.
Create a playlist
My current work from home playlist is a lot of Britney... mostly I just play Work Bitch on repeat.
Start a blog or a YouTube channel
Have something you're good at or passionate about? Start a blog and write it out or share it with the world on YouTube!
Experiment with new makeup looks
I almost always stick to natural eye looks because I'm scared of experimenting - but I'm thinking now's the time to crack open my Violet Voss Bright Vibes palette and test some new looks.
Take a break from your phone
It's all too tempting to want to stay connected to the news right now, but sometimes the best self care is allowing your self to disconnect from it all.
How have you been practicing self care while social distancing?
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