Self-Care In The Time Of Quarantine
Remember the old days when a break from the outside world was something we used to crave? When staying indoors was a source of comfort?
Be careful what you wish for!
Now that we are all cooped up indoors, we latch on to media as our only remaining connection to the outside world. There is an overwhelming surge of information and emotions that are piling up, one on top of the other, like the world’s most unpleasant cake. Layer after layer of displeasure and we have no choice but to digest it. This multifold manifestation of stress is chipping away at our sanity, health, and inner peace.
We need to remember, during these difficult days, to take care of our mind and body. How can we care for our loved ones, if we cannot care for ourselves? The body is yearning to be pampered and nurtured, and the mind needs our attention more than ever. The good news is, there are a few ways to reclaim sanity and celebrate good health without spending too much time and energy. Here are a few tips to reintroduce a little bit of bliss into our lives.
1. Make your bed.
As Plato said, “A good start is half the battle.”
Your day starts and ends with your bed. You may not realize it, but this big welcoming mass of comfort and coziness can be an indirect source of stress if not taken care of properly.
Start your day by making your bed. Several studies indicate that making your bed first thing in the morning puts your mind in a productive mindset and can encourage you to be productive throughout the day. A well-made bed is pleasing to look at and ignites a small sense of pride. Once your bed is made, it is unlikely that you would try to go back to bed during the day.
Keep your sheets clean. Our body sheds skin, a lot of it, throughout the day and night. To add to the list, we also sweat a considerable amount while we sleep. Our bedsheets and mattress absorb and collect this waste. When this matter stays accumulated, it can cause skin irritation, breakouts, infections, dust mites, allergies, and even affects your hair.
Wash your sheets at least once in two weeks. If you sweat a lot in general, wash them once a week. Let your mattress breathe. Remove all bed coverings and let the mattress air dry before you make your bed. Make this a habit and you will be rewarded with better skin, less hair fall, and better sleep.
2. Drink some tea, sweet pea.
Tea rituals and ceremonies are an important part of many cultures. They share some common aspects such as appreciation of the small things in life, pausing the day to elevate seemingly simple activities, and a heightened sense of awareness of the moment.
Preparing and drinking tea can be a sensual experience. The aesthetic, aroma, taste, and simplicity of the drink is almost as if it were curated to calm. It does not demand a lot of skill and gives you a chance to pause your day, step away from the chaos and enjoy a moment of bliss.
Drinking tea can also have health benefits depending on the kind of tea you choose. Chamomile and Lavender is a great option to drink right before bed or during menstrual cramps. It helps soothe your stomach during those lactose intolerant days and overall just smells incredible.
Peppermint is a go-to gut-healing concoction. It is full of antioxidants that improve your skin health and boost your immune system. As an additional perk, it even fights bad breath! Green tea is probably the most popular option and needs no introduction. The catechins in green tea lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve blood flow, and even reduce cell damage. It’s a “superdrink” that takes you less than five minutes to prepare.
3. Stretch!
If you often find that your legs or arms tend to fall asleep or your hip and back cracks a lot when you workout, it is very likely that this is due to a lack of stretching. If you have a desk job that requires you to sit for extended periods of time, stretching must be a part of your everyday life.
The simple act of stretching can significantly improve blood circulation which dramatically reduces head rushes, fights numbness in your extremities, and even improves cell turnover. If you are not the graceful type and find it difficult to hold poses, regular stretching can help increase your flexibility.
Stretching first thing in the morning will give you that strong boost of energy that you so desperately need to keep you from going back to bed. Anytime you find fatigue knocking on your door, give it a sharp no by doing a quick stretch. If you enjoy stretching, make it a whole experience by playing some soothing music in the background and staying mindful in the moment.
Grab a yoga mat, light a candle, and pamper that body of yours.
4. Pamper your skin.
Skin is the largest organ in the body. Somehow, it is also the most largely ignored. You may not realize, but your skin talks to you, tells you what it needs, and yearns for some special care and love on a daily basis.
It is vital to keep in touch with your body and notice all the non-verbal cues it gives you. Your skin has an amazing way of showing you what it needs. Is it flakey and dry? Does it get oily right after consuming fried food? Do you break out after a night of drinking? All these examples are clues that tell you what kind of skin you have, what triggers unpleasantness, and what soothes it.
Drink water throughout the day and your skin will glow with joy. Dry brush your skin before a shower and exfoliate regularly to improve cell turnover. If a certain type of food irritates your skin, avoid it. Pamper your skin with gentle cleansing, sheet masks, moisturizers, and serums. Follow a regular skincare routine every morning and night. Protect and pamper your skin now to enjoy youthful and healthy skin in your later years.
5. Comfort food!
These are difficult times, and there are moments when eating clean, doing juice cleanses, following strict diets, and staying motivated all the time becomes too much to handle. It is important to let yourself know that you can allow yourself to indulge a little now and then.
Food is the most primitive form of comfort. A whiff can trigger nostalgic memories, warm thoughts, and transport you to a different time.
If you’re missing your grandmother, whip up her favorite recipe. If you’re missing that charming Parisian cafe, curl up in your cozy nook with a cup of chocolate. Food has the power to be therapeutic for many people. It makes us feel good, cared for, satisfied and comforted.
Enjoy some warm mac and cheese, a scrumptious pie, or a slice of rich chocolate cake. My favorite is this easy to make pan-roasted garlicky potatoes.
Just keep in mind that it is important to stay mindful and indulge only as much as your body can take without making it feel overwhelmed. Portion control is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Grab a spoon!
I will be back soon with more on self-care. Until then, try these tips and let me know if you enjoyed it in the comments. Cheers to cozy comforts!
