Self-care is a personal journey [1] that's unique to everyone. The things I do at home to practice self-care [2] may not be what work for you, and that's OK. But right now, while the whole world is focussed on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic [3], we have to figure out ways to practice self-care at home that will keep us safe and sane. Having to stay home can be really hard for some people, which is why self-care is more important than ever. If you feel like you're struggling a little bit with stress [4] and you want to take care of yourself, I came up with 13 things you can try at home to recentre your mind and make it through the day.
Watch Your Favourite Movie From Childhood
Times might have been a little simpler when you were younger, so consider streaming one of your favourite movies from yesteryear [5] to have a chill moment.
Turn Up the Music and Dance
Studies have actually shown that music makes you feel better [6], so if you need some time to centre yourself, crank up some music and dance around. Not only will the music itself ease any stress you might have, but dancing will also keep your blood pumping and the oxygen flowing.
Have a Drink
Go ahead and have that glass of wine if it'll help you relax and clear your mind. Just remember to cut yourself off a couple hours before bed to ensure you get restful sleep [7].
Stay Active
Exercising obviously has a wealth of benefits outside of weight loss. Moving around and getting your heart rate up can boost your mood and keep you busy. If your version of self-care is distraction, exercise is a great option to do at home.
Take a Bath
Whether it's a bath or a shower, this form of relaxation can give you respite from an otherwise busy day. Even if it's just a quick shower to rinse off whatever's weighing you down, it can help some people.
Put Away Your Phone
Social media can be a totally mixed bag of good and bad. Sometimes putting away your phone [8] can help alleviate stress and reset your mind on positive things. Especially right now with everything going on in the world, constantly reading about it can get heavy. Give yourself time to break away from technology and just be alone with yourself.
Sleep
If a nap is your form of self-care, then do it. If your brain is going a mile a minute and you just want to give it a break, let yourself rest and sleep and get back to everything else when you wake up.
Clean Everything
Right now is a great time to clean everything around the house [10]. Put on some music and scrub and vacuum everything so you have a fresh space to lounge around in.
Write Something
Sometimes putting pen to paper just feels so good. Don't let yourself think you have to write something coherent — maybe you just want to doodle a picture. But getting out some paper and a pen will give you something to focus on.
Cook Yourself Something
Cooking is another thing that can keep you busy if you need something to do. If your form of self-care involves creativity, try coming up with a new recipe or experimenting with baking.
Meditate
Meditation isn't for everyone, but it could help you if you need silence and calm. Meditation can make you less stressed, which might be the kind of self-care you need.
Snuggle Your Pet
If you have a pet, let them be your form of self-care [11]. They just want to love you, so give them some snuggles and play with them, and you might just feel a little better.
Get Dolled Up
Even though everyone is stuck indoors right now, it's still a great time to treat yourself. Who's to say you can't do your makeup and hair and get dressed up for you? Put on a cute outfit, make yourself dinner, and have a lovely night in on the couch. Sometimes keeping a bit of normalcy when the world isn't, well, normal is exactly what you need to take care of yourself.