Self-Care is important during Quarantine.
Are you feeling like I am? A little bit “all over the place”? Although being under quarantine will not last forever, it is our situation for now. Consider using my Self-Care Suggestions During Quarantine, they may help!
Yesterday was one of those days. I felt all over the place: up, down, etc. I came to the realization that we are all going to have moments like this… and probably on a daily basis for a while.
We’ve seen articles on what to do to keep your family busy and entertained (heck, I wrote one myself!), but we need to do a little “self-care” as well!
Self-Care is important during quarantine! Do you need a “time-out”? (Time-outs are good for all of us, and they help keep away the “grumpies”!).
You cannot take care of everyone else without doing a little something to take care of YOU!
Take Five Minutes For You
Instructions:
Scroll down and if something grabs you and helps your heart, ACT on it, ENJOY it, KEEP it.
The goal is to encourage you to take just a few minutes for yourself.
Note: All Self-Care Suggestions During Quarantine graphics were created with a variation of the color orange as that is a happy and uplifting color. (Whatever it takes, right?)
Go!
Self-Care Quarantine Suggestion #1: Breathe
I chose “Breathe” as Self-care Suggestions #1 because it can be a great way to start your day.
Take a few deep breaths right as you get out of bed, perhaps add a few stretches, and start your day!
Walking outside with a cup of coffee and breathing in the fresh air is a nice option as well!
Self-Care Quarantine Suggestion #2: Journaling
Journaling early in the day will allow you to free your mind of yesterday’s worries. You can use this time to vent, strategize on making the day a good day, or even start a project by creating an outline in advance.
I write a minimum of 750 words each morning before I do anything else. I use a website called 750words.com and I absolutely love it.
You can also write it out to a friend or loved one via email or a hand-written letter.
I have friends who do prayer journaling every day. What a beautiful way to start a day! (And how sweet to include the people you love in this special journaling method!).
Note: This is my favorite of the Self-Care Suggestions During Quarantine!
Self-Care Quarantine Suggestion #3: Exercise
As I mentioned earlier, yesterday was a challenging day for me. (As it was for many).
While discussing it with my husband, his input was that we really need to get focused on healthy eating and exercise, and he was so right! We are starting today!
What better way to start something positive during this challenging time! (Healthy habits for the win!)
And for me… it means actually feeling like I am in control of something! (Because life feels a bit out of control right now).
Make time to add fitness to your day. We are going to start today (even though our kids don’t know this yet), with the Chris Freytag “30-day challenge” from December! (Thus the Christmas graphic!).
It’s simple and to the point, and if you must, you can do different parts during the day! (I did that in December).
We’ll complete this activity with 30 minutes of cardio for now, and add additional exercises as we go into each new week.
If you have an exercise bike, treadmill, access to an exercise channel, or if you feel comfortable walking your dog (while still keeping your distance from others), then those are great options as well!
Let’s get those endorphins going!
Self-Care Quarantine Suggestion #4: Laugh!
We need to laugh!
Monday afternoon, I was making chicken tacos while everyone else in the family was doing “their thing”.
I had the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie” on in the background and it made me laugh – as in belly laugh – multiple times! It made me very aware that I needed that!
If you haven’t seen Grace and Frankie, I highly recommend it. And if you want to jump forward just this ONE time to see what I was laughing at, watch Season 4, Episode 6. (Grace and Frankie is also an awesome choice because there are multiple seasons to binge-watch!).
ANYWAY (sorry, I got sidetracked)… put on a funny show, a podcast you love (positive only!), and FEEL something other than what you have been feeling during this challenging time.
You might also partake in one of MY favorite things – music! Put on the tunes and dance! Sing, dance, turn it into a Tik Tok video, or whatever you like. (There are no rules here).
And if you’re daring enough… agree to watch those ridiculously scary movies others in your family may like. (Sigh).
I did this a few days ago and watched, “Countdown” with the “fam” on Amazon Prime. Was it an award winner? No. Was it a good distraction? Yes. (I may have jumped out of my skin and screamed a few times!).
Self-Care Quarantine Suggestion #5: Relax
This final self-care nudge is at the end because it would be a nice way to end your day before attempting “sleep”.
I chose a photo for this section of a bubble bath because that is one of my favorite ways to relax and escape! I love doing this later in the evening before TV time with my hubby. It relaxes me and starts my wind-down time.
However, maybe you are an avid reader and reading is what calms you a bit.
Maybe end-of-day is a time you can take for yourself to pray or meditate.
Lighting candles (at any time of day), is also a nice little nudge to relax.
My daughter uses an infuser and that can be really nice too!
Most relatable advice found this week:
When I saw this graphic on Instagram, I saved it immediately.
What sentiments could be more appropriate for “now”?
One step at a time…
In summary…
You’ve taken the first step, now take a little time for YOU when you can.
Please use my Self-Care Suggestions During Quarantine…
But if you can’t find the time… grab the Milano cookies and run! Lock yourself in the bathroom like the commercial! (“It’s Dad”). It’s worth a try!
(And if nothing else, you took a few minutes to read this post! High five to YOU Self-Care Superstar!)
Take care of yourself, and I will do the same.
Fondly,
Kim
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Thanks, Kim for the great suggestions. Still haven’t watched the suggested sit com but have it on my list of “to-dos”.
Have a great day.
P
And you have a great day, Phyllis!