Lockdown can be tough, lonely and frustrating. However, it’s important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care. Here are five self-care tips that will help relax your mind and keep you energized.
1. Stay Active
Exercise is really good for both our physical and mental health. This doesn’t have to be a full body home workout. Simply going for a walk, a jog or a bike ride around your block is a good way to get moving and clear your head.
2. Reconnect
Despite being cooped up in our homes, there are other ways to stay in touch with loved ones. Have virtual meet-ups with your friends and family, host an online movie marathon or just give them a call on the phone the old-fashioned way. Starting your day by chatting on the phone to someone you care about will put you in a much more positive mood.
3. Read a book
Start with the book your favourite movie is based off. Ask friends for recommendations. Reading can be extremely relaxing as it helps you to escape from reality for a bit.
4. Declutter
Did you know that decluttering helps to relieve the stress as well as make you feel more comfortable and happier in your home? Marie Kondo, the author, suggests you simplify and organise your home space by getting rid of physical items that do not spark joy. Pick a shelf to start with then take it one drawer at a time.
Photo by @tailadanae
5. Take time out
If you’re caught up in the daily routine and are desperate for a quick remedy to refuel your own tank, take a much-needed time out to get your mojo back and feel energized again. You can either get up an hour earlier before the kids and have a cup of warm coffee, watch a show, read a devotion or just relax. You may also indulge in a 20 minutes power nap together with your kids. Kids won’t nap? Declare a ‘rest time’ when everyone lays down for at least 15 minutes. Maybe one of the kids will doze off anyway!