Now that we are all inside our homes, self-care is something that should not take the backseat. It should rank high in our priority list and not something that we tag as “something I can live without.” If we can carve out time for Netflix and chill, then it means we can make time for self-care. I previously discussed about how self-care should be simple, self-nourishing, and sustainable. Today, I’ll give you steps on how to curate a smashing self-care strategy you can embrace this quarantine season.
SET TIME FOR YOURSELF: It will not miraculously fall in your lap. You’re not going to have an energy boost if you don’t move. It is all about the willingness to start. Choose a schedule and stick to it. Jot it down on your planner as part of the things you need to do if you’re the type who loves keeping a list. Soon, it will be part of your routine that it becomes a habit.
LIVE IN THE NOW: Instead of whining about your lack of materials, appreciate what you have. Be present in the moment. Take the time to talk to your body. You’ll soon find yourself falling in love with the here and now. Speak kindly to yourself and say, “I love you!” or “I love taking care of you!” Your body needs as much love as you are trying to give the other people in your life. Rid your vocabulary of all your “if’s,” “but’s,” “should’s,” and “must’s,” and live in the now.
CHOOSE ACTIVITIES THAT NOURISH YOU: If your loved ones have a different way of doing their self-care, please do not be pressured to imitate and let them be. Choose to do things your way. There is no right or wrong way of doing self-care. Choose what is nourishing for your body. Choose what feels right. Self-care is personal. Do what is best for you.
ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH RECKLESS ABANDON: Do things because you enjoy them. Do things out of love and creativity. Engage in activities you have been wanting to try for the longest time. When something is starting to make you lethargic, it is no longer self-care. Self care is supposed to uplift you, not something that’s supposed to make you feel lazy or heavier.
MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE: Revisit your storage places, see what’s lying around the house, and maximize these things. Go ahead and go crazy on DIY recipes! A good substitute for massages would be yoga classes, you can research local studios and join their online offerings. If you prefer something that does not entail any cost, YouTube has a lot of free workout videos. Choose one that fits your needs, capacity, or level of expertise. By engaging in proper movement, you are relieving your body of stress even without the help of your favorite masseuse. You can also make a body scrub using olive oil and sugar. The internet can provide you with the best DIY ideas. Get out of your comfort zone and unleash your creative side!
TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SPA: Whip out those scented candles, mugs, body oils, perfume, room scents, bedsheets, and whatever you’ve hidden in your attic. Now is the perfect time to pamper yourself. You deserve it! Don’t let them rot and go to waste tucked away from usefulness. Stop saving them for special days, make the quarantine a special period. Take care of yourself using all these things because, at the end of the day, you’ll be thankful that you maximized these things that were gifted and given you.
HAVE YOUR QUIET TIME: Whether it is during your workout time or journaling, make time to reflect, devote, and pray.
Whatever problem this quarantine season throws your way, choose to recharge and care for yourself so you can face these challenges with strength. Treat yourself better because you deserve better. The more love and care you give yourself, the more you’ll have to share with your loved ones. When life feels too heavy, choose to do self-care ideas. More often than not, these three things are more than enough. What are your favorite self-care strategies? Share them with me because I’d love to know! – WITH PAU DE VERA