AD | Self-care is one of those Marmite topics, isn’t it? Some of us love it, some of us feel guilty about it, and some of us have no clue how to do it at all. But taking care of our mental and physical health is something that needs to be spoken about, and most especially right now. Because it really shouldn’t be brushed to one side as a matter of no importance. So here are some tried and tested (by me) simple ways to practise self-care during isolation, and also beyond into our new normal, whatever that may look like.
What does self-care during isolation mean to you?
Before you start planning a self-care routine, you need to decide what self-care means to you. Because for some, it will be all about the body, whereas for others, mental health is paramount. And for many of us, it will be a combination of both. But whatever you decide on, make sure you set aside some time to practise your self-care during isolation. If a full day is too much, consider taking half a day, like Jenny in Neverland advocates. Or if even that’s too much, block out an hour early in the morning or last thing at night. Whatever is going to work best for you, without causing you additional stress. But making time for self-care during isolation should be one of your absolute goals, whether you’re self-isolating, or with a partner, or with your family.
Take your time
Taking time out for reading is one of my greatest pleasures. True, I tend to do most of mine in bed before lights out, but that 30 minutes is the most wonderful wind-down and escape from the day’s hustle and bustle. If you’re crafty (or not), why not have a go at some decopatch? Flora and I both love this activity, plus we have something pretty to show at the end of it, win win. Or you could try some colouring books, which are known to be a calming activity for adults as well as children. And I’ve had a lot of fun getting my bake on with Flora recently to produce some rather delicious cakes 🙂 We’ve also had fun with a box of old photos and created some photo albums of treasured memories. And on the same note, Flora is creating a happiness jar, helping her to remember the good things about this incredible period of history we’re living through right now.
Indulge your senses
I must have over 50 candles that I’ve not used yet. Honestly, I just can’t help myself, I buy them all the time (if you’re ever stuck for a present to get me…) But there’s nothing like the warm glow and scent of a few candles to make you feel happy, is there? And I know how good a foot mask treatment, followed by a fresh manicure and pedicure, makes me feel too. As regular readers of my blog know, I’m a keen gardener and one of my greatest pleasures is cutting fresh flowers for our house. (Although if you can’t grow your own, don’t underestimate the joy of treating yourself to a shop-bought bunch each week!) And something that I’ve always adored is walking barefoot on the grass. Being in such direct contact with Nature has an unwinding and grounding effect on me that nothing else comes close to achieving.
Listen to your body
Of course you can try all the self-care routines you want during isolation but if you’re not listening to your body it’s fruitless. So, accept what you can’t change and let it go. Sleep if you need to. Cry if you want to. Talk to someone if you need to unload. Learn to say no if it means less stress for you. Why not try some CBD oils to help with any anxiety? Be kind to yourself: we’d never speak to or treat a friend the way we sometimes treat ourselves. Oh yes, and try to drink lots of water to give your body a chance to function correctly. Above all else remember this: self-care is not selfish.
Look after your body
Continuing the physical health theme, now’s a great time to think about giving yourself a once over after lockdown is fully lifted. Perhaps consider getting your blood pressure checked. When was the last time you visited the dentist? Has your weight has gone up (guilty as charged) or down? Do you want to start living a healthier lifestyle? And, yes, getting a personal health check is part of self-care too. To make life easier, you can do this online from home, even while in isolation. And if you’re based in the US, you can get $15 off your test here too. Without wanting to preach, I believe it’s really worth doing this because, if left undiagnosed, a STD can have long-lasting and – in some cases – irreversible complications.
Start a bucket list for when things return to the new normal
Because we are going to get through this and it’s vital to have something to look forward to for when that day comes. So go ahead, plan your perfect family holiday, (which countries would you LOVE to visit?), buy that fabulous crushed velvet divan set* for your newly designed bedroom, throw the party to end all parties, go sky-diving, take up pole dancing, learn how to grow your own food, write that novel, and just do whatever the hell it is you’ve always wanted to do. Because life really is too short not to. As Hunter S. Thompson wrote:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
How are you practising self-care during isolation? What are your go-tos that makes you feel good? Have you got any ideas or tips to share?
* This is a sponsored post with affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer).
A few months ago – even before this all happened – I read a blog post that reminded me to make sure I experience as many of the things that I enjoy everyday. So I have a list of things I really love doing, and every day I check off the ones I’ve done – whether it’s doing a crossword, reading, walking (and with that I get extra points if I’ve walked among trees or been near water) or even writing! There are more, but that gives a flavour. During the lockdown period, I’ve found I’m doing more of them consistently than I did before. It doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days, but they’re better than they could have been. Good post, Lisa. And a good reminder.
That sounds wonderful, Graeme. I think, if nothing else, this whole crazy situation is forcing many people to stop and properly evaluate their priorities, and appreciate what they do have. Because once you know that, you know what you need to make yourself feel good. Thank you for such a wonderful comment, and I hope you’ll enjoy many more nature walks to counterbalance the bad days. Stay safe.
I loved this post! Self-care is more important now than ever before. I feel lucky to have so much time to take care of myself at the moment and you’ve shared some fab ideas for my next self-care session! X
Thank you, Rachel, we are lucky, aren’t we? I’m so glad you like some of my ideas – can’t wait to see which ones you use! x
I’ve definitely been trying to take more time for me during this time. Reading and exercising more have been my way of looking after myself!
https://agirlwithview.co.uk/
It’s so important to take care of ourselves, especially when others are relying on us too. Reading is a must for me!
Listening to our bodies is possibly the single most important self-care method we could do. I know I personally don’t do it enough.
Great read!
That’s such a good way of phrasing it! And thank you 🙂
Great ideas – I am feeling a little “stuck” with all this; hopefully this will revive a little spark in me!
Thank you – I’m glad they might be helpful!
Oooh thank you for linking to my post! Much appreciated <3 These are great tips! Self care is so important right now. I'm definitely listening to my body more. In fact, just last night Carl and I were watching a film and I just felt like I needed to do some exercise so I did some jogging and some squats whilst we watched the film and I felt great for it! <3 I've never done that before in my life haha!
It’s funny, I had this post in drafts when I read yours so of course I had to link to you! Yes, we’re under a lot of pressure right now so listening to our bodies is really important. Although I admire your dedication, I don’t think I will EVER feel the need to exercise while I’m watching a film, haha! xx
I’ve been doing so much reading during this quarantine and I love it. I’ve been using the quarantine to help myself get organized and just take a long-needed break from all the hustle and bustle of the world. It’s actually really nice sometimes just being able to relax and take it day-by-day without any stress!
Casey Anne
I’m still working and I’m also homeschooling so I don’t have as much free time for my own self-care as I would like (!) but I do recognise how important it is – reading and getting organised are always on my lists 🙂
This is such an important reminder Lisa, thank you for sharing! I always feel so much better when I take some time out to switch off – my recent favourites are playing my guitar, having a nice bubble bath (yay for candles) or doing some colouring in. I absolutely love the idea of Flora’s happiness jar – that is such a lovely way to focus on the positives 🙂 I have been doing something similar in my bullet journal and it really does help boost my mood. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful suggestions – I definitely need to write my bucket list for when lockdown is over! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Ah, thank you, Bexa, that’s so kind 🙂 And wow, I didn’t realise you played guitar, that’s amazing! Flora’s happiness jar is a bit hit and miss at the moment because there’s so much else going on but she does try and do it every day. Sometimes it’s only the small things like eating chocolate, or Face Timing a friend, but little things do count and will be great memories. And yes, you should get that bucket list started for sure! xxx
I really like the idea of planning ahead and getting excited about what the future holds! Thank you for sharing such lovely ideas of self care, I need daily reminders at the minute!
Ah, you’re so welcome and yes, definitely, plan your bucket list, we all need something to look forward to!
This is such a great post! I’ve been really struggling during isolation and self-care has helped a lot. I’ve been doing a lot of crafting and art as I never normally have the time and I found it so useful as a way to just switch off!
Jess 💚 | https://jessrigg.com
Thank you, Jess 🙂 I have to admit, I’ve done more crafting and baking over the last few weeks than I have all year, haha, but they are wonderful ways to unwind and spend time with Flora so that’s been fab!
I personally really like the idea of making a bucket list for when things get back to normal since you have the time you can actually plan things out and take your time to think about what you like and what you want to do. And as you said you can look forward to something. Great post!
Yessssss, this is it exactly! We have some time now to really research and plan what we’d love to do when we can, that’s such a blessing, I think!
I’ve been struggling with self-care recently and I really need to get better. I have a colouring book I always go to and that seems to help! I love the idea of starting a bucketlist, I’ve lost count on the amount of times I’ve said ‘when all this is over’ so I should really write down my ideas.
Leanne | Latte Leanne xx
That’s so good you know what works for you – I struggle with colouring books a little because my mind shoots off at tangents, but it works for Flora. And yes, definitely, do write down your bucket list to look forward to! x
I really like how you set this post up and didn’t post an One For All guide. During home office it helped me a lot to talk a short walk after work, so to wind down and get a clear cut between “office” and “home” 🙂
Thank you, Susanne, that’s very kind. I can only write about what I know, I’d hate to presume, so I’m very glad that came across. That walk sounds like the perfect divide, that’s great 🙂
Self-care is so important at the moment, isn’t it? I love how self-care is unique to each individual and everyone values it differently. I have been carrying on with my crafts and getting creative; the trouble is I want to make everything! I love the idea of the happiness jar, it is going to be so surreal looking back on this pandemic, isn’t it?
Lovely post!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Yes, absolutely, there is no one size fits all. A bubble bath might work for some but not for me. And I’ve been loving your crafting tutorials, you are so creative 🙂 Fingers crossed for when we do get the day that we can look back and think wow! x
Yeah I agree we should really take time to enjoy this time to ourselves. I bet when we have all learned how to live in lockdown and things return to “normal” we will be missing the social distancing and time to ourselves (minus the whole virus thing).
Ha, I hadn’t thought about that but you could have a point there!
I love this post, and I absolutely love that you’ve linked to a lot of the stuff you were talking about!! My favourite things to do recently have been playing games with my friends online, getting my workouts in, and getting more creative xx
Fy https://cultureeighteen.wordpress.com/
Oh, thank you very much! I can only vouch for what I’ve tried myself but I’m glad it was helpful! xx
Self Care is so important in the times we are living in. Back in Janurary my resolution was to write a book and thankfully I am close to 80,000 word into my first draft. So writing, reading, & hot bubble baths are the way I self care. Thank you for the reminder that I need to do these things more often writing is the only constant I do religiously.
Wow, 80,000 words is amazing, go you! But yes, making a point of time out to unwind and relax is important too – I’m glad this post was helpful 🙂
I definitely need to invest in some spring/summer candles and light them around the house! With two kiddos constantly on the go, it’s hard to find time for self care haha
Oh definitely, haha, but yay, candles make everything feel better!
I like to read as well and watch movies online. Both gives me the temporary escape and solace from what’s going on out there in the world. I’d like to do some colouring too since I have an adult coloring book I bought last year but first I gotta get my hands on some coloring pencils! Haha
Oh and I try to do a skincare pampering, putting on a face mask at least once or twice a week!
Temporary escapes are perfect at the moment, aren’t they? And I love a good face mask too, although I tend to wear mine when I’m cleaning the bathroom, so not exactly how it was designed, haha, but I’m a multi-tasker, what can I say!! x
I love the idea of the happiness jar, I think I’ll challenge myself to doing that one. So many people are baking and I think it’s great. It’s a bit of a cheat, but I’d love to do a cheesecake in the next week or so if that counts!
Cheesecake definitely counts, it’s still creating something from scratch that’s yummy, so it’s a definite win for me!
Love this post! I definitely need to start listening to my body more!
Thank you, I’m glad it was helpful!
Smart advice. We need to take care of ourselves. Every day I do things that I love to keep myself uplifted during this lockdown. I’m luckier then some in that I’m a home body, so I love being at home, I am not suffering a lot from cabin fever, but for those that are they should validate those feelings as you suggested by crying, napping, doing whatever it feels like they need to do. For me, baths are becoming a new norm. They keep away my aches and pains since I can’t see my osteopath and are just relaxing.
Thank you, and yes, we do. But however it works best for us because baths don’t do it for me whereas they clearly do for you 🙂 Although like you I’m a homebird so not that much has changed for me! Stay safe, Giulia x
I think I’m quite good at self care but at nearly 60 I’ve had years of practice although it didn’t always have a label. It really is essential for well being.
Great suggestions and advice
Ha, the label comment made me chuckle! But yes, you’re right, however you call it, it’s essential 🙂
This is a great list of ideas lovely! I actually found it so hard to completely switch of from social media when I was poorly. I missed the engagement. I already have a list of things I want to do and places I want to go when this lockdown is safely lifted! Thank you for some other self care ideas to keep us busy and looking after ourselves xxx
Oh I hope you’re going to blog about your bucket list, I’m sure you’ll have loads of inspiring places to go! And I also hope you’re feeling better now, sending you hugs to stay well xxx
This is such a lovely list, I love the idea of a happiness jar! Wishing you and yours all the best! x
Ashleigh | The Ashmosphere
Thank you so much, that’s very kind, and the same to you! x
A beautiful piece of writing! I love what you say about giving yourself the freedom to nap or cry.
I hear you on having too many unused candles, but now is the perfect time to use them. I recently enjoyed burning a cinnamon candle and reading a book of poetry, though being outside as the world turns green has been so refreshing, it is hard to come inside when the sun sets.
Watching the bees buzzing is a form of self-care for me too. 🙂
Oh Jaya, coming from you, thank you! And I agree with you about not wanting to come inside either. Touring the garden at dusk and watching all the insects is one of my absolute delights, I never want to come indoors, Alan has to fetch me in with a glass of wine, haha!
This is a great post. I honestly think that the hardest part of it all for me has been getting better at listening to my body and what I need at any given moment. In the beginning, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be productive all the time. When I realized that it wasn’t realistic, I started to lighten up my expectations and started to settle into a routine that allowed me to keep getting work done but also to prioritize my mental health.
Yes, I struggle with the productivity vs. time out too. That’s why baths and colouring pages don’t really work for me, I can’t switch off. But once you find something that does, and you can accept the balance, it makes a world of difference. I’m glad you’ve found your balance, Britt, stay safe x
I did more spa days and self care in the beginning but then I started to get busy with other things. You are right, I need to get back to taking some time for myself again. Thanks for the encouragement.
Well, you need to find what works for you, there’s no sense in forcing it, that only makes things more stressful (for me anyway) but yay to spa days! x
That was a lovely read, a great reminder that self care isn’t selfish and packed with some fab ideas too! For me self care is all about the ‘spa where you are’ experience. I love a good pamper sash and take half a day each week to just ‘be’ at one with a host of indulgent beauty products.
Oooh, I like the spa where you are concept, what a brilliant idea, I’m going to have to pinch that one, thank you! 🙂
I love this! It’s definitely a weird time and I love the idea of a happiness jar – wish I’d done that from the beginning. I have finally started focusing on hobbies such as my novel and my blog though, so there will be something positive coming out of it all. Great post.
Lindsey | https://aramblingreviewer.wordpress.com
Ah, thank you – but you could start a jar now, maybe backdate to the beginning of the month? A novel, wow, that sounds exciting, very positive indeed! x
Great Share! I am completely focusing on myself during this lockdown period. Self-care helps a lot in day to day life and keeps you calm.
Xoxo,
Style weds Fashion
Absolutely, yes it does, it’s so important to do this 🙂
I love this, thank you for sharing.
For me self care usually means eating my favourite food, spending time away from social media and catching up with something I’ve missed on TV. I always feel so much more positive after spending a little time with myself, aligning my priorities and enjoying the small moments in everyday.
Kate
Thank you so much and I couldn’t agree more, it really is about the small moments in each day. Finding balance and taking joy where you can, not trying to add more things to the list to stress you out 🙂 x
I really like this article. Listening to our body is very important. Thanks for sharing..
Thank you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it 🙂
Great post. Self-care is something that I’ve been trying to practice for a while now but listening to my body is something that I constantly have to remind myself of. I used to set a self-care routine of if you feel down, do this, this and this but after a while that begins to feel like a chore then also. Listening to your body and sleeping when you need to sleep etc is so important when it comes to this!
I think that’s so interesting because that’s how I feel about self-care – if you have to force it then it’s not self-care, it’s completely counter-productive. Listening to your body is what’s important – thank you!
At first, I thought reading might be boring or more like a weight to grab the book and read. But once I tried it, it felt good and now I’m trying to develop it more. I have already made the list I wanted to do after this situation.
That sounds great, I hope you get to read as many books on your TBR pile as you can – and enjoy them too!
I think self care is the single most important thing we can do for ourselves right now. I am guilty in just looking at this time as an opportunity to do things around the house, and while that is great and does mean that I am not spending my free time racing around, I am massively neglecting my self care.
I need to make it a part of my daily routine. I have even written myself a self care list to work through while I am off school this week.
Thank you for sharing Lisa.
Claire x
http://www.ourfavouritejar.com
Ah, thank you, Claire, and I know exactly what you mean! That’s why I have to be selective with my self-care because there’s no point in my doing something if my mind is elsewhere, or I’m rushing to cram it in before my next job. We need to find what works for us so we can truly switch off and be present while we’re treating ourselves. Easier said than done though, I know – good luck! x
Great post 🙂 I’m to finding ways to relax including watching movies, colouring in books too 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Thank you, Nic, watching movies is a good one, provided you can all agree on which one (rarely in my house!) 🙂
I’m trying to invest a little more time in my skincare routine as I tended to neglect it quite a bit before the lockdown started. While I also want to use my time to really work on my blog I’m trying to make sure that I spend a bit of time doing craft projects and stuff so I’ve been doing a bit of work on my scrapbooking and a painting by numbers kit I got for Christmas. It really helps! These are great tips, thanks for sharing 🙂 x
Ah, your self-care routines sound lovely, the perfect mix of physical and mental pampering! I’m very grateful for my blog as well, the blogging community is so supportive anyway, but especially right now. Stay safe, Amy, happy crafting! x
I like your idea of starting a bucket list for when things return to normal. I am so bored at this point and need some fun things to look forward to.
Absolutely, we all need things to look forward to, especially right now!
Oh my goodness. I have so many candles I don’t use either! I just don’t want them to go away and I can’t buy them again haha
That’s why I don’t burn some of mine, haha, it drives my husband nuts!
Self-care is of utmost importance
Indeed it is 🙂
I loved reading this post. Self care is so important, especially in lockdown. I’ve been doing yoga everyday to help stretch out and am seeing such a difference in myself.
Ah, thank you, Kelly, that’s kind – and I’ve not tried yoga for years, it sounds like I might have to look into it again if it makes that much difference! x
I totally agree that self-care is not selfish, We really need to find time to take care of ourselves. I’ve been adding a few things on my bucket list and planning some fun activities for our next trip. It’s nice to have something to look forward to. Love the quote!
We really do, there’s so much going on right now, and we do need something to look forward to – classic carrot on a stick but still!
I love it Lisa, thank you for all the wonderful tips! My bucket list for after this is all over is a mile long already. And I think I’ll buy a bunch of flowers the next time I go to the grocery store!
Oh yay, thank you, and yes, please do treat yourself to some flowers, they are THE most uplifting things!
I’ve definitely been neglecting my self care recently. I’m still going into the office full time and I’m exhausted when I get home, or rather, to my boyfriend’s studio flat. I just don’t feel like I have any energy or motivation to keep on track with it. Having said that, I booked this week off ages ago, to go to Plymouth which is no longer an option, so I’m taking it for some much needed TLC instead. Whether that’s watching my favourite movies, reading, gaming, or colouring. I like your idea about indulging the senses and have a lavender candle ready to light up tomorrow. Thanks for the tips Lisa – I think I just needed a little reminder that I don’t need to do everything all at once.
Ah Kim, I’m so sorry to read this, you must be shattered. I’m very glad to hear you’ve got some time off shortly though and some movies and reading with lavender candles sound wonderful. And you’re right, you absolutely don’t need to do everything all at once, you do what you feel you can and that is just fine. Take care, lovely xx
Such a wonderful post Lisa… self care has become more important these days than ever before… we have more time to spend with family and take good care of ourselves… I love all ideas you shared especially planning for when things get back to normal… I didn’t think about that Tbh but now I’ll start my bucket list tomorrow… thanks for sharing hon… stay safe and happy….❤️
https://geniusenough.com/2020/05/06/8-best-hair-care-products-for-all-hair-types/
Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you 🙂 And yes, planning for the future seems like such a good thing at the moment, we all need to have something to look forward to, don’t we? You stay safe and happy too xx
Learning to listen to your body is such a valuable skill! My body knows best whether I should go for a morning run after a long night or not, when I should eat and when I should just chill. And if I don’t listen to it, I will pay the price. Self-care doesn’t need to be big things. It’s all about learning your own value and cherishing the little moments when you feel good 🙂 xx
Oh I love this, Teresa! You’re absolutely right, it’s all about learning what makes us feel good and what we’re worth stems from that. Perfectly phrased, thank you so much 🙂 xx
Self care is sooooo important right now, It helps us mentally and physically. I’m always keeping my mind busy by journaling, blogging, reading, baking, and some nights I’ll have spa days at home.
That sounds like the perfect combination of mental and physical self-care to me 🙂
I actually might try a bucket list for now, with a few things I want to achieve before lockdown is over. I’ve been reading so much which is so lovely – both books and blogs – I hope that will continue post lockdown! xx
eleanorclaudie.com
I think that’s a great idea – and yes, having more reading time is lovely, fingers crossed that continues! x
One thing I really enjoy during this self isolation time is that I got to read a lot that I used to do. And I also started meditation which is a thing that I always wanted to try but never actually done it.
Oh, I’ve never tried meditation but I have a few friends who swear by it – maybe now is the perfect time for me to try it too! 🙂
These are some great tips, thanks for sharing.
And can I just say that my bucket list for when things are normal are ever growing, lol
My favorite selfcare is a face mask and an audiobook. It just feels so good to lay for 20 min with my eyes closed, and listening to a book being read for me.
I’m so pleased they were helpful – and my bucket list is going to need its own bucket list before too much longer, haha! Your mask/audio book sounds wonderful though 🙂
Such great ideas – taking time out to practice self-care is so important at the moment. I need to make more of an effort to make time to read!
Ah, I know, I always want to make more time for reading! 🙂
I’ve been enjoying doing stuff with the kids, but I’m really struggling to find any quality time to myself. I’d like to get more reading in where possible.
Juggling work, homeschooling and household jobs is a challenge too far, I think! Like you, I’d love to find some more time to read, not just in bed!
I love this post! So important to practice self care even when you are in isolation too! I have definitely been burning my candles a lot more here lately too. They definitely help me feel more calm and relaxed. And I’ve been taking more baths and using more bath salts and face masks and other things like that which seem to help a lot too!
Your self-care routine sounds perfect, I would love to have more time for face masks and, money no object, would burn candles all day long! Glad to hear you’re taking good care of yourself x
I’ve really enjoyed doing lots of pampering and self care the last few weeks! xo
Gemma | Makeup Muddle
That’s very good to hear! x
I have been trying to practice a lot of self-care during isolation and I’ve loved giving myself extra time to do things. Really focusing on the tasks at hand. I’ve got an adult colouring book that I’ve almost finished already (!) and I’ve also more recently decided to take up cross-stitching which has been more difficult than I anticipated but it’s kept me busy and productive!
Ooooh, cross stitching sounds like a lot of fun and very relaxing too. Plus you have something beautiful at the end of it. Great tip, I’ll have to look into this! 🙂
Absolutely love this post! Such a great list of things! Self care can be so simple 🥰
Thank you so much, Hannah, that’s very kind!
So simple yet amazing ways to practise self-care! I’ve only recently got back into reading because I’m inside so much more! Also, as you said, I’m listening to myself more, making sure I don’t put pressure on myself to be productive just because I’m inside more, there’s nothing wrong with a lazy day!
Yessss, I love this, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a few lazy days. We’re under so much awful news bombardment that it takes its toll. Time out is definitely needed 🙂
If there’s one thing self-isolation brought to our lives was a more mindful way to live our routines and focus on our well-being. We found that when we listen to our bodies and follow our intuition, we feel more happy and balanced so it is something we will focus on the following months as well.
Much love,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
That’s such a wonderful philosophy. I think you’re so right, having to focus on the essentials has been a very positive experience (for me at least) and I’ve learned what’s really important for me. x
Love these ideas! Listening to your body is so important and is one I often neglect!
Thank you – and yes, I’m guilty of that too, despite this post!
Ugh, I am having such a hard time doing this. I can’t tell if self-care for me right now is being productive, or resting. Cause I feel guilty when I’m resting, cause I COULD be doing something, so my restful periods aren’t entirely restful. I’m going to do as you suggest and try to listen to my body more. Great post, as always!
Aw, thank you, Carolyn! I think you’re being too hard on yourself. If being productive makes you happy then that’s self-care. It’s about what makes YOU feel good, not what somebody else tells you self-care should be! X
Lovely post with some excellent ideas! I love that you suggest people allow themselves the opportunity to feel all of their feelings, and not feel badly if they take time to sleep, cry, or whatever they need to express their emotions.
I’ve done many of the things on your list – but I hadn’t thought to make a bucket list for post-lockdown activities! Brilliant – I will start that today! Thank you!
Thank you, Lori, that’s very kind. I don’t want to be prescriptive but I do think we need to cut ourselves some slack and do what feels right rather than what we think we should be doing. Good luck with the bucket list!
Good to know that works too! I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
Thank you so much 🙂
We definitely need to take the time to care for ourselves! Especially right now. Thanks for all these wonderful ideas! Great post 🙂
We do indeed, and thank you! 🙂
I love your suggestions! I’m focusing on reading and picked MurderMysteryMay as my theme based on series the Hallmark Murder and Mystery channel has done 🙂 That way I also get in some movies 🙂 Self-care is so important!
Oooh, that sounds like fun – I’m always curious to see the differences between books and film/tv adaptations 🙂
Great post! I think being able to “waste time” is such a blessing, because it shows us that many activities are not a waste, and helps us change our priorities. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe.
Lindifique
Oh yes, I love this, that’s absolutely right, the luxury of time is one I’m very grateful for right now. You stay safe too x
It is so important to practice self-care right now. Times can be tough and it takes a lot to go through things. That doesn’t mean it is impossible either. I love the different activities you can do to take your mind off of current news. Self-care can mean so many different things to everyone. At the end of the day, we need to pay attention to our needs and tend to them. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥
Yes, exactly, Nancy. What’s right for one person may not work for another but if we listen to our bodies then that’s a great start to discovering what we need for our own self-care x
Great ideas! I’ve treated myself to some Lush bath stuff, so enjoy having a long soak in the bath with plenty of bubbles etc 🙂
Oooh, that sounds lovely, although I have to admit I prefer showers! 🙂
These are some great ways you look after yourself during lockdown. I really need to learn to listen to my body. I have definitely been appreciating the little things during this lockdown 😊
I think we all have TBH, it’s definitely one of the very few silver linings. Take care of yourself, lovely, don’t over do things 🙂 xx
Great tips Lisa! We shouldn’t push now too hard. Many people are still in shock and very anxious about the news. We just need to take it easy and practice kindness. I wrote a short survival guide in my blog https://ionimage.nl/5-point-quarantine-checklist/ Hope it will help people just like this fantastic piece you wrote. Stay safe and healthy! – Jenni at I on Image
Exactly, Jenni, we need to listen to ourselves and not expect too much – thank you 🙂
Great post! In the midst of negativity, it’s important to take as good care of ourselves as we can. Eating right & working out more diligently have been my self-care themes in the pandemic. Given that food delivery/ takeout is avoidable right now, my husband & I’ve been experimenting with food at home, resulting in new dishes. Am getting better at baking. I used to work out earlier too but not with as much dedication. I hope, even after the confinement ends, we can stick to these good parts.
Thank you so much – and I’m glad to hear that you and your husband are both keeping well. I agree, we’ve been cooking a lot more at home recently and while it’s been a bit of a pain sometimes, we do feel healthier – not sure I can say the same about exercise though, haha!
Self care is more important to me now than ever after being diagnosed with 2 things that will seriously affect the quality of my life, looking after my physical health as never been more important. It is so hard in lockdown to get dragged down with the negativity and worry in the media, I try to only check it once or twice a day to limit how much I am taking in, as for the most part it just makes me angry or upset. Looking after my body is something that really resonates with me. This is a great list of suggestions to help look after yourself during a lockdown. Thank you for sharing Lisa.
Lauren http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Lauren, I hope you can get some treatment that will help. And I think you’re very wise not to watch too much on the media. I only check twice a day too, I find that’s more than enough to keep me up to date but not too dragged down. Self-care is such a good thing to focus on, now more than ever, however we choose to practise it. xx