Practicing Self-Care in Quarantine

While quarantine restrictions are beginning to lift around the world, many individuals are choosing to remain home. Whether it is protect your health, the health of a loved one, or care for kids, more people are stuck in the house than ever before. Myself included.

At first, quarantine seems like a much needed break from the chaos of everyday life. No more commutes, no more days packed with errands and obligations, finally time to focus on the family. But many individuals suddenly found themselves without work, and others began working from home for perhaps the first time ever. There were no more weekend adventures. Date nights and dining out became a thing of the past.

Quick Facts

One study shows nearly 29% of individuals report feelings associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more than 31% report feelings of depression as the result of being stuck inside during quarantine.

The longer individuals stay under quarantine, the greater risk they have of experiencing these symptoms. However, leaving the house for an extended period simply isn’t an option for everyone. The immunocompromised, those with underlying health conditions, senior citizens, caretakers, and those who are cautious all remain at home.

Quarantine Complicates Self-Care

With businesses temporarily closing and social distancing recommendations, many traditional self-care activities suddenly became impossible. Haircuts, manicures, retail therapy, visiting the local gym, and even friend’s night came to a halt.

These changes brought, and will continue to bring, the need to adapt and find new ways to participate in self-care. As the negative impacts on mental health become increasingly apparent, it’s essential to remember to pause and pay attention to what your body, mind, and soul need most.

How to Practice Self-Care in Quarantine

There are many pillars of self-care and they all work together to create comprehensive wellness. Physical self-care, emotional self-care, financial self-care, and social self-care are a few.

Physical Self-Care

While many gyms are in the process of re-opening, you may not be comfortable to returning just yet. That’s okay. However, it’s still imperative that you prioritize physical self-care. Physical self-care also includes diet, grooming, and hygiene. Here are a few resources to keep your physical self-care in check:

• Free fitness videos on YouTube
• How to hack your fast food cravings at home
• Natural hair masks you can make at home

Emotional Self-Care

Many individuals are reporting feelings of sadness, anxiety, and frustration during quarantine. Know that you are not alone. The key is to find healthy coping mechanisms and outlets for your emotions. Check out these resources:

• Print these free therapeutic worksheets
• Watch these motivational movies that can help your mental health
• Read these mental health memoirs

Financial Self-Care

I know it’s hard to resist the urge of online shopping with so much time at home with your phone in your hand. Not to mention many retailers are offering big time sales to encourage shoppers. Here’s what you can do:

• Learn how managing your finances is a part of self-care
• Understand shopping needs vs. wants
• Learn these life hacks to save money on groceries

Social Self-Care

Social self-care may be taking the biggest hit during quarantine. Many people are missing that face-to-face connection with others, and let’s be honest, being stuck in the house with family can drive you crazy sometimes. To take care of your social wellbeing:

• Learn how to stop arguments with loved ones quickly
• Read the complete guide to staying home with kids
• Have Zoom hangouts with friends and use these cool virtual backgrounds

Practice Self-Care Every Day

To avoid, or at least minimize, the quarantine blues it’s essential that you practice self-care every day. Find a few minutes to participate in at least one activity and ensure that you balance out all the pillars of self-care to benefit your entire self. For more ideas on self-care, visit our 101 self-care guide.