March 20, 2020
“It’s the end of the world as we know it!” – just kidding. But with the coronavirus still sweeping through our nation and the world this week, it kinda feels like it some days. I’m 28 weeks pregnant and trying to stay positive and stress-free, so these days I’m in need of some serious self care.
Obviously I’m trying to practice social distancing as much as possible, so other than working, I’m looking for ways to both entertain and care for myself while I’m at home so I don’t freak out too much or go stir crazy. Social media these days ain’t it chief. Enter in: home self care.
There was an article floating around a couple of years ago knocking certain types of self care. I think it’s an extremely personal thing, and if these don’t rock your world, I totally get it. But these are the at-home self care ideas that help keep me sane when I can’t really get out of the house. Try one (or all 10) and spent some time clearing your mind and making yourself feel better. And if you’re someone who is still having to work outside of the home (I salute you, I truly do), then do these when you get home to help relax at the end of a long day.
1. Meditate
Meditation almost seems cliche these days, but it’s only that way because it works (at least it does for me). Spend some time getting outside of your head and get more connected with your body. No experience? There are so many excellent free apps out there that offer great programs. And the short sessions are usually ideal for beginners. Here are some of my favs that I’ve used:
- Calm
- Aura
- Headspace
- Mind the Bump (for my fellow preggies)
- Youtube (you could honestly spend hours on there listening to meditations customized to your life or situation. Highly recommend).
And if you’re having a hard time taking it too seriously, here’s a link to one of my favorites that’s tongue in cheek, but honestly has helped me relax before! (if you don’t like curse words, you’ll want to skip it).
2. Take a Walk
Obviously you’ll skip this one if you aren’t feeling well or if the weather is terrible, but you’d be surprised how much a simple walk outside can do for you. Lace up your shoes, grab your headphones if you like, and get moving! Just getting out there is most likely the hardest part.
If you don’t wanna leave the house, pop in an exercise DVD or check out some workout vids on Youtube (PopSugar Fitness and Tone It Up are some great channels with quick workouts and no equipment options).
3. Bake Something
Ok, so this may not be a stress reliever for you if you hate cooking. But it’s actually been scientifically proven that baking brings you to the present moment and helps get you out of your own head. Of course, as a bonus, you can eat the fruits of your labor.
Here are a few of my favs you can try from my site:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies that melt in your mouth
- Chocolate Cherry Cordials
- Cranberry White and Semi Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Journal
Many of us start this practice as young children (happening upon both mine and my husband’s journals/diaries from our childhoods was both endearing and, honestly, funny).
But getting your thoughts out of your head and onto something more tangible helps to relieve stress. You don’t have to write with an agenda or about anything in particular, just what’s on your mind. A lot of people suggest handwriting to connect more fully with yourself, but if you’re more comfortable with a keyboard, I say go for it.
Still lost and looking at an empty page? Check out Kris Carr’s Daily Journal Prompts for some ideas to help get you started.
5. Binge watch something funny or uplifting
While I’m a sucker for a good drama, sometimes you just need to put a smile on your face! Find your favorite funny show (my go to’s are still The Office and Parks and Rec) and relax in front of the TV.
This one might seem a little controversial, but this list is about doing what serves you when you are feeling completely out of whack. Sometimes tuning out in front of the TV and getting into a good feeling headspace is just what the doctor ordered.
6. Make a Vision Board
It doesn’t have to be the start (or end) of a new year for you to think about what you want to achieve, accomplish or manifest in your life. I will do an in depth post later on how to create a vision board, but you achieve your goals with repetition, visualization and my focusing on what you do want not what you don’t want. Make a list, then print out quotes, pictures, anything really – that reminds you of what you want to achieve, accomplish or possess.
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Napolean Hill
If you’re truly stuck at home and don’t have a board to put these on yet, that’s ok! You can create a file on your computer, a virtual board on Pinterest, or a physical folder of things that inspire your dreams. Just make sure it’s something/somewhere you can look at.
7. Get your Yoga on
Yoga has transformed my life, body, and mind in many ways. Think of it as a moving meditation, and the ultimate form of self care. No, you don’t have to be super flexible or super in shape to start. Yoga focuses on honoring where you are right now, with no judgments. And that’s definitely something we could all use a little more of, right?
Namaste Yoga is a great resource, especially for beginners – I found them on the Living Well Network, and have since followed their Youtube channel here. Another amazing resource that I love is Yoga with Adriene. She has videos and sequences for just about everything that could ail you – even for when you’re feeling under the weather, but need to move your body gently. If neither of those fit your lifestyle, a simple search on Youtube (try yoga for beginners, plus size yoga, yoga for stress, yoga for congestion, etc) will pull up tons of free videos for you to try.
8. Make it an at home spa day
Even though I’ve seen some articles condemning this type of self care – if I do nothing else, simply sitting in a warm bath relaxes both my muscles and my mind. Bonus points if you throw in some epsom salts or soothing bubble bath (my favorite is the Babies & Kids Shea Bubble Bath by Alaffia in the lemon lavender scent. It’s formulated for sensitive skin, and not just for the kiddos).
Some other ideas are simply painting your nails or toenails, putting on a face mask (this is my go to that I make at home with just two ingredients), and relaxing with some gentle music and some candles.
9. Do some art, doodle, work on DIY projects
You don’t have to be an artist to reap the benefits of this one, I promise! Ever heard of Zentangles? Basically, it’s a more advanced way of doodling, that quiets your mind (kind of like adult coloring books – which if you have one at home, add it to this list!). Here’s a video for how to get started as a beginner.
Or maybe you’re like me and have been dying for some time to work on some DIY projects around the house. Nows the time to get to it! Here’s one of my favorites, that you could probably do with supplies on hand (no canvas required – just use what you already have – paper, scrap wood, etc.).
If your kids are stuck at home with you, this is definitely something to add to your list, and a great alternative to art class (do they even still have that?). Just get your hands moving and create something.
10. Watch/practice hair and makeup tutorials
This may just be me, but I have so many hair and makeup tutorials saved on my “watch later” playlist on my Youtube. I’m using this downtime to finally watch some of them. Bonus points for actually trying your hand at them!
Being stuck at home definitely doesn’t encourage me to get dressed up (I’m sitting here in my sweats as I type this). But when you’ve been in the house for days on end, it can be kind of nice to experiment with makeup or try a new hairstyle, trust me. Sometimes it can be just the pick me up you need. And even if it doesn’t look exactly like the tutorial (and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s wayyyy off), it can be kind of fun to take a pic of the results and kinda giggle at yourself.
If you’re looking for some hair tutorials, here are some of my braiding and hair tutuorials you could try your hand at:
- Basic 3 Strand Braid Tutorial for Beginners (with video)
- Basic Dutch Braid Tutorial (with video)
- Half up Dutch Braid Tutorial (with video)
- Mixed Braid Updo Tutorial (with pictorial)
- How to Curl Your Hair Like a Pro (with video)
- Subscribe to my Youtube here
Honestly, these at home self care ideas are just a start, and I hope that they inspire you do something nice for yourself. And please remember that self care looks different for each person. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Just do activities that make you feel good and service you as a person. I hope you are all doing the best you can right now. I love you guys and thanks as always for reading.
Stay Dairing.
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