Our current global situation has affected nearly all aspects of our lives. As we continue quarantining at home for those who are able we can use this time to our advantage, free from external distraction and normal schedule to reflect. Quarantine is an opportunity to reevaluate, recalibrate, and take care of ourselves in meaningful ways. This is our chance to take a step back and listen carefully to the needs and desires of our minds and bodies.
RoHo is a huge proponent of self-care. We understand the potential and value that individuals possess, especially when a person’s skills and expertise are utilized. When an individual takes care of herself, she in turn can better support her community.
Self-care is not punishing yourself for not learning a new skill, becoming a master chef, or getting in shape for the summer by the end of quarantine. Self-care is about nurturing yourself and finding compassion for you and those around you.
So if you’re looking for ways to help direct your mind towards a kinder, more attentive, headspace, here are some ideas:
1. Bullet Journal
This is a great way to start getting in touch with the thoughts and emotions that may have come up recently. Practice withholding judgement and writing down anything that comes to mind. Try to make entries once a day so you can reflect back on the week and understand what needs and desires have arisen.
2. Therapy and Meditation
Consider seeking out a therapist that’s available over phone or video. Anxiety is a huge mental obstacle that has been heightened now for many. Finding someone to talk to, even a trusted friend, is incredibly important in a time of social isolation.
Applications like Calm and Headspace offer free guided meditation focusing on sleep, anxiety and mindfulness.
3. Treat Yourself
If you’re feeling stressed out, give yourself an at-home spa day. Baths, face and hair masks and manicures are relatively easy and ensure we’re taking care of our bodies.
4. Exercise
Getting physical activity at least once a day is important as we hunker down at home. Whether it’s a walk, jog or online yoga class, exercise boosts your mood and helps you sleep better. Sometimes it’s good to get out of your head and get sweaty instead, so listen to your body.
5. Take Breaks from Social Media
It’s easier now more than ever to get sucked into our phones and resort to using social media for mindless scrolling. Be aware of the ways you choose to reach out to others and take notice of how much time you’re spending on apps like Instagram and Facebook. You may find that taking a 24 hour break or longer will improve your mood.
6. Find Balance
Finding a happy medium to your daily rituals is key, from what we eat and drink to how we spend our time to and this is the same for our relationships with food, exercise, stress, and even alcohol consumption. It’s all about balance in quarantine.
7. Express Gratitude
Expressing gratitude at this strange time may not feel intuitive, but it can help you reflect on what positivity does exist. Try identifying 5 things you’re grateful for in a gratitude journal everyday.
Writing letters to friends and family is the perfect way to connect with those far away and a beautiful way to express gratitude for your relationship. The practice of writing a physical letter has become taboo in the digital age and is why it can feel even more significant to write and send one.
Social distancing can result in a change in perspective. Without our daily interactions and engagement with our communities, it gives us the chance to reflect on why we value the people in our lives and what we can do to help one another and ourselves.
