The current corona virus pandemic has us all locked away under self isolation. With these 8 simple self care tactics we can all emerge a better version of ourselves. Don’t go crazy. We can get through this!

1- TURN OFF THE NEWS

Don’t stress out 24/7 over something you can’t control. It’s hard, I know but it honestly can’t do any good. We certainly want to be a pillar of strength and positivity for those around us.

Do pick a credible news source to get up to date info so you know the risks and the facts. Pick a time to check in with the news. Two times a day? Once a day? Every other day? You decide what’s best for you.

Schedule your “freak out” time if you have to but I’d recommend not doing it right before bed. Instead use the time before you fall asleep to reflect on all the things you are grateful for. Start that gratitude journal you’ve been thinking about!

2- GET THAT HEART RATE UP

• Grab the kiddos, yoga matts and pull up your favorite apps or youtube tutorials on the TV or tablet.
• Use household items for gym equipment- tricep dips from the edge of the couch, milk jug curls, use towels under your feet on a slick surface (paper plates or cardboard on carpet) to do mountain climbers and other ab routines, backpacks as weighted vests. Have you ever used a baby carrier as a kettle bell? I have. Baby loved it.
• Have a DANCE PARTY! Alone or with the family… Crank the feel good tunes and let loose. (You know you want to download Tik Tok and see what all the fuss is about if you haven’t already.)
• Use the kid’s trampoline, hula hoops or jump ropes. Have friendly competitions.
• Try walking lunges in the backyard with a weighted backpack or better yet a kid clinging to your back. Ha!
• I’ve even put my clean laundry basket on the ground and placed the folded items on top the washer. Squats!
• Losing your mind in the house? Head out for a jog and get some fresh air. Always lovely.

3- MIND YOUR NUTRIENT INTAKE

You are already no doubt thinking about how to stretch your food and pantry supplies in the event that your area institutes a hard lockdown or the pandemic lasts longer than expected. Be sure to stock up on NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS to keep your immune system in tip top shape.

A few great nutrient dense foods are:

• greens (like kale, chard, spinach or collards)
• avocado
• lentils
• berries
• salmon
• cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels)
• asparagus
• sweet potatoes

Anything fresh and green that you can add to each dish is a helpful boost in the right direction. Having a garden of fresh herbs and veggies is especially helpful. No garden? No problem. Some grocery store bought herbs can be grown in just a glass of water with a little bit of sunlight. Here’s a post to get you started. Super easy.

Keep in mind that some veggies are great to keep in the freezer. Some like sweet potatoes and other root vegetables can be stored in mesh bags or ventilated boxes in a cool dark space. Garlic, onions and squash can be stored the same way but be sure to keep each type separated as they give off gasses that can cause quicker spoilage if mixed together.

4- STAY SOCIAL

Staying social can be as easy as making a phone call or downloading an app. Let’s keep house visits and snail mail to a minimum! Here are just a few apps to stay in touch:

• FaceTime– For those with an iPhone this is your go to. Already built into your apple device. Supports up to 32 people. Impressive.
• Google Duo– Perfect for android users, although Mac and Windows can join from the web. Up to 8 people at once. Own a newer android phone? It’s probably already installed!
• Skype– up to 50 users on a video call. Good for international calls.
• Zoom– great for bigger groups, friends or business, works on all platforms. 40 minute time limit applies to groups over 3.
• Facebook messenger– Supported by both Mac and Android. Up to 50 users.
• WhatsApp– Mac and Android. Up to 4 people.
• Marco Polo– One of my favorites for sending video messages! Watch and respond at your leisure. Perfect.

5- SET WEEKLY GOALS

Now is a perfect time to tackle those goals. Want to cut some unwanted weight, drink more water, exercise more, get organized, catch up with old friends, practice being more present with loved ones, eat cleaner, meditate for 10 minutes per day… Here’s your chance to start new habits that will serve you for years to come. Focus on starting one at a time, once you have it down add another to your daily ritual.

Some of these can be downright tricky to start and even remember during those ever so busy go go go weeks we all encounter. Now’s your chance to slow down a bit and be really mindful.

TIP: Make new habits easier to keep by making them hard to miss. Want to drink more water? Keep your water glass out where you will constantly see it. Yoga? Keep your mat out in plain sight. You get the picture?

Need a great book to download? Atomic Habits by James Clear is mind blowing.

6- DON’T WAIT, EDUCATE!

Catch up on podcasts, books and documentaries you’ve been meaning to consume. Not only are these relaxing but you’ll emerge a smarter, better you when this virus is over.

Have you been wanting to learn something new? A new language, meditation, Qigong, gardening, knitting? Find a good program and dive right in! Get the family involved.

If you are worried about the job market, now is an excellent time to learn a new skill or brush up on the ones you already have.

7- DECLUTTER TO CUT THE STRESS

Oh sweet, sweet organization. Man it feels SO GOOD afterwards, am I right? Keep it on the lighter side so you don’t get overwhelmed, try these easy tactics:

• Make sure everything has it’s own place.
• Clean out the fridge and pantry so you know what you have on hand and what expires first.
• Clean up your computer and phone. Organize files and apps, delete what you don’t need. Refresh your back ups.
• Eliminate paper clutter. This one sneaks up on you. LOL
• Grab a partner if you have one and tackle the garage… think about how good it will feel when you’re all done.
• Deep clean small areas at a time.
• While you’re at it SANITIZE!

If you want to take your organization even further, check out these 29 quick tips to declutter for good.

8- PAMPER YOURSELF

Whether you’re cooped up with the kids and need some fun crafts or savoring time by yourself, now is a perfect time to whip up some DIY sugar scrubs, facials and more. Not sure what to use? Check out this article on items easily found in the fridge and pantry.

Set up a home spa- soothing music, candles, fancy soaks… Try adding beautiful flowers to your bath (Rose petals work the best and are easiest to remove, although a strainer is always a good idea).

Make some fizzy bath bombs. They are super easy to make. The only thing you may not have on hand is Citric acid… order some on amazon while you have the chance. Here’s a link to a solid recipe.

Find a good sugar wax recipe and get those legs ready for their after-isolation debut! We should have a bit of summer left to enjoy when this is all over. Hopefully.

Perhaps the most important- catch up on your sleep, prop your feet up and relax. Do all the things that are close to impossible during the weekday chaos of our normal lives.

Let’s take this time to recharge and refuel. Become stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. Share this post to spread self love.

Have some great ideas that weren’t covered above? What are YOU doing to practice self care? Please share with us in the comments!