Need a break from the outbreak? (15 Suggestions for self-care)

I don't know about you, but the recent stream of difficult news and challenging uncertainties has definitely impacted my mood and motivation. Today I am choosing to practice more intentional self-care.

Are you looking for some ways to practice self-care or find something to quell anxiety or occupy time at home? Check out some of these suggestions below!

1. Listen to music/make your own playlists!

I know Rita Wilson famously made a Spotify list called "Quarantunes" while in quarantine after testing positive for the virus. I have made my own COVID Clap-back list using the same music service. There are so many different ways to listen to music right now-from good ol' cassettes and CDs, to listening to the radio (although that comes with news updates...), online services like Pandora (cultivating your own radio)and Spotify (selecting the actual songs you want to hear and making playlists), to many other newer services I may not even know about yet! Find your groove and what will support you right now. If you do use Spotify, consider making a list for the special circumstances right now, or other music lists for later! Ideally find some music that you feel can empathize with you, as well as something that will get you completely distracted...whether that is getting hyped with show tunes or chilling with Enya.

2. Take a warm bath.

I know it may seem silly, but sometimes just taking some time to really go into "full relaxation mode" can make all the difference. Add somes bubbles to the mix (or just use shampoo as the tub is filling up!) or maybe some epsom salts to salve sore muscles. If you really feel like having a deep dive into self-care, bring a cup of tea (or glass of wine), light some candles, or listen to relaxing music. Indulgence is the name of the game!

3. Clean, baby, clean!

There are a lot of obvious benefits to cleaning and disinfecting our spaces right now while there are contagious germs floating around. More than that though, cleaning can be a great outlet for stress as well as an activity that gives us some power back in our regular routine. Take those feelings of frustration out on the fuzz bunnies! Give yourself some time to make your space exactly how YOU want it to be!

4. Practice a new skill:

This suggestion seems to be everywhere, but I am not talking about Excel spreadsheet mastery here...what is something you have always wanted to do and never had the time for?

Baking?

Knitting?

How to play an instrument?

Fitness goals?

What else do you want to learn?

I am enjoying learning more about different types of dance-and I have always wanted to write more, so this blog is one of the ways I actually de-stress.

5. Do that “thing” you have been putting off around the house.

It's okay. We all have it. The junk drawer that can be sorted out, seasonal appliances that may not be out of the basement yet, clothes that could be sorted for donation, a closet full of boxes with mystery items...okay maybe this is getting out of hand. My point is that everyone has some home projects to work on. What are some of yours?

6. Tired of being productive? Watch something uplifting or funny!

A few posts ago I put up a list of potential comics to enjoy. Feel free to check it out if you haven't seen it yet. If that isn't your style, maybe Late night shows with no audiences or shows that have been moved to hosts' homes. Maybe it is checking out BroadwayHD to sing along with your favorite shows there. What do you actually enjoy watching so much that you can easily lose track of time?

7. Don't want a hootenanny, but want to watch something calm?

Watch a documentary! This is such a great way to slow down the pace and even do some self-education (high five, friend!). Check out some of the Netflix recommended ones, or try out The Business of Being Born, Food, Inc., Farmland, or other topics you want to learn more about now that you may have some time to do it! If all else fails, you know Planet Earth has your back with some mellow, informative material perfect for taking a little break.

8. Check in with a friend.

There are so many virtual streaming platforms now that connecting remotely has never been easier. Feel like talking with your best person for awhile? Maybe a good old-fashioned phone or skype chat is exactly what the doctor ordered. Want to talk with a few people? Maybe you give Zoom a try for video conferencing! Want to just watch netflix and eat chips with your nearest and dearest? Even Netflix now has a Group Party function that allows everyone to watch at the same time. Whatever the means, find a way to connect with your friends, parents, grandparents, kids, you name it! Connecting during quarantine is going to be what adds that special pinch of humanity to the whole mix.

9. Plan something fun:

There are so many fun subjects to daydream and plan for right now. From traveling the world to gardening in your own backyard, use your imagination for what would be fun FOR YOU.

Currently looking at a grey sky and hoping for a change? Or maybe you are seeing the bright, warm rays of the sun and bemoaning being stuck inside. Why not take some time to plan your next vacation (okay, we know its your dream vacation, but that’s fine) for when this pandemic has passed us all by?

If you have the ability to keep a garden (haven’t heard of the virus turning anybody’s thumb green yet, but who knows with enough oxygen deprivation?), maybe it is time to consider what you want to plant in your garden to attract local pollinators in the coming months.

My personal favorite item to plan: The “COVID-19-is-finally-over” party that I am planning to have when we can all open our doors to let the sun in and the party out!

10. Read a book for *gasp* pleasure!

I know this may sound obvious or silly, but many of us "don't have time" to read for pleasure in the normal framework of life. Pick up something new (or an old favorite!) and dive into a world where you can truly choose your own adventure. We are re-reading the Harry Potter series aloud before bed and I am loving falling in love with the story all over again.

11. Practice calming activities like meditation or yoga.

This is an uncertain time, my friends. Nothing acts like an anxiety breeding ground like uncertainty. With that in mind, consider trying out, or returning, to some mindful activities that can alleviate stress, boost immunity, and generally help bring some peace. If you have been looking to get into a routine with meditation, there are several apps that can assist you. “Calm” is free app with daily meditations, relaxing meditations and music, and stories for sleep for both kids and adults, that I use at bedtime and often during the day. There are also many trained coaches who are offering services virtually if you are interested in 1:1 meditation (check out The Lotus Project at thelotusproject.online).

If you need a little more movement to actually settle into your bones, yoga can provide several benefits during this time of feeling cooped up. Yoga has the duel benefit of providing calm clarity of mind while also gently stretching your muscles. With many of us now staying in our homes, we are not moving our bodies as much as we are used to. As nice as it can be to work from the comfort of your couch, you may have noticed a crick in your neck or some back pain that did not used to be there. Yoga is not just for the "flexible." It is for anyone seeking to have more space mentally or physically. Several yogis have established YouTube channels with the #1(for the last several years in a row) being Yoga with Adriene. She has cultivated a gallery of hundreds of videos in different styles, lengths, and intentions all with the mindset of "find what feels good." A great message for all of us!

12. Need a mental challenge instead of winding down? Sign up for a FREE, virtual, online, Ivy League course: Let me know what you sign up for and maybe we can be study buddies!

https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/ivy-league-free-online-courses-a0d7ae675869/?fbclid=IwAR2MrP5YES8MtizUQXAwwfvYuLg6D2PULJdyEQcejlu9YtWYanylcoPVHSQ

13. Take an international museum tour. No, really!

Virtual Museum Tours are now being offered from galleries all over the globe at this site: https://www.parents.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours/?utm_campaign=parents_parentsmagazine&utm_content=internalsyndication_travelandleisure&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=FD51F848-6550-11EA-9FBA-CF782FEB5590&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR0RCeIDn9x2gUBuqZn6HPd_i6G65dUAdXUIVZOWa15AyRgQ-4A0qQ-qFqE

(This GIF is actually from the Uffizi gallery-a gallery offered on this list and the first place we went on our honeymoon last year!)

14. Want to entertain your kids while helping them learn through hands on activities? Check out this activities website and pick some activities that you/your kids will love (although you might want a mop handy!)

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/?fbclid=IwAR0MQ477Da5enOLtuHFJC5UB8daTNwR-29i29P-FnMVsPcZhmV36FM3Dlok

15. Find new "channels" to follow with positive content.

If you are a social media type, try following musicians, comedians, and actors on platforms like Instagram, FB, or Youtube, and consider donating, as many of these people are now down on their luck. If you are also finding yourself a bit down on your luck, most offer content for FREE simply to boost morale for all. If "the arts" are not necessarily your thing, many of these platforms also host small businesses that have become creative in offering services such as DIY tutorials or group fitness.

Even though there is a lot of worry and uncertainty right now, there are ways to take care of yourself and those you care about. Empower yourself by taking 60 seconds or 60 minutes to do what is going to help you feel your best. If you have come across other suggestions, we would love to hear about them! Let's keep growing this list for the many different ways we can choose to take care of ourselves.

Prepare, don't panic.

-Allison