With all that is happening around the world right now and everyone practicing social distancing, our stress levels can certainly go through the roof which can take a toll on our mental health.

In order to get motivated and truly feel relaxed and calm, here are a few ways to practice self-care –

 

I keep reading everywhere that while we are stuck at home during this whole lockdown situation, now is the perfect time to do things that you’ve wanted to do all this while but didn’t really have the time for it.

But truthfully even though we may have all the time in the world right now, we might not necessarily feel motivated to do it. And well, can you blame yourself? Part of the reason is that almost all of us are facing some levels of stress and anxiety.

Here are a few self-care ideas that can help you relax and feel motivated –

1. Write down what you’re grateful for

What are some of the small things that you are grateful for today? You don’t need to write huge paragraphs – just jot down a few words of what makes you grateful.

2. Take a digital detox

Just for a day, don’t open any of your social media apps and take a digital break. With so much information overload, sometimes a digital detox can work wonders and give your brain a much-needed break.

3. Read that long-forgotten book

Remember that book you wanted to read all along but didn’t have time? Well now is the perfect time to pick it up and give it a read.

3. Have Virtual meet-up parties

Call a friend or set up a group call with your friends and have a virtual meet-up party.

5. Shop your own closet

Go through your closet and wear something that makes you feel good about yourself, Dress up even if you don’t have to go anywhere – it will surely make you feel good about yourself.

6. Declutter

Try to get rid of the things that you are not using anymore or no longer need.

7. Make yourself your favorite cup of coffee or tea

Do you have a favorite coffee or tea that you absolutely love but don’t usually make it on an everyday basis? For me, it has to be this hot cup of creamy hazelnut latte or this delish steaming cup of hot chocolate that I don’t make often.

 

8. Binge-watch your favorite TV show

We all have that favorite TV show that we can watch over and over again. Now is the perfect excuse to binge-watch it.

9. Write down your weekly meal plan

Meal planning makes things much easier rather than trying to come up with a last-minute lunch or dinner idea. Try to balance between healthy as well as an occasional indulgent meal.

 

10. Watch an Inspiring Ted Talk or Listen to a Podcast

Watch or listen to something that can inspire you and feel motivated like an inspiring Ted Talk or an educational Podcast.

11. Make detox water

Fruit-infused water not only tastes delicious but can also help to detoxify your system. Plus it has next to nothing calories – so it’s a total winner. Check out these 4 simple ways to make some delicious detox water 

12. Have an at-home spa session

Take good care of your skin by exfoliating, using a good face mask and moisturizing your skin thereafter.

Related Post | Pamper yourself with these at-home Spa Tips

13. Have a relaxing hot bath

Make yourself a nice hot bath with some bath bombs if you have and have a relaxing bath.

14. Meditate

Meditation can certainly relax our minds as well as bodies. Just taking out 10 minutes out of your busy & chaotic schedules to meditate can sometimes work wonders.

15. At-home workout

There are so many free workout videos available on Youtube these days that you don’t have to feel bad about missing your gym. You can even get the entire family involved for an even more fun workout session.

16. Create a fun, upbeat playlist

Create a personalized playlist with upbeat songs you absolutely love that can cheer you up when you’re feeling down.

17. Plant veggies 

Even if you don’t have a green thumb (like me), you can certainly give this a shot. Herbs like mint and veggies like tomatoes or lettuce are fairly easy to grow and don’t need a ton of space to grow.

18. Reflect on your long term goals

What are some of the long term goals that you want to achieve in your personal as well as professional life? Write them down in a journal and work on how you plan to achieve them.

19. Try your hand at photography

If you’re someone who loves taking photos, try upping up your game by trying out different angles and capturing photos during different hours of the day as sunlight can truly play an important role when it comes to photos. Play around with your photos with different software or editing apps like Photoshop Lightroom.

20. Sleep

Last but not least – sleep. Remember how every morning almost all of us have that lack of sleep feeling? So give yourself a break and go to bed early on a few days and get that much-needed beauty sleep.

So there you have it. I hope you give a few of these things a try while you are at home. And remember to take things slowly. 

Stay safe and healthy!