As our entire world has been changed by the rise of a pandemic, the ways in which we care for ourselves have taken a shift as well. With the differences made in how we eat at a restaurant, go to school, go to work, and essentially function in everyday life, it can have drastic effects on one’s mental health and prove to be overwhelming. To combat these hard times, practicing self-care is essential in making sure you have a minute to breathe, reflect, and relax. However, many of us are then brought with the question:

How do I practice self-care in a pandemic where it is suggested I stay home?

How do I practice self-care at home if I am sick of being at home?

These questions are all valid as they present actual concern for your overall health, which is the important aspect of life in question; and to answer them, yes, there are ways to practice self-care in our new normal in many different respects such as:

Find comfort in creating

Creative expression allows one to let loose and expel all tensions and emotions into a wonderful masterpiece whether it be through the art of painting, dance, music, exercising, building, cooking, even gardening. The motivation and excitement that comes from shopping for supplies or starting to learn with a tutorial starts to slowly transcend into positive encouragement that brings an individual out of experiencing daily blues and into a bright light.

Enjoy the weather

While we are strongly encouraged, or enforced in some areas, to steer clear of going out excessively due to the nature of the pandemic, it is still possible to take a walk outside and enjoy the cool breeze outside. With everything being moved to a virtual setting, unplugging and immersing yourself into nature can bring sensory serenity and an energy boost to get through the day or week. For some people, they even like to combine their virtual and outdoor settings by listening to relaxing playlists while walking and taking in the views around them.

De-clutter, Decorate, & De-stress

Having a mess around the house or a bland workspace can very much enhance the lethargy and lack of motivation that comes with being at home most of the time. By slowly re-organizing and cleaning up any messes, it allows for room to breathe and the mind to clear as things are being put in their respective places. Even taking the time to decorate the room after cleaning or liven up your workspace can bring excitement and cheer to your days. As we go through this journey that is living through a time of uncertainty and quick changes to what was once our normal everyday routines, finding solace in practicing self-care and maintaining our health has become a necessity in order to find peace and normalcy in these difficult times. Although some may feel trapped indoors or lost and alone, there is always help and resources that allow people to live their best lives even in the midst of adversity.