During the uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic, it can be challenging to practice self-care. Plus, how can you really practice self-care without leaving the house?
Fortunately, there are many ways you can practice affordable self-care while at home. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.
1) Exercise at Home
With gyms and other workout facilities being closed, it can be easy to convince yourself you don’t have to workout.
But as quarantine carries on, it’s more important than ever to move your body. Since most of us aren’t even leaving the house, we are moving our bodies less than ever before.
Workout out at home doesn’t have to require expensive memberships or fancy equipment. You can go for a walk or a bike ride. Or, if you prefer to do a workout video, several exercise apps, like Tone It Up and Peloton are offering free trials to get you through the pandemic.
2) Have a Spa Night
Since spas and salons are closed for the time being, you will have to treat yourself at home with a spa night.
You can make an at-home spa easily and without a ton of supplies. Here are some ideas to carry out your at-home spa night:
- Light a candle
- Take a bath
- Make a homemade face mask
- Paint your nails
- Meditate
3) Chat with a Friend
Have some friends you have fallen out of touch with?
Since everyone is home during the pandemic, it is a perfect time to reconnect with old friends. You can chat on the phone, or use apps like Facetime or Zoom to connect via video chat.
4) Eat Well
I don’t know about you, but I treated the first part of the COVID quarantine like a vacation. I was out of my routine and eating everything in sight.
However, I quickly realized I couldn’t keep eating unhealthy forever. I needed to get back on track and eat healthy to care for myself.
Eating well is one of the best forms of self-care. You will feel more energetic, happier, and healthier.
The best part is you don’t have to try new diets or fads in order to eat healthily. You can plan out your meals for the week and then go shopping. Avoid buying anything that isn’t on your grocery shopping list. Keep it simple – eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated! Once you purchase your groceries, eat only according to your meal plan.
Want to take it a step further? You can use this time to try out meal prepping, where you prepare all of your meals for the week on the weekend. That way, you can ensure you always have healthy meals that you can simply heat up and eat.
5) Save Money
And lastly? Care for yourself by caring for your finances.
The uncertainty of the pandemic may have changed your financial priorities. If you were laid off from your job, for example, you may just be budgeting enough to get by. And that’s okay!
However, if you’re still working, this is the perfect time to beef up your emergency fund. You’ll never regret saving more money for a rainy day.
Rachel Slifka is a freelance writer and human resources professional. She is passionate about helping fellow millennials find success with their finances and careers. Read more by checking out her website at RachelSlifka.com.
