“Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and don’t touch your face” – it’s all permanently ingrained in our brains now, particularly since the outbreak of Covid-19. However, we have to discuss self-care. How do we take care of ourselves physically and mentally during isolation? Read on to find out how.
Filter
As it is causing major impacts on everyday life, Covid-19 has become the hot topic of discussion as of lately. With that, we are bombarded with information on Covid-19 everywhere, including all over social media.
As much as it is good to be informed it can also do us harm, especially when it comes to misinformation which can lead to scaremongering and health anxiety.
For your mental wellbeing, try to filter out health-related news by restricting your usage of the web and social media. Only seek out news and information from Professionals so you can keep track on what is best practice to combat the disease and to prevent spread.
Here are some governmental and official websites to stay well informed on the situation:
Keep Moving
Exercise and release those endorphins. You could even turn on some music in your bedroom and have your own dance party. Or whether you want to follow some online workout videos, go up and down the stairs. Just get your body moving. Don't know where to start? Try out Nike Training Club to help you maintain your fitness goals.
Entertainment
Get yourself a book to get lost in, complete the puzzle you never got to finish or get a colouring book to help keep your mind occupied.
Have some movies to catch up on or a Netflix series? Wind down with a sheet mask and sit back and enjoy.
Ever had a hobby you wanted to have a jab at but never got round to it? Or a skill you always wanted to pick up? Try online courses, It’s the perfect time to do so, get your knitting needles out, pencil and paper out. Get creative. Want to try out online courses? Check out Skill Share and Coursera.
Here are some of our favourite Youtubers to watch:
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| Q2HAN | Patricia Bright | Lavendaire |
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| James Welsh | Mixed Makeup | Derin Adetosoye |
Prefer podcasts? Here are a few to keep you entertained:
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| How I Built this with Guy Raz: NPR | BBC 4 Radio - Desert Island Discs | Naked Beauty | In Good Company |
De-Stress
Now, working from home may be daunting because it’s hard to separate work with your personal life when you’re doing it all in the same space. So make sure to designate a certain spot and table for your work. After work, treat and take care of yourself.
- Cook your favourite home-cooked meal and eat to your heart’s content
- Run yourself a bath and throw in some bath salts to get rid of any tension in your body
Skincare but make it self-care
To take away from the stress and anxiety leave some time for your skincare; now you have an excuse to pamper yourself more than ever so give yourself as much time as possible to fully indulge in self-love and self-care.
- Light a candle.
- Turn on some relaxing music or your favourite podcast.
- This is the only time when you can touch your face. But before you do, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds.
- Double cleanse (Oil cleanser followed with a water-based cleanser) so you can get rid of dirt, impurities and any makeup that may remain on your skin.
Why not try Atrue's Double Cleansing Duo?
- Proceed with your normal skincare routine
- Pop on a face mask and enjoy a cup of tea for 20 minutes (Once a week? Heck, why not 3x a week?)
Listen to our Mask and Chill Playlists to time your sheet mask sessions, there's a few to jump between, depending on your mood:
- Follow up with a moisturiser
- Put on a hand and foot mask
- Do your nails
- Get some shut-eye
Too many sheet masks to choose from? Here are some our favourites:
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| ABIB Gummy Sheet Mask Madecassoside Sticker | LEADERS 7 Wonders Tropical Andiroba Nutrition Mask | KEEP COOL Shine Mask | OKA Buckle up the Pore Sheet Mask |
Moisturise
With all the hand-washing your hands may be feeling more dry and damaged because you are essentially stripping your skin of its natural oils which keep your skin moisturised.
For best results, immediately after washing your hands, whilst they are still a little damp apply some hand cream to lock in the moisture.
As a rule of thumb, your hand creams should contain ingredients such as Vaseline, Shea Butter, Dimethicone and Polyuronic Acid to help with keeping your skin moisturised. Try to avoid water-based hand creams and instead go for thicker oil-based hand creams.
Even despite all your efforts, if you are still experiencing dry hands try an overnight hand mask by applying hand cream liberally on your hands then put on cotton hand masks.
NOTE: If there is a prolonged issue with dry and damaged hands, make sure to seek medical treatment.
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| ABIB Hand Creme Type L | ABIB Hand Creme Type V | ABIB Hand Creme Type W |
Nature
Cabin fever? Crack open a window, or if you have one; go out in your garden. Give yourself some time to just sit by the window, in your garden, or even your doorstep and listen as the world goes by. Having plants and flowers around can help (make sure to speak positively so they can thrive).
Breathe
As we have been pre-occupied with going about our day, we do sometimes forget to step back and take a breather. Take a few minutes out of your day to meditate, forget about your troubles while concentrating on your breathing. If you’re new to meditation check out Headspace and Calm to help get you started.
Stay healthy and hydrated
You are what you eat, so to be in tip top shape, make sure to eat healthily (when possible) and drink plenty of water.
Keep in touch
Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t contact your friends, relatives and cherished ones. Thanks to modern day technology you can hop on facetime/ skype/ whatsapp video and keep updated with your friends and family without actually having to be there in person. Make sure to reach out to those who may be feeling down and perk someone’s day up.
Although it’s easy to get caught up in your emotions during this time, make sure to take care of yourself and curb against health anxiety.
If you’re struggling with your mental health during this current situation, go to:
https://www.mind.org.uk
If you are co-quarantined/isolated with someone who is abusive please reach out to these helplines:
Refuge 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
Be kind to yourself and to others around you, stay safe and healthy!