Many people are now being told to stay home and not go to work. It can seem daunting at the thought of spending 2 weeks at home. However instead of thinking about it as an isolation period, perhaps we can look at it as a self care holiday!
I don’t know about you but there are a multitude of things that I have wanted to do around home that I haven’t had a chance to do or I haven’t prioritised.
Obviously, if you are feeling unwell, this is your opportunity to rest and recover and to support your immune system. However if you are home without symptoms the list below can give you some opportunities to get some self care in:
1. Cleanse Time.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely could do with a clean out at home.
My wardrobe, the pantry and also the cupboard in the spare room could do with a cleanse. Whilst your workplace is cleansing, why not cleanse some of your cupboards also.
I feel so much better when things are in order so this could be the perfect opportunity to get your home tidy and cleared out.
2. Create a Herb Garden.
Now is the perfect time to research and prep a herb or vegetable garden. You don’t need a lot of space, you could even use a few garden pots you have lying around.
I usually just buy what I want when I go to get seeds or seedlings, but you have the time to research what is going to grow best in the space you have provided.
If you do not have the seeds to plant, don’t stress, you can still prep the garden beds, get them level, turn the soil which breaks its up and either order the seeds online or after your self care holiday, head to the shops and pick them up.
The planting is the final step, so there is lots you can do before you get there.
3. Meal Prep.
Being home more than usual gives you ample time to get organised for when you return to the real world.
I will be using my time to prepare some meals that I can freeze for when life gets frantic again in the weeks to come.
My favourite meals to prepare in advance include: soups, stews, shepherds pie, Bolognese or pasta sauce, casseroles and even boiling up some dried beans to have on hand for when I need to add something to a dish.
Check out my meal prep post with further ideas for meal prep suggestions.
4. Read a book or do something you normally don’t have time for.
I have a heap of books that I have been meaning to read and now is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea and enjoy my break.
Not only is this relaxing, but it is also calming and does not involve the screens which can be stimulatory. It’s like being on holiday within your own home!
5. Organise your own self care practises.
Have a bath, make a face mask (recipe below), relax and enjoy. Now is the perfect time to lower your stress levels and get back to living a slowly life even if it is only temporary.
Avocado Face Mask
1 avocado
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Mix together and apply for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
6. Play a game.
If living with others, now is the time to master Monopoly or play cards with those around you. Spending time together is a great way to have a laugh, bring out your competitive spirit but please remember to play nicely!
We regularly play games in our home as it is a great way to turn off the TV and spend time together. The hours just fly past!
7. Plan your next holiday.
We all get back from holidays with the post-holiday blues and the best way to get back to work after being in isolation is to have another holiday planned. Generally, it is going to be busy when you return and all of your best self-care efforts will wear off pretty quickly, but booking another break could be a great opportunity to regularly schedule self care throughout the year.
8. Start implementing your stress management practices.
Now is the perfect time to work on stress management. Download some of the free meditation apps such as Smiling Mind,One Giant Mind or Insight Timer and try some different meditations. Other stress management practices you can try include: getting outside (into your backyard) and soak up some sun, try some yoga (lots of YouTube channels available), practise deep breathing techniques.
The most important part of being at home is not to stress too much, there is little we can do so we may as well make the most of it.
If you are concerned, please book in for an online consultation with us and we can support your health via video or phone.