Practicing Self-Care During Isolation

We are a little over one week into the COVID-19 self-isolation recommendations. Most of our children now have been assigned school work at home, and the novelty of an extended Spring Break “may” be wearing off. And Mamas, you may need a break! You may be missing your times of self-care, I know I am!

Except our normal outlets of “me” time have been unexpectedly been cut off.

So what can you do to unwind, and reset in order to show up for our families and for ourselves?

Maintain a flexible “Rhythm”

• If you feel overwhelmed by scheduling your entire day at home, break it up into “blocks of time”. This allows for flexibility but also ensures that you and your children are able to stay oriented throughout the day.
• Have certain things that you do on certain days of the week. This helps you all know what day of the week it is and gives everyone something to look forward to.
• Set a rhythm for you too, certain things to look forward to.

Set flexible goals for yourself

Here are some examples of self-care goals:

• Get dressed every day (it may seem weird since you aren’t going anywhere but it will help you feel loads better)
• Move your body in some way every day (this is probably not the time to set intense fitness goals, but you may still feel better if you move around in some way! Even though you can’t go to the gym you can access hundreds of videos on Youtube, or you may want to get subscribe to a home workout program.
  • I loved this High Fit at home work out today!
  • Fitness Blender is also a great alternative
  • Go on a solo walk early in the morning if you can. It did my heart good to hear the birds chirping, and get moving before I tackled the day.
  • And if you are a yoga lover like myself you may like to follow this yoga program as well.
• Don’t forget to eat. Yesterday it was 3pm and I realized I hadn’t eaten at all that day! This does not set me up for success. So don’t forget to take the time to feed yourself.
• Learn something new. Today I watched a video on YouTube on how to properly apply some eye make up. I’m 30 years old and I haven’t ever done that even though I have wanted to! Today I learned something new! The world is your oyster on YouTube, don’t be afraid to learn something new.
• Tackle an organization project

Mandatory Quiet Time

No matter the ages of your kids set aside a chunk of time to be quiet. And while the house is quiet take time for yourself. Do something that fills your heart, helps you reset and offers self-care benefits. This isn’t stuff just on your to-do list.

• Read your book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand
• Sew that baby quilt you bought fabric for months ago
• Watch a show on Netflix that only YOU would like
• Take a NAP
• Eat a treat that you don’t have to share
• Call a friend on FaceTime, or leave a message on Marco Polo
• Take a bath with some essential oils

Spend intentional time with your significant other

Going out on dates has come to a screeching halt. And even though dates aren’t something you do by yourself this is still a critical aspect of self-care!  You may just have to be more creative.

• Put your phones away at least one night a week to be together
• Pick up take out, or make a special meal
• Rent a new movie to stream or watch a classic together
• Play a game together
• Work on a project together
• Eat Dessert

Start a Gratitude Practice

Here are two examples of gratitude practices that I have found helpful and will enhance self-care.

• The Alison Show
• Write down 10 things you are grateful for every day. As you write them down you will find that you are more observant throughout the day and you will notice the little things that you are grateful for. I got this idea from Rachel Hollis.

Give Yourself A Little Grace

This is new and different and challenging for everyone. There is no right or wrong way!

You may also find some inspiration with this post