Self-Care During Quarantine
Well, this is certainly a post I never thought I would be writing. Self-Care During Quarantine, WHAT?! These are crazy and uncertain times in our world. Odds are, as a Mom, we are all being called on to do more with fewer resources during this time. Working from home, homeschooling, entertaining our kids and keeping them safe all day, without being able to leave the house. This is unprecedented for many of us.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. And you may be starting your days with an empty cup due to stress, financial resources (or lack thereof), sadness, isolation. Mama, please know that you aren’t alone. Over the past 10 days, I have found something that I can consider Self-Care During Quarantine and they have certainly helped me to get through the days.
Here are some things I have been trying to do for self-care during the quarantine. I hope they help you to have a little peace in your crazy day, and maybe relieve some of your stress. Nothing is a quick fix, but every little bit helps. Enjoy my tips for Self-Care During Quarantine.
Get Ready in the Morning.
No, I’m not saying do all your make up, straighten or curl your hair, get dressed in your work clothes. Take the five minutes to wash your face, brush your teeth, put some deodorant on and get dressed. This may just be a change from your overnight pajamas into some comfy relaxing clothes or maybe your daytime pajamas- who knows these days!
Give yourself a little grace.
This is new to everyone. Some of us are trying to work from home while watching little kids. Those with older kids are trying to juggle homeschooling. We are all stressed with these uncertain times. No one is supposed to be good at this. No one knows the exact things to do you or the exact perfect schedule. Despite what social media posts of those beautiful daily homeschooling schedules portray.
Drink lots of water
We are home all day with likely easier access to water than we have at work. I know that’s true for me. The first few days of quarantine I found myself drinking maybe one glass of water versus my usual entire bottle of water at work, despite having constant access to fresh water. I started filling my bottle every day just as I would at work and making myself finish it. I’m carrying the kids’ water bottles all over the house for them, why not bring mine too.
Beware of the snacking
Just like you have easier access to water when you’re in your house all day every day, you also have access to snacks. We are not on a consistent daily schedule at this time, but we have kept to our routine in terms of meals and snacks. It’s a hard line for everybody to avoid going overboard and snacking throughout the day. This is not to say I don’t sneak in the pantry and have a couple of peanut M&Ms here and there to keep me sane!
Move Your Body!
This could literally be anything. Personally I’m going up and down the stairs 15 times a day to get things for the kids. You can pull up Cosmic Yoga on YouTube and do it with your kids. There are different scenes to choose from, my four-year-old loves picking out a new one each time. Speaking of YouTube, search for whatever type of exercise you want to do and it’s there! There are videos for yoga, pilates, HIIT, specific muscle targeting exercises, you name it. And they are free! I tend to choose the ones with the most views and have had good luck with that.
Taking the whole family for a walk is another option if it is safe to do so in your neighborhood. We have been doing this every day since quarantine started, and no it is not normal for us. Everyone gets out into the fresh air and I’ve noticed a huge difference for all of us after the walks. It can be challenging when the kids see their friends in the neighborhood since we can’t run over to play or give hugs, but they are adapting to this change. Bonus- I don’t feel as bad when the kids have extra screen time so I can get work done.
Get Takeout
I realize this may not be doable for everyone in the current financial situation. But even if you’re cooking at home, it costs money to buy the food you’re going to cook. At my grocery store, there are not a lot of consistent nutritious options. By grabbing takeout you’re giving yourself a break for a night, putting food on the table, and supporting your local businesses who need it right now.
Moderate your Alcohol Intake
Again with the access issues, they are good and bad. I drank way too much alcohol in the first few days of quarantine as a way to deal with my stress. We all know that this is not a healthy way to deal with things. I do realize that, but it helped at the time. I don’t apologize for it but moving forward I’m trying to make healthier choices.
Take a Break
I know we can’t go anywhere, but we can step away. Give the kids activities or a show and step away. For me this usually is to the other side of the counter in our open kitchen, I can see them and they can see me, everyone is safe. But sometimes I need a break to breathe while knowing they are still, safe and busy. Yesterday I didn’t even realize I was yelling at the kids (I am not a yeller typically) until my husband came down and pointed it out. I stepped away, took a break and did an online 20-minute workout (with Little A cheering me on. After that break and a shower, I felt like a new person.
I fully recognize this isn’t possible for everyone at any given time. But try to take advantage of the little moments to step away and think. This is stressful for adults too and we need time to process the changes in our world.
Use Technology in a Positive Way
If social media is stressing you out, take a break. A lot of the information being shared is not accurate and can cause additional, unnecessary stress. Use Zoom or Facetime to see your family and friends and interact with them. I have found myself using FaceTime to chat with my family, just to see them. As I suggested above, use YouTube for free workouts. Watch reruns of feel-good shows that make you smile, it’s always Friends for me! Have a family movie night or catch up on some shows you have been meaning to watch after the kids are in bed.
Plan for the Fun Times
This will not last forever. And while there is no end in sight at this moment I am writing, there will be one eventually. Think ahead to those times. Are there restaurants in your town stepping up to help? Make a list and be sure to go there once this is over. Excited to take a vacation once you are able? Start planning destinations, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Or, relive the fun times by finally making those photo books you have been waiting on. A few minutes a day after the kids’ bedtime, before they wake up, or during naptime could get an entire book done during this quarantine time! Bonus, looking back over your memories will probably make you smile and think back on happier times and adventures.
You Are Not Alone
I hope these tips for Self-Care During Quarantine help you to get by and take care of yourself. Everyone is struggling. You are probably doing better than you are giving yourself credit for Mama. Everyone is uncertain. No one knows what will happen, not even the experts. Everyone is scared, but no one is alone.
