It truly seems like this year will never end, while at the same time it feels like it’s gone past in a heartbeat. For the first time that we can remember, Australian states are divided up with different rules and restrictions, and certain travel bans that make it feel like we’re all different countries, rather than one whole. Some states have been super lucky and are easing up on restrictions by the week, while others are still stuck in strict lockdowns. Whatever rules you have to currently live by, here are some of our top tips for self-care in isolation, to make those days go a little faster and have yourself feeling and looking amazing.
Fall back in love with an old hobby
If you’re a 90s baby like us (or older), you would’ve grown up just before the huge tech wave took off and took over our lives. Now is the perfect time to look back and fall back in love with old hobbies and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. You might have fond memories of gardening with your dad or learning to knit with your grandma.
Kristen has been throwing herself into baking and cooking different cuisines each week, while Mel is spending her time making a scrapbook of all our European adventures together over the last few years. You’ve probably reached the end of Netflix by now anyway, so it’s time to turn off the TV and feed your mind with something creative or a cute DIY project!
Have a pamper night
All this surviving a global pandemic business is pretty exhausting, so treat yourself to a pamper night and relax. Light some candles, run a bath (if you have one) and put on a comforting face mask to reinvigorate your skin. If you don’t have any face masks in your bathroom cupboard, you can make a quick and easy natural one using ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
One of our go-to’s is the classic avocado and oat concoction. Simply mash up half an avocado with one tablespoon of honey and a handful of oats, then spread on your face and get ready to glow. Avocado and honey both moisturise your skin without leaving it oily, while oats are great at nourishing and soothing skin. The best part is, you made it yourself so you know there’s no hidden nasties!
Embrace self-love
For many people, dating is well off the cards in 2020. Even if you live in a state where you CAN leave the house, social distancing guidelines mean it’s not a good idea to get up and go have a chat that a cute boy from across the bar. We won’t even get into the chaotic energy that dating apps have been bringing into this year. For those of us who are single but unable to mingle, embracing self-love is more important than ever. Whether that means getting all dressed up to treat yourself to a nice solo dinner and wine in the kitchen, or spending a little time catching up with yourself under the covers, you do whatever you gotta do to feel amazing in iso.
Take a break from technology
Obsessively checking the news for updates isn’t good for anybody, and with the way the media can sensationalise, it might just end up causing you unnecessary stress. On the flip side, even scrolling through Instagram 24/7 can be pretty damaging to your mental health right now. Countries all over the world are recovering from the pandemic at different rates, and watching all your UK friends traipse around Europe on their summer vacays isn’t going to make you feel too good while you’re locked up at home.
Put the phone down and see point one for some exciting non-technology related activities you can busy yourself with instead. Pick up a good old fashioned book and get stuck into that memoir you’ve always been meaning to read. Save the social media FOMO for another time.
Be kind to yourself
Above all, take the time to remind yourself that this is a really crazy year and everyone is handling it differently. If things aren’t working out the way you thought they would or you’re feeling really disappointed in what you’ve achieved this year, have a few deep breaths and remember that you’re doing the best you can under the insane circumstances.
At this point, we might as well just put up the Christmas tree and call it a year! But in the meantime, try one of our self-care tips and let’s try and make the rest of 2020 as enjoyable as possible.
