Now that many of us are getting back out into the world, we can finally turn our home offices back into spare bedrooms. But, while things are returning to normal, there’s always the danger that we may neglect our bodies and brains. It’s important to stave off stress in our post COVID lives with the self care we prioritized during lockdown.
Self care is defined by the Mental Health Coalition as “taking a pause… to be happier, calmer, and healthier”. This break can be as long or as short as you need it to be, and can be filled with your favorite activities, or no activities at all. So, now our houses can go back to being relaxing spaces, here are 10 self care activities and ideas that you can do from home.
1. Self care idea – Meditation
Commonly touted as a great relaxation technique, meditation been proven to help with anxiety, coronary illness, insomnia, and lack of motivation. It doesn’t have to be intense or often, but taking a 10 minute pause, without screens, can help your mental and physical health in unexpected ways.
2. Clean your Room!
Cleaning your room is one of the most important self care activities you must try. A clean and tidy space is one of the best self care ideas, because it’s another that we all know, but likely to ignore. The fantastic sense of accomplishment from cleaning your room is worth the hard work. If you need motivation to clean the house, then check here.
3. Find what Makes you Happy
It’s crucial self care doesn’t become another chore in your schedule. Instead, think of it as a promise to yourself that you’re deserving of a break, and will benefit from it too. You’re much more likely to commit to self care if you prioritize your favorite hobbies, and things that bring you joy.
4. Take Yourself Out
You don’t have to leave your house to do this, just make your favorite food, light some candles, and go on a date with yourself. Ask the questions you’d like to be asked, and the ones you probably never (but definitely should) be asking yourself. Did you have a good day today? Are there any parts of your body that are tense? Have you eaten and drunk enough?
5. Easy Self care activity – Take a Picture Every Day
Finding parts of your home you love can be really helpful to relaxation. It may be a flower patch, or your neighbor’s cat, or your best friend who came to visit; find something that brings you joy, and capture it. One photo a day means you give yourself a deliberate break to focus on positive things, and to practice gratitude.
6. More Sleep
We all know a solid 8 hours is the average time the human body needs to sleep, but taking time to find your body’s natural rhythm is important. Work out when you’d like to start your day and move backwards, going to bed just half an hour earlier can help. This establishes a routine, creates more time in your day, and combats stress.
7. Art and Journaling
Letting your creativity flow unabashed is a wonderful technique to check in with yourself in a deeper way. A journal is a great way to practice positivity; jot down all the things you are currently happy about, and would like to tell your future self. Art is also a wonderful way to visualize complex feelings, and is helpful to look back on when you are less stressed.
8. Breathing Routines
Timed breathing exercises are popular in the self care community. Breathing practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Even taking a few deep breaths at your desk can give you time out from a hectic schedule.
9. Baking
The precision of baking can place your focus on something other than what is stressing you out. Baking is often a long process, great for prioritizing self care, as while your cakes or cookies are in the oven, you can make time for yoga or reading. It’s incredibly rewarding when you get to eat your sweet treat too!
10. Simple Exercise
While you don’t have to turn your living room into a gym, the home is a great place to do some exercises that can relax aching muscles. Any way you can move your body or get your blood flowing is good, like dancing or stretches, especially if you spend a lot of the day sitting down.
Which among the above self care activities are your favorite? Let us know!
