The world is a little crazy right now, and since we’re all doing our part to help flatten the curve, stress is at an all-time high. Some of us are working from home for the first time. Some of us are dealing with partners working from home for the first time. And some of us are working from home, while our partners work from home, while our kids are out of school. (Yep, I’m the last one.) 

I’ve been working from home with kids for over three years now, but that doesn’t mean it’s gotten any easier. Staying at home is stressful, especially when we know that we can’t go out. So, when your mani-pedi-spa-day-hide-in-the-Starbucks-parking-lot is canceled, how can you keep your stress at a minimum?

Well, as a self-proclaimed introvert who (mostly) loves social distancing, I’ve got the 10 tips to practicing self care so you don’t lose your mind. Because if you lose it, let’s be honest, everyone else is gonna lose it too.

Take a bath

I mean, close the door, lock it, put in some noise-blocking earbuds or music, and take a bath. Let someone else watch the kids while you get a break and relax. If you have some bath bombs or bubble bath on hand, use them!

Read a book

Self care doesn’t have to mean doing something expensive. Perhaps my favorite way to practice self care is reading a book, and it’s perfect for social distancing! Whether you love thriller, murder mystery, or romance, grab something new and read it. Check out some of my favorite authors here, and if you want to read a rom-com, check out my book Les is More. 

Eat some dessert

You can’t self care without some dessert! I’m a huge chocolate fan, so you can always find me snacking on dark chocolate. But, if you want a real dessert, you know you have to make chocolate cake or some chocolate chip cookies. I’m always happy to make a cake, but if it’s just me, myself, and I that wants dessert, I make Chocolate Covered Katie’s mug cake. It’s delicious and easy!

Binge your fave show

Believe it or not, staying at home is helping to save lives. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with working from home and the news, turn it off and binge your favorite show. You can feel anxious, sad, stir-crazy and a whole bunch of other emotions. But if you’re sitting at home, doing your part during quarantine, don’t feel guilty. Watch a show to escape.

Take a walk

Keep your distance from anyone else in the neighborhood, but taking a walk is totally okay if you’re in a suburb-area with walking trails. While it’s probably not smart to go out on a walk in the middle of a big city, a neighborhood walk is perfectly okay. Just stay away from any public playgrounds or places like that.

Order take out

So. Many. Meals. While we’re stuck at home, we have to make so many different meals for ourselves and others. It’s tiring! Every once in a while, when you’re tired and exhausted, order take out. Not only does it help support local businesses, but it makes it easier for you. Food always tastes better when someone else cooks it.

Do that thing you’ve been putting off

Yes, that thing. Or that thing. Whatever it is, do it! I’ve always said I’m going to write on my blog more. Surprise! Here I am, doing this thing. So whatever your thing is, do it!

Try a new hobby

And then, do the thing you didn’t know you wanted to do! Learn to make macarons. Learn a new language. Figure out how to sew. Try your hand at indoor photography. There are a lot of things you can do while indoors.

Meditate

These are trying times, and if you haven’t ever meditated before, now is a great time to start. This may be one of the best forms of self care you can do. It will help your mental health, and I’ve personally seen many benefits. It’s especially good if you suffer from anxiety. 

There are a bunch of free videos online on Youtube, but my personal favorite tool to use is the Calm app. There are different forms of meditation, music to help you calm down, and even sleep stories to help if you’re an insomniac.

Exercise

Maybe our least favorite (but most important) form of self care is exercise. Now that the gyms are closed, exercising from home is something that’s important to keep yourself healthy! Make it a form of “me time,” and check out some online yoga or HIIT exercises. I even have a few articles about my favorite YouTube channels to workout to and my fave videos.

Self care may not look the same, but it doesn’t have to disappear. Try out some of these ideas and share them with friends. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!