Just because COVID-19 has descended upon us, this is no time to skimp on self-care. In fact, it might be more important than ever. Now that people are more isolated, lonely, and uncertain about the future, we need all we can to make ourselves feel better. Self-care is a big part of that. No massage? No worries! I’ve got you covered.
It’s time to pull out all those products you’ve stashed away for a special occasion. Now is that special occasion! Do you have a cleanser, face mask, body scrub, self-tanner, nail polish, hair treatment, or shower product waiting for your indulgence? Psychologists have long prescribed sunshine, nature, affirmations, meditation, yoga, and anything safe and healthy to lift the mood. We need our global moods lifted now more than ever. Pampering yourself can go a long way in feeling better regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some suggestions:
Focus on the eyes! Many of us are wearing masks now, so let’s let the eyes take center stage. Grab your fave mascara, eye liner, eyebrow pencil, and eye shadow, and make a statement with those peepers. When you wear a mask, others notice your eyes more, so let them shine!
Many hair salons are now open on a limited schedule. If you feel comfortable, and you and your hairdresser are masked, why not get a cut, color, hot oil treatment, or a Brazilian blowout (which I just did!). If not, try combining an egg, plain yogurt, and an avocado, and, viola, you’ve gone a super-moisturizing hair mask! Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. Essential oils, which can be used in a diffuser, on pulse points, as a spray, and many other ways, is an excellent way to feed your self-care routine. I highly recommend Saje. They have an enormous selection of high-quality essential oil products.
If COVID-19 has sufficiently scared you, try a meditation specifically designed to address pandemic stress. You can find thousands of free ones at Insight Timer. For an annual fee of $59.99, you can access thousands more. Self-care can be found in droves online in the form of videos, events, meditations, talks, and films at Gaia. I recently signed up for drumming lessons with Rhythm Bliss. It’s been surprisingly calming, stress-releasing, and meditative. You don’t even need a drum! Breathing exercises (pranayama, in Ayurveda) is a beautiful way to relax or energize, and you can find many free videos on how to do this on YouTube.
This pandemic is not going to last forever. Think about how you’d like to present your best “self” when this is over. Do you want to be able to say, “I learned qigong online, purged my cosmetics drawer, read about energy healing, or reevaluated my career choice?” Whatever it is, self-care is not self-indulgence; it’s a step toward a happier, healthier you!
Leave a Reply